Inspection of your fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems
Bureau Veritas inspects fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems under the applicable CCV fire protection inspection schemes.
Bureau Veritas inspects your fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems
The requirements for fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems in your building are defined according to the construction type and use function. Until and including 31 December 2023, these requirements were set out in Annex I to the Bouwbesluit 2012 (Building Decree 2012). Since 1 January 2024, they have been set out in the Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving (Bbl), the Dutch decree governing building works in the living environment. Depending on the use function and characteristics of the building, a valid inspection certificate may be required. An insurer may also require an inspection certificate.
Bureau Veritas performs the inspection independently, based on principles defined by third parties in a basis-of-design document (Uitgangspuntendocument, UPD) or a Programme of Requirements (Programma van Eisen, PvE). Depending on the scope of the inspection, we assess the basic design, the detailed design and the installation on site, including relevant control functions and their interaction with building-related and organisational measures. The findings are recorded in an inspection report. Where the agreed assignment includes inspection of the completed system, an inspection certificate may be issued following a positive final inspection conclusion.
When is an inspection relevant?
Fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems are used across a wide range of sectors. Until and including 31 December 2023, the requirements for each use function were set out in the Building Decree 2012. Since 1 January 2024, the current requirements have been included in the Bbl. The Bbl distinguishes, among others, the following use functions:
- Residential function
- Assembly function
- Detention function
- Healthcare function
- Industrial function
- Office function
- Accommodation function
- Educational function
- Sports function
- Retail function
- Other use functions
Even where an inspection is not a legal requirement, an independent inspection can add value. For example, an insurer may request an inspection, or you may want an objective assessment of whether the systems and associated measures comply with the documented design basis.
Applicable standards
The standards commonly used in the Netherlands for fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems are NEN 2535, NEN 2575, NEN 2654-1 and NEN 2654-2.
NEN 2535 and NEN 2575 set requirements for the design, installation, compatibility and quality of fire alarm and evacuation alarm systems. NEN 2654-1 and NEN 2654-2 set requirements for their management, periodic checks and maintenance.
Inspection under the CCV inspection schemes
The inspection may be carried out against derived objectives under the applicable CCV inspection scheme for fire protection. Depending on the scope, Bureau Veritas assesses the basic design, the detailed design and the completed installation on site. The findings and any non-conformities are recorded. Where the agreed assignment includes inspection of the completed system, an inspection certificate may be issued following a positive final inspection conclusion.
See also our overview of fire safety inspection services and our smoke control system inspections.
RvA accreditation
For inspection activities that fall within the accredited scope, Bureau Veritas is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) under registration number I 002 as an independent Type A inspection body. Depending on the system and agreed scope, this may include inspections against derived objectives, inspections of conformity with the UPD-PGS and inspections of conformity with applicable standards. We also carry out sample inspections on behalf of certification bodies where applicable.
More information
For more information about our services and their possible applications, please contact our Fire Safety team directly on +31 (0)88 450 5670.