brandgefährdet

Brandgefährdet, in fire safety and risk assessment language, describes objects, substances or environments that have an elevated likelihood of ignition or of fire spreading rapidly. It denotes a potential hazard rather than a certain outcome, and is used to characterize materials or situations that require special precautions to prevent fires.

The term is commonly applied to flammable liquids and gases, finely divided organic matter such as dust, improperly stored fuels, and processes where ignition sources coincide with fuel sources. It is closely related to, but not always identical with, the label brandgefährlich or other fire-hazard classifications. In practice, assessments distinguish between situations with a concrete fire risk and those with a lower or controllable risk.

Assessing brandgefährdetness involves evaluating factors such as flammability or flash point, ignition temperature, the amount of fuel present, confinement, ventilation, heat sources, and the presence of potential ignition sources. In many jurisdictions, this assessment is part of a broader risk assessment required by occupational safety and fire protection legislation, with standards and guidelines guiding how to identify and document hazards and necessary countermeasures.

Mitigation focuses on eliminating or reducing ignition sources and limiting fuel access. Typical measures include proper storage and segregation of flammable substances, use of approved containers, adequate ventilation, electrical safety, housekeeping to remove dust accumulations, installation of fire detection and suppression systems, and clear emergency procedures. Regular training and reviews ensure that staff recognize brandgefährdet situations and know how to respond.