Chapter VI: Fire and explosion risks and evacuation

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to high-rise buildings, within the meaning of the Construction and Housing Code, for which special provisions apply.They do not preclude more stringent provisions for establishments open to the public, within the meaning of article R. 143-2 of the Construction and Housing Code, or for residential buildings.

Buildings and premises must be designed and constructed in such a way as to allow, in the event of a disaster : 1° the rapid evacuation of all occupants or their delayed evacuation, where this is made necessary, in conditions of maximum safety ; 2° Access from outside and intervention by the emergency services and fire-fighters; 3° Limiting the spread of fire inside and outside buildings.

Workplaces in new buildings or in new parts of such buildings are provided with safe waiting areas or equivalent areas on each level, the number and capacity of which vary according to the layout of the workplace and the number of disabled people likely to be present. Safe waiting areas are areas or premises designed and fitted out to protect disabled people who need outside help to evacuate from the…

The following is equivalent to a secure waiting area, provided that it offers the same accessibility and protection as those mentioned in the second paragraph of Article R. 4216-2-1 : 1° The landing of a staircase mentioned in Article R. 4216-26, if it is equipped with fire doors rated at one hour; 2° The waiting room of a lift mentioned in article R. 4216-26, if it is equipped with fire…

A level of a workplace is exempt from the obligation to have safe waiting areas or equivalent spaces when it meets one of the following conditions: 1° It is located on the ground floor and has a sufficient number of exits, as provided for in article R. 4216-8, which are accessible to disabled people; 2° It has at least two compartments, as referred to in article R. 4216-27, with sufficient…

Buildings and premises are insulated from those occupied by third parties in accordance with the provisions applicable to the latter.

For the purposes of this chapter, the theoretical number of people likely to be present comprises the number of employees plus, where applicable, the number of members of the public likely to be admitted, calculated in accordance with the rules set out in the regulations relating to the protection of the public against the risks of fire and panic in establishments open to the public.