Fire extinguishing systems are systems that facilitate rescue operations and are designed to extinguish and/or contain fires detected by them. The activation of these systems sets off an acoustic or optical alarm in the property. In most systems, alarm data is also relayed to an emergency response centre.
In legislation, these systems are divided into sprinkler systems, water mist systems, gas extinguishing systems, aerosol extinguishing systems, foam extinguishing systems and other identifiable extinguishing system.
Equipment conformity with requirements
The conformity of equipment used as part of automatic fire extinguishing systems may be demonstrated by a harmonised product standard and a CE marking. The latest updated lists of harmonised EN standards for equipment used in fire extinguishing systems can be found on the hEN Helpdesk (in Finnish) website using the advanced search and selecting CEN/TC 191 as the TC group.
Equipment selection and design
A business, private individual or other contractor undertaking a construction project must ensure that the building being designed meets the essential structural requirements, including fire safety requirements.
The party undertaking a construction project must appoint a principal designer as well as qualified designers for each area as required by the scope of the project. A special designer must be appointed for the design of the extinguishing equipment. The special designer sets the requirements for the system to be created on the basis of the assignment data provided by the developer. The designer must take into consideration the intended use of the building in design and dimensioning, also taking the requirements set for construction by authorities supervising construction into consideration.
The requirements set for extinguishing system construction and any selection of equipment must be included by the designer in the implementation record drawn up on the system, which must be submitted to the local rescue authority for information. This report is part of the processing of building permits.
Installation businesses, responsible persons and qualifications
The inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishing systems may only be carried out by qualified installation businesses listed in the operator register (in Finnish).
Visit instructions and forms (in Finnish) to make a business notification.
The responsible person must meet the prescribed qualification requirements concerning qualifications and work experience. See more about qualification requirements and instructions for applying for a certificate of qualification (in Finnish).
Training related to fire extinguishing systems is arranged by Kiwa Impact Oy (in Finnish). Training has been categorised into areas: sprinkler systems, water mist systems, gas extinguishing systems, aerosol extinguishing systems, foam extinguishing systems and other system-specific training.
Upon application, Tukes may grant a certificate of qualification to persons who have completed a degree and meet the qualification requirements.
Installation
Before the start of installation, businesses that install fire extinguishing systems must notify Tukes to allow supervision and appoint a qualified responsible person to carry out duties related to fire extinguishing systems, among other matters. Instructions on making a notification can be found here (in Finnish).
The fire extinguishing system installation business selected by the developer is responsible for the installation of the fire extinguishing system on the property. Another business working under the supervision and responsibility of the installation business may also participate in the installation work. The installation business’s appointed responsible person ensures that the requirements set for fire extinguishing systems are met as defined in the permit conditions and the report prepared based on design principles.
Before the commissioning inspection, the installation business is required to prepare an installation certificate on the work it has carried out. The responsible person shall sign the installation certificate.
Subcontractors are actors that do not have the right to carry out the installation or maintenance of fire alarm or fire extinguishing systems on their own. Subcontractors must work under the supervision and responsibility of a qualified installation business included in the Tukes register of businesses.
Commissioning and inspections
Before a fire extinguishing system is taken into use, a qualified inspection body approved by Tukes must perform a verification inspection. The installation business must order the verification inspection. If the installation business neglects its obligations or is unable to fulfil them, the possessor of the equipment must order the inspection. Periodic inspections of the automatic fire extinguishing system must take place at 3-year intervals. However, the first periodic inspection of new equipment must be carried out within 12 to 18 months of the equipment’s verification inspection. The possessor of the equipment is responsible for ordering periodic inspections.
Operation and maintenance
The possessor of the equipment must ensure that the fire extinguishing systems are in working order and have the system components maintained and inspected in compliance with the requirements set for the appropriate level by law. The possessor of equipment refers to the owner, occupant and operator of a building who, according to Section 12, Subsection 2 of the Rescue Act, is responsible for keeping the equipment in working order.
This is regarded as appropriate when a person responsible for fire extinguishing system maintenance is appointed and a maintenance programme is drawn up for the system on the basis of the system supplier’s maintenance instructions, and this programme is also implemented. Periodic inspections take place at 3-year intervals after the first inspection.
The use of the property shall be adapted to the characteristics of the extinguishing system to ensure reliable and undisturbed use of the extinguishing system.