For added security in the home and company

There are a large number of safety-relevant components in a building. However, some components (e.g. fire detectors, batteries, sprinkler heads, etc.) are of particular safety relevance and must be replaced prematurely to ensure that they continue to function reliably.

Fire detector:

The installation and operation of fire detectors is a great gain in safety and is now mandatorythroughout Austria for new private buildings and conversions (in accordance with OIB Guideline 2 – point 3.11) – Attention: also mandatory for existing buildings in Carinthia! TIP – Due to the time saved in the event of a fire , installation is also generally recommendedfor existing buildings as it can demonstrably save lives.

Smoke alarms approved in Austria must generally meet the requirements of the product standard ÖNORM EN 14604 (EU standard). This standard specifies requirements for smoke alarms as well as corresponding test criteria (e.g. minimum sound level 85dB(A), electromagnetic compatibility or mandatory markings). Minimum volume 85dB(A), electromagnetic compatibility or mandatory labeling and information).

There are basically 3 installation variants – individual detectors without networking, individual detectors networked together via radio and detectors connected together via a fire alarm control panel and cable.

The fire detectors must be inspected and maintained regularly (in accordance with TRVB S 122 or S 123) to ensure that they function reliably (every 1-3 months or 6-12 months, depending on the manufacturer).

To ensure that they function correctly, reliably and for a long time, cleanliness is very important, so the detectors must be cleaned regularly (the interval depends on the local dust load). However, after 10 years at the latest (see “expiration date” on the detector) , the detectors must be replaced (e.g. empty battery, soiling, etc.) to ensure that they function reliably again (earlier in heavily soiled areas).

Systems with rechargeable batteries:

In larger residential and commercial buildings, fire alarm systems, emergency/safety lighting systems are often installed, Elevators or automatic doors installed on escape routes. With these systems, functional protection in an emergency is usually dependent on your battery. For this reason, regular Functional checks and capacity tests (as part of the maintenance/inspection required by law ) are particularly important.

Unfortunately, conventional batteries (NiCd, NiMH, lead-acid, etc.) only have a very limited “useful life” (up to approx. 400 – 1,500 charging cycles), usually no longer have the required capacity after 4-8 years and have to be replaced. If possible, currently only LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries should be installed as these have a much longer service life (up to approx. 4000 charging cycles = over 10 years), a higher usable capacity and are much safer chemically and thermally compared to other lithium batteries – you can find more information on this under this link.

Sprinkler systems:

Another safety-relevant component that often has to be replaced prematurely is the sprinkler head. In practice, this is often exposed to service life-shortenin g and function-r estricting usage influences (e.g. cold, heat, dirt, vibration, sunlight, etc.) and wears out. cold, heat, dirt, vibration, sunlight, etc.) and wears out correspondingly quickly. Therefore (according to VdS CEA 4001), the pipe network and sprinkler heads should be checked every 12 years at the latest for dry systems and every 25 years for wet systems (correspondingly earlier and more frequently for heavier use) and replaced if necessary. However, all sprinkler heads must be replaced after 50 years at the latest.

Particularly in the case of conversions, it is often necessary to remove the old 10mm Glass barrels of the sprinkler heads for the new current 4mm inserts as the old ones are often no longer permitted (e.g. shelf sprinklers with polypropylene – PP shelf sprinklers with polypropylene – PP, polyethylene – PE or polystyrene – PS storage material).

If you no longer want to miss these replacement obligations and many other inspection and maintenance obligations, then use our MvBuilding24 APP from now on.

The best thing to do is to follow this link and register today – MyBuilding24 – so that you no longer have to worry about your building.

Glossary:

Legislation:

Employee Protection Act (ASchG)

Workplace Ordinance (AStV) -> § 9 Safety lighting and orientation aids

OVE Technical Information E08 – Page 5 – Periodic inspections, maintenance