Checklist
Safety Commission Checklist
The safety commission visit determines the opening and continued operation of your French ERP (public-access establishment). This checklist covers the 10 points checked, preparation timeline, visit walkthrough and types of opinions. All regulatory references cited.
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What is a safety commission?
The safety commission against fire and panic risks is a French departmental or municipal advisory commission created by decree no. 95-260 of 8 March 1995. It visits Public-Access Establishments (ERP) to verify compliance with the fire safety rules defined by the order of 25 June 1980 and the French Construction Code. Its visit is mandatory before opening a new ERP, after building modifications, and periodically depending on the establishment's category (1, 2, 3 or 5 years). Its visit results in an opinion that may be favorable, favorable with prescriptions, or unfavorable — in which case the establishment may be closed.
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10 points to verify before the commission
- 1
ISO 7010 and NF X08-070 compliant evacuation plans
The evacuation plan is the most visible element and the first checked. It must be present at every level, near each exit, and properly oriented.
- ISO 7010 compliance (pictograms) and ISO 23601 / NF X08-070 (presentation)
- "You are here" indicator clearly shown on each plan
- Scale, legend and emergency numbers (18, 112) included
- Plan up to date: redo if premises were reorganized since last plan
- Minimum A3 format in ERP categories 1-4, A4 acceptable in category 5
- 2
Up-to-date safety register
Mandatory document (article R. 143-44 of the Construction Code) recording all fire-safety related events.
- Annual technical inspections: extinguishers, alarm, smoke control, emergency lighting, hose reels
- Evacuation drill reports (semi-annual minimum)
- Hot work permits for all welding/grinding/etc. tasks
- Previous commission visits and lift of prescriptions
- Available immediately, paper or digital with guaranteed access
- 3
Organized and recorded evacuation drills
The French Labor Code (article R. 4227-39) requires at minimum 1 drill every 6 months. ERPs may have stricter frequency by type.
- At minimum 2 drills per year, roughly 6 months apart
- Varied scenarios: fire start, smoke, blocked exit, alarm failure
- Structured debrief with weak-point analysis
- Date, duration, scenario, participants and observations recorded
- Schools: quarterly drill mandatory (order of 13 January 2004)
- 4
Verified safety equipment
All firefighting equipment must have been verified within regulatory deadlines by an accredited body, with report.
- Extinguishers: annual inspection (NF S 61-919), 1 per 200 m² minimum
- Fire Safety System (SSI): semi-annual or annual inspection by category
- Emergency lighting (BAES): weekly visual + annual technical check
- Smoke control: annual inspection of vents and air intakes
- Electrical installation: annual Q18 or triennial Q19 by risk
- All reports and certificates filed and accessible in the register
- 5
Clear and signposted emergency exits
First point physically checked by inspectors: they open doors, verify distances and obstacles.
- Minimum width: 0.90 m for 1 passage unit, 1.40 m for 2
- No storage, furniture or decoration blocking the path
- Functional fire doors with self-closer (alarm-triggered if present)
- Illuminated "EXIT" signage visible and powered
- Maximum distance between 2 exits: 50 m (40 m for dead-end, art. CO 38)
- 6
Posted and legible safety instructions
General and specific instructions must be posted near evacuation plans at every level.
- General evacuation instruction (who does what when alarm sounds)
- Specific instructions: fire, gas, injury response
- Emergency numbers in large print (18 fire, 15 SAMU, 112 European)
- Intervention plan for firefighters stored at reception or lobby
- Instructions translated if hosting foreign public (hotels, stations)
- 7
Up-to-date staff training
Every employee must have received fire safety training appropriate to their role; specific actors must be trained and qualified.
- Initial fire training for every new employee (R. 4141-3-1 Labor Code)
- Extinguisher handling training at least every 5 years
- First-Intervention Team Members (EPI): 1 per 10-15 employees recommended
- SSIAP 1, 2 or 3 for ERP categories 1, 2 or IGH
- Training certificates kept in the safety register
- 8
Available technical documentation
All technical documents must be immediately accessible to the commission.
- Safety notice (building description, occupants, response means)
- Architectural plans of premises (initial visit)
- Previous commission report with prescriptions lifted
- Layout opinions, ERP work authorizations
- Technical inspection reports (RVRAT, RVRMD)
- 9
Periodic inspections performed
Beyond equipment, certain installations and parts of the building have their own inspection cadence.
- Elevators: annual + complete check every 5 years
- Automatic doors: quarterly
- Kitchens with professional hoods: quarterly duct cleaning
- Gas installations: annual by accredited body
- Lightning rods if present: annual + complete check every 5 years
- 10
Compliance with current ERP standards
Specific obligations depend on category (1-5) and type of ERP (M, N, O, P, R, U, J, etc.).
- Category correctly declared per total occupancy (public + staff)
- ERP type correctly declared: M (retail), N (restaurant), O (hotel), R (school), U (healthcare), etc.
- Layout changes (partitions, mezzanines) authorized
- Compliance with type-specific provisions (order of 25 June 1980)
- If IGH (high-rise): reinforced IGH compliance
Preparation timeline: D-30 → D-day
D-30: complete internal audit
D-15: gap closure
D-7: team briefing
D-1: final check
D-day: typical walkthrough
The 3 types of opinions and their consequences
Favorable opinion
Favorable with prescriptions
Unfavorable opinion
Visit periodicity by category
- Category 1 (over 1,500 people): annual visit
- Category 2 (701 to 1,500): every 2 years
- Category 3 (301 to 700): every 3 years
- Category 4 (under 300, excl. 5th cat.): every 5 years
- Category 5 (small ERP with sleeping accommodations or specific public): visit at opening then on demand
- IGH (high-rise): every 2 years systematically
- Establishments with accommodation (hotels, hospitals): reinforced periodicity
Frequently asked questions
What is a safety commission?
A safety commission is a French departmental or municipal advisory commission (decree no. 95-260 of 8 March 1995) tasked with verifying ERP compliance with fire safety rules. It includes a fire prevention officer (firefighter), state representatives, and elected officials. Its visit is mandatory before opening, after safety-affecting work, and periodically by category.
How to prepare for a safety commission?
Preparation in 4 steps: D-30 internal audit using the checklist, D-15 gap closure (technical inspections, updated plans, register up to date), D-7 team briefing and dossier compilation, D-1 final walk-through. Golden rule: do not prepare the day before — every missing technical inspection can be cause for an unfavorable opinion.
What documents are required for a safety commission?
The safety register (up to date with all checks), ISO 7010 compliant evacuation plans (posted at each level), inspection certificates for all equipment (extinguishers, alarm, smoke control, emergency lighting, electrical), evacuation drill reports, staff training certificates, safety notice, and previous commission report with prescriptions lifted.
How often does a commission visit an ERP?
Periodicity by category: cat. 1 (1,500+ people) annually, cat. 2 (701-1,500) every 2 years, cat. 3 (301-700) every 3 years, cat. 4 (<300) every 5 years, cat. 5 only at opening unless requested. IGH systematically every 2 years. Any layout change or operation change can trigger an additional visit.
Who composes a safety commission?
A commission typically has 1-3 members: a fire prevention officer (permanent member), a state representative (DDPP or prefecture), and a municipal representative. For ERP categories 1 and 2, a safety architect may be added. The establishment manager and SSIAP must be present to answer questions.
What happens with an unfavorable opinion?
With an unfavorable opinion, the mayor (or prefect for state ERPs) may issue an administrative closure order until compliance. The establishment must correct identified gaps and request a new commission visit. Closure may cause significant operating losses and engage civil liability of the manager toward employees and customers.
How long does a visit last?
On average 1-3 hours by category and ERP size. Category 5 (small retail): 30 min - 1 hr. Category 1-2 (mall, hospital): 2-4 hours, sometimes over 2 half-days. The commission inspects premises, verifies equipment, checks the register, and exchanges with the manager. Opinion is generally announced verbally at end, formalized in writing within 2-4 weeks.
Is a SSIAP required during the commission?
SSIAP is mandatory during the visit for ERP categories 1 and 2 and IGH (where presence is permanent anyway). For other categories, not mandatory but strongly recommended: they master procedures, the SSI, and can answer technical questions. Otherwise, the manager or internal safety lead must be available.
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