On 15 June the Dutch government published updates to the building fire safety regulations. The 25-page document lists the changes to the 2012 edition of the fire safety regulations (Bouwbesluit 2012). For the first time there is official recognition of the benefits of sprinklers. The changes introduce a requirement in 7.11a to ensure « a sufficient number of persons have been designated to ensure adequately rapid evacuation in case of fire. »

In a note to this requirement is stated, « It is left up to the owner or user of the structure to decide on the manner in which the functional requirement is implemented. It is emphasised that additional technical measures (such as sprinklers) may be taken to reduce the number of persons needed to provide emergency services. »

For the original text click here

For an official English translation click here