Fire safety in local accommodation

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In Portugal, local accommodation is regulated by Decree-Law No. 128/2014, of August 29, amended by Decree-Law No. 63/2015, of April 23, and by Decree-Law No. 62/2021, of July 26. These laws define the necessary conditions for the operation of local accommodation establishments, including the mandatory signage and fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers

1. Mandatory :

   • All local accommodation establishments must be equipped with fire extinguishers.

2. Location :

   • Fire extinguishers must be placed in easily accessible and visible locations, appropriately distributed across the different floors and areas of the building.

3. Type and Quantity :

   • The type and quantity of fire extinguishers depends on the area and the specific risk of the establishment. There must be at least one fire extinguisher per floor.

4. Maintenance :

   • Fire extinguishers must be subject to regular maintenance, at least once a year, and must comply with applicable standards. Maintenance must be recorded for monitoring purposes.

Signage

1. Safety Signs :

   • Local accommodation must have safety signs that include clear indications of emergency exits, evacuation routes, the location of fire extinguishers and alarm buttons.

2. Emergency Exit Signage :

   • All emergency exits must be properly marked with visible and illuminated or photoluminescent signs, ensuring visibility in the event of a lighting failure.

3. Safety Instructions :

   • Safety instructions, including procedures to follow in case of emergency, should be posted in visible locations, such as behind bedroom doors.

Additional Requirements

1. Emergency Plan :

   • It is recommended (and in some cases mandatory) to have an emergency plan, especially in establishments with larger capacity. This plan should include maps of evacuation routes and instructions to follow in the event of a fire.

2. Training and Awareness :

   • Managers and employees of local accommodation must be trained and made aware of emergency procedures and the use of fire-fighting equipment.

Supervision and Responsibilities

1. Owners and Managers :

   • Owners or managers of local accommodation establishments are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal obligations, including the installation, maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers and safety signage.

2. Supervision :

   • The competent authorities, such as the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and municipal councils, are responsible for monitoring compliance with these rules and may apply sanctions in the event of non-compliance.

These measures are designed to ensure guest safety and minimize fire risks in local accommodation establishments. For specific details and updates, it is advisable to consult the legislation directly or seek specialist advice.

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