The route a space has to follow to open and operate legally depends on its risk category. The following chart summarises it, in line with Regional Legislative Decree no. 6/2015/A (DLR 6/2015/A, the Azores fire-safety regime).
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The safety sheet replaces the project. The Municipal Council reviews and inspects, and there is no mandatory regular inspection in most uses.
Requires a project and self-protection measures by a recognised specialist, SRPCBA review and inspection, and regular inspections.
Safety form or project
In category 1, the SCIE project (the fire-safety design project) is replaced by a safety form (ficha de segurança), on the SRPCBA (Azores Regional Fire and Civil Protection Service) template, submitted with the application to the municipal council. From category 2 upwards, a specialist project is mandatory, prepared by an architect, engineer or technical engineer recognised for SCIE.
Self-protection measures
All buildings must have self-protection measures, proportionate to the risk category. They are the set of documents and routines that organise safety day to day.
| Category | What is required (e.g. shops, offices) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Safety records and prevention procedures |
| 2 | Records, prevention plan, emergency procedures and SCIE training |
| 3 and 4 | Everything above, plus an internal emergency plan and drills |
The requirements vary with the type of space; for example, accommodation has stricter rules because it has bedrooms. The simulator shows the measures that apply to your case.
Who is responsible
The responsible entity (the owner or whoever operates the premises) appoints a safety delegate, who carries out the self-protection measures. Final responsibility for compliance lies with the responsible entity.
Regular inspections
- Category 1: six years, but most uses are exempt from regular inspection.
- Category 2: five years.
- Category 3: four years.
- Category 4: three years.
Who can install and maintain the equipment?
In the Azores, only companies registered with the SRPCBA. Extinçor holds that registration and takes care of installation, maintenance and safety records.
Does a space that is already operating also have to comply?
Yes. Self-protection measures are mandatory in existing buildings, even without building work.