In discussions about fire safety, two terms frequently appear that can create confusion: the fire safety permit and the fire safety authorization.
In short, the permit is obtained before the works are executed, while the authorization is obtained after the completion of the works, before the space is actually used under the conditions for which it was set up.
What is the fire safety permit
The fire safety permit is the document through which ISU (Inspectorate for Emergency Situations) analyzes the solutions proposed during the design phase.
In practice, before you build, modify, repartition, or fit out a space that falls into the category of those subject to permitting, the project must be verified from a fire safety perspective.
The permit confirms that, at the project level, appropriate measures have been provided for:
- People evacuation;
- Limiting the spread of fire;
- Access for emergency intervention forces;
- Detection, alarm, extinguishing, or smoke control systems, where required;
- Compliance with applicable technical requirements.
In other words, the permit does not confirm that the space is already safe to operate, but that the proposed project complies with fire safety requirements.
When is the permit required
The permit is generally required before carrying out works for constructions, fit-outs, or changes of use that fall within the categories provided by law.
Examples of situations where a permit may be required:
- New construction;
- Extension or modification of an existing building;
- Repartitioning;
- Change of use;
- Fitting out a commercial, catering, tourism, production, storage space, or other regulated activity;
- Modifications affecting evacuation, fire protection systems, or the fire safety scenario.
What is the fire safety authorization
The fire safety authorization is the document through which ISU confirms that the executed works comply with the permitted solutions and applicable legal requirements.
This is requested after the completion of the works, based on technical documents, verifications, and the finding that the space complies from a fire safety perspective.
The authorization is related to the actual use of the construction or fit-out.
If the permit refers to “what is going to be done,” the authorization refers to “what has been done and can be used.”
When is the authorization required
The authorization is required before commissioning or using the space, when the building or fit-out falls into the categories for which the law imposes this document.
It may be required for:
- New buildings;
- Fitted out or modified spaces;
- Spaces with a changed use;
- Commercial, tourist, catering, production, or storage spaces, if they fall within legal thresholds;
- Constructions where works influencing fire safety have been carried out.
The simple difference between a permit and an authorization
The difference can be understood very easily:
The permit is obtained before the works and concerns the project.
The authorization is obtained after the works and concerns the completed space.
The permit states that the designed solution is acceptable from a fire safety perspective.
The authorization states that the completed space can be used because it complies with fire safety requirements.
Why the permit alone is not enough
A common mistake is to consider that if an ISU permit exists, the space can be used without further steps.
The permit does not replace the authorization.
It is just one stage in the process. After the works are executed, it must be verified whether what was built on-site corresponds to the project and fire safety requirements.
If the space is used only based on the permit, without an authorization where it is mandatory, the economic operator may be exposed to sanctions and measures ordered by the authorities.
Why an authorization obtained in the past is not enough
The authorization must also be viewed correctly. It is valid for the conditions existing at the time of authorization.
If the space is later modified, repartitioned, overloaded, used for another activity, or if protection systems are decommissioned, the situation may change.
In such cases, a new technical analysis and, if applicable, the resumption of the permit/authorization procedure may be necessary.
What should be checked before renting or using a space
Before a company rents or uses a space, it is recommended to check:
- Whether the desired activity matches the use of the space;
- Whether the space falls into the category of those needing a permit or authorization;
- Whether there is a fire safety authorization;
- Whether the authorization covers the activity to be carried out;
- Whether no changes have been made to the authorized situation;
- Whether the installations, evacuation routes, and fire equipment are functional and accessible.
This check is particularly important for commercial spaces, restaurants, offices open to the public, warehouses, production, hotels, guesthouses, or other activities where the number of people and risks may be higher.
Explanation in simple terms
To use a simple comparison, the permit is the approval of the project, and the authorization is the confirmation that the executed works allow the use of the space.
The permit answers the question: “Is the project designed correctly from a fire safety perspective?”
The authorization answers the question: “Can the completed space be used safely?”
The two documents are part of the same process, but they have different roles and appear at different times.