brannkrav

Brannkrav, or fire safety requirements, are the rules and standards that govern how buildings and other structures must be designed, built, maintained, and operated to prevent fires and protect occupants and property. They cover both passive measures, such as fire resistance of structural elements and compartmentation, and active measures, such as detection, alarm, and suppression systems, as well as egress provisions and emergency lighting. Brannkrav apply to new construction, major renovations, and ongoing occupancy, and they are enforced by national or local authorities.

Compliance depends on the regulatory framework, which may be prescriptive or performance-based. Factors typically considered include building height and area, occupancy type, assumed fire load, construction materials, ignition sources, and the availability of firefighting access. Common components evaluated include fire resistance ratings for walls and floors, fire stopping and compartmentation, means of escape with adequate capacity, automatic fire detection and alarm systems, sprinklers or other suppression measures, emergency lighting, and clear signage.

To demonstrate compliance, a fire safety strategy or fire plan is prepared, along with construction drawings, calculations, product certifications, and test reports. Inspections by building authorities or qualified third parties verify that the design and installation meet the applicable brannkrav. In many jurisdictions, standards are aligned with national building codes and supported by European or international standards for product classification, fire testing, and system performance.

In Norway, brannkrav are set out in the Planning and Building Act and the TEK building regulations, with guidance from the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB).