Fire safety supervision
How fire safety inspections work, what is required, and what to expect during a supervision visit.
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Quick summary of each heading on the page
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About supervision
Supervision ensures that laws and regulations are followed and that fire safety is maintained at a reasonable level.
Forms of supervision
Supervision can involve document reviews and/or on-site inspections.
Who decides and where inspections apply
The Fire and Rescue Service decides when, where, and how supervision is carried out. They have the right to inspect all buildings and facilities.
Annual plan
Each year the Fire and Rescue Service adopts a plan that sets the scope, focus, and reasons for supervision activities.
Responsibility for fire safety
The property owner or tenant is always responsible for ensuring that fire safety works and that the law is followed.
Fees
The Fire and Rescue Service charges a fee for supervision. The fee covers actual costs and is based on time spent.
Legal basis
Supervision is regulated in the Civil Protection Act (2003:778). Municipalities perform inspections locally, County Administrative Boards supervise at the county level, and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency is responsible at national level.
Obligations and systematic fire safety work
Owners and those running activities in a building hold the ultimate responsibility for fire safety.
Equipment and preventive measures
Reasonable measures must be taken, such as installing fire extinguishing and life-saving equipment and taking steps to prevent and limit damage caused by fire.
Systematic fire safety work
A reasonable level of safety means systematic fire safety work should be carried out. This includes technical and organisational measures. The work must be documented and adapted to the risks and type of activity.
Ability to explain the work
During supervision you must be able to describe your systematic fire safety routines.
How an inspection visit works
Frequency and timing
There are no fixed intervals in the law. The Fire and Rescue Service decides when visits take place, meaning intervals vary. Most visits are scheduled, but unannounced visits can occur at any time if needed.
Participants
A fire safety inspector from the Fire and Rescue Service usually attends. The property owner and/or tenant must participate, and a fire safety manager or other relevant staff may also join.
Procedure
The inspection reviews systematic fire safety work, both organisational routines and building-related measures.
Documents that may be requested
- Fire safety organisation and delegation of responsibility
- Fire safety documentation and drawings
- Division of responsibilities between owner and tenant
- Checklists of completed inspections
- Operation and maintenance plans
- Certificates from the latest inspection of alarms, sprinklers, and smoke ventilation
- Fire safety rules
- Training plans
- Current written fire safety report
- Permits for flammable or explosive goods and other relevant permits
Walkthrough and assessment
The visit ends with a joint walkthrough and spot checks of the actual fire safety conditions.
Records, comments and decisions
The inspector’s assessment is sent in writing. Owners and tenants may comment. If measures are required, a formal decision is issued. Decisions are legally binding and can be appealed.
Fee model
The fee includes a basic charge (for booking, preparation, travel, documentation, and administration) and a variable charge for time on site (minimum one hour, then per half hour). Follow-up inspections are billed separately. The hourly rate is set by the municipal council.
Written fire safety report
When it is required
Buildings or facilities where a fire could have particularly serious consequences must have a written fire safety report.
Who submits the report
The property owner must submit the report to the municipality. Tenants must provide necessary information. For certain facilities, the operator must prepare the report, and the owner must provide information.
Purpose of the report
The report is used to assess the need for inspections and to remind owners and tenants to keep track of their fire safety.
Hazardous activities
Classification and supervision
Certain facilities may be classified as hazardous activities. The County Administrative Board decides which facilities, and the Fire and Rescue Service supervises them.
Preparedness and risk analysis
The owner or operator must maintain or finance adequate preparedness, including staff and equipment, and take necessary measures to prevent or limit serious harm. Operators must perform risk analyses, which are used to assess the level of preparedness during supervision.
Guidance and requirements
Obligations for hazardous activities are described in the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency’s general guidance (MSBFS 2014:2).
Contact
Citizen Service
E-mail: kommunen@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00