French Labor Code and Fire Safety
Complete guide on employer obligations for fire safety under the French Labor Code (articles R. 4227-1 to R. 4227-57). Everything you need to know to stay compliant.
Labor Code obligations for fire safety
The French Labor Code imposes strict fire safety obligations on employers, defined in articles R. 4227-1 to R. 4227-57. These obligations aim to protect the health and safety of workers.
Article R. 4227-28: Posting safety instructions
Employers must post fire safety instructions in each room indicating:
- Fire extinguishing and rescue equipment located in or near the room
- Personnel responsible for operating this equipment
- For each room, personnel responsible for directing the evacuation of workers and possibly the public
- Alert methods
- Personnel responsible for notifying firefighters at the start of a fire
- Address and telephone number of the first-call emergency service
- The duty of anyone spotting a fire to sound the alarm and implement first aid measures
Article R. 4227-39: Periodic drills and tests
Periodic drills and tests must be organized:
- At least every six months for establishments where more than 50 people are usually present
- At least once a year for other establishments
- Drills must train personnel in executing fire safety instructions
- Drill dates and observations must be recorded in the safety register
Article R. 4227-38: Staff training
All employees must be trained in fire safety:
- Training in using first aid equipment
- Training in performing necessary maneuvers
- Periodic refresher training
- Training adapted to facility risks
Article R. 4227-34: Exits and emergency routes
Exits must always be clear and sufficient in number:
- Emergency doors must not be locked
- They must open from inside by simple push
- Exits must be clearly signposted
- Their width must be proportional to the number of people
Article R. 4227-29: Fire extinguishing equipment
Establishments must be equipped with appropriate extinguishing equipment:
- Portable water spray extinguishers of at least 6 liters
- Minimum one extinguisher per 200 m² of floor space
- Minimum one extinguisher per level
- Extinguishers judiciously distributed and easily accessible
- Annual inspection by an approved organization
Penalties for non-compliance
Failure to comply with Labor Code fire safety obligations exposes employers to:
- Criminal penalties (fines and imprisonment)
- Formal notice from labor inspection
- Civil liability in case of accident
- Criminal liability for inexcusable fault
Comply with Labor Code obligations
With Fabrik, easily create your fire safety instructions and evacuation plans compliant with the Labor Code. Save time and stay compliant.
Create my instructions⚡ FreeFrequently asked questions
What are the main Labor Code obligations for fire safety?
Main obligations include: posting safety instructions (art. R. 4227-28), organizing evacuation drills (art. R. 4227-39), staff training (art. R. 4227-38), providing extinguishing equipment (art. R. 4227-29), and keeping exits clear (art. R. 4227-34).
How often should evacuation drills be organized under the Labor Code?
According to article R. 4227-39, evacuation drills must be organized at least every 6 months in establishments with more than 50 people, and at least once a year in other establishments.
What must fire safety instructions contain?
According to article R. 4227-28, instructions must indicate: extinguishing equipment, personnel responsible for evacuation, alert methods, emergency numbers, and the duty to sound the alarm in case of fire.
What penalties for non-compliance with the Labor Code?
Non-compliance can result in criminal penalties (fines and imprisonment), formal notice from labor inspection, and civil or criminal liability in case of accident.
How many fire extinguishers are required under the Labor Code?
According to article R. 4227-29, at least one extinguisher is required per 200 m² of floor space, with at least one extinguisher per level. Extinguishers must be water spray type of at least 6 liters and undergo annual inspection.
Fire compliance resources
Explore our guides to comply with the Labor Code