Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you have a question about your fire safety? Check the answers in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
If your question isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Fire extinguishers

  • Fire extinguisher maintenance

    A fire extinguisher must be inspected annually by a certified company. 

  • How many fire extinguishers should I install?

    The number of fire extinguishers depends on several factors: floor area, type of activity, fire load, and the presence of compartmentation or specific risks.

    General rule

    • 1 portable extinguisher of 1 unit (6L water + additive or 6 kg powder) per 150 m²,
      for standard risks (offices, shops, general rooms).

    For high-risk areas

    • At least 2 extinguishers of 1 unit per 150 m²
      for areas with high fire load (workshops, storage, industry).

    Minimum requirements

    • 1 extinguisher per floor (if the area is ≤ 150 m²).

    • 1 extinguisher every 20–30 meters along the evacuation route.

    • Specific extinguishers near particular risks:

      • electrical installations → CO₂

      • kitchens or oils → ABF

      • chemicals → according to applicable standards

    Special cases

    • Storage areas → mobile (wheeled) extinguishers are often required.

    • Parking areas → quantities adapted to volume and compartmentation.

    • Industrial environments → calculation based on the actual fire load.

    A risk analysis (RA) carried out on site ensures compliance and optimal protection.

Fire detection

  • Fire detection maintenance

    Annual maintenance of fire-fighting equipment is mandatory for businesses and strongly recommended for private individuals.

    A fire detection system must be maintained regularly to ensure a fast and reliable alarm. Here are the essential actions:

    Visual inspection
    Checking the condition of detectors, the control panel and the signage. Nothing should obstruct the detectors.

    Functional tests
    Testing detectors, sounders, flashlights and alarms with certified equipment.

    Power supply check
    Testing backup batteries and the main power source. Preventive replacement if necessary.

    Cleaning
    Removing dust and debris that could interfere with detection.

    Annual maintenance
    A full inspection by a certified technician is required to ensure system compliance and reliability.

    Dewofire ensures the performance and compliance of your installation.

Evacuation plans

  • What is an evacuation plan?

    An evacuation plan is a floor plan showing the escape routes and compartmentation, along with active fire protection such as fire extinguishers, hose reels, manual call points, signage, and walking directions.

    The evacuation plan aims to guide employees quickly and safely to the assembly point.

  • What requirements must an evacuation plan meet?

    An evacuation plan must indicate the following:

    • The layout and designation of rooms.

    • The location of compartmentation boundaries.

    • The walking directions, which must be clear and logical to lead to the emergency exit.

    • The external assembly point must also be indicated on the plan.

    The plan’s representation must match reality. The plan should always be oriented according to the user’s location and viewing direction. The preferred size of an evacuation plan is A3 to provide a clear overview of the escape route.

  • How many evacuation plans should I post?

    We recommend placing an evacuation plan at every emergency exit used for escape.
    It is also advisable to place a few plans along the escape routes.
    At a minimum, one plan per building level should be installed.

Fire prevention dossiers

  • What should be included in a fire prevention dossier?

    A fire prevention file contains several components that are always interconnected.

    The components of this file are (in chronological order):

    1. Conducting a risk analysis and audit

    2. Organization of the internal fire-fighting service

    3. Preparing an internal emergency plan (written procedures for emergencies)

    4. Drafting evacuation plans

    5. Preparing an intervention file and intervention plan

    6. Evacuation drill → report (to be conducted annually)

    7. List of fire protection equipment

    8. Periodic inspections*

    9. List of authorized deviations

    10. Recommendations from the prevention advisor

    11. Additional information for emergency services

  • How do you start a fire prevention dossier?
    1. You must first carry out a fire risk assessment to identify the specific hazards (flammable substances, equipment, etc.) on your site. This is done during an on-site visit with one of our specialists. Depending on your specific situation and professional activity, the fire risk assessment is supplemented with a signage study.

    2. Next, an internal emergency plan must be drawn up, including evacuation plans, alert procedures, a list of equipment (extinguishers, alarms), the organisation of fire response, and staff training, in accordance with the legal obligations for businesses. Ideally, you should be supported by specialised professionals.

Maintenance contract

  • How do I cancel my maintenance contract?

    Dewofire often meets business owners who have a contract with a supplier, making them think they cannot switch.
    Any contract can be canceled; contact us and we will guide you through the entire process!

    The most common reasons why clients switched to Dewofire:

    • Their supplier was not a recognized APRAGAZ company.

    • Their supplier offered only a few years of product warranty, which reduced trust.

    • Their supplier had only a few staff members, so they could not respond professionally and on time.

    • Their supplier could not provide all materials and services.

    • They initially received a low maintenance rate, but this increased significantly over the years due to price rises.

    • They paid a low maintenance fee but had to pay every year for small updates, such as seals and gaskets, which secretly increased the low maintenance price.

    • The supplier worked without tracking lists, so the client didn’t know when updates were due, allowing the supplier to try to sell new extinguishers every year.

    • Their supplier was too expensive relative to the quality and guarantees provided.

    • Their supplier was late every year in performing maintenance.

    • Their supplier was unclear about pricing agreements.

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