Fire protection measure: Are smoke detectors mandatory in Switzerland?

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Fire departments in Switzerland received more than 78,000 calls in 2022. In total, more than 15,000 fires had to be fought. Firefighters were most commonly used in connection with on-demand fire alarm systems in industrial, commercial and office buildings, hospitality facilities or retail stores, at 25 percent.

But fires affect residential buildings in more than 50 percent of all cases, and most fire victims live in private houses. At first glance, it seems strange that smoke detectors in residential buildings are not required in Switzerland, unlike many other European countries such as Germany, Austria, England, Ireland, as well as France, the Benelux countries and the Scandinavian countries. buildings.

“Disproportionate costs”

Despite various political initiatives in recent years, the installation of smoke detectors in private homes is optional and will likely remain that way. Because the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurance Companies (VKF) believes in personal responsibility. Explains fire hazards and recommends appropriate protective measures through the fire prevention information center (BFB).

The VKF believes that the development, implementation and further development of fire protection regulations that are binding throughout Switzerland have a greater impact on the number of deaths and injuries overall than the introduction of mandatory smoke alarm systems. Switzerland now has a high safety standard for fire protection compared to the rest of the world, thanks to fire protection regulations, the BFB said in a statement upon request. It ignores a necessary requirement for being reasonable. The bureaucratic effort required to check and accept smoke detectors would be disproportionate.

Smoke detectors save lives

However, BFB proclaims that “smoke detectors save lives” and recommends installing them in your home. Because the biggest danger comes from smoke, not fire. 90 percent of victims die from smoke inhalation; Most of these occur during sleep, when the smoke is either not noticed at all or noticed too late.

This risk can be minimized by installing smoke detectors. They detect airborne smoke concentrations and, depending on the model, rapidly rising room temperatures and sound an audible and visual alarm.

Often equip bedrooms with smoke detectors

BFB recommends that smoke detectors be installed centrally in the apartment and in all bedrooms. When purchasing, pay attention to quality models bearing the “EN 14604” label. To manually check the alarm, there must be at least one test button, a visual indicator and a beep to indicate that the battery needs to be replaced. BFB also recommends checking smoke detectors regularly.

Source : Blick