Construction and operation of buildings for storage of vehicles is regulated by strict regulations, among which the central place is occupied by the set of rules of SP 506.1311500.2021. This document establishes criteria to ensure the safety of people and property in the event of a fire. Understanding the status of this regulation is necessary for designers, parking owners and state supervisory authorities to avoid penalties.
In the current conditions, the relevance of compliance with the regulations has increased due to the increase in the density of construction and the increase in the number of personal transport. Fire safety Parking complexes require an integrated approach, including proper planning, the presence of alarm systems and respect for distances to other facilities. Ignoring these norms can lead to tragic consequences and legal liability.
While standards may seem difficult to understand without technical training, the basic principles are accessible to every owner. In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of the document that are currently in force and answer questions about its legal force. Competent application of the prescribed algorithms of actions will create a safe environment for storing cars.
Legal status and scope of the document
The Code of Rules of the JV 506.1311500.2021 is an updated version of the previously acting SNIP 21-02-99*. Its official name is “Car Parking”. Fire safety requirements”. The document was developed in accordance with Federal Law No. 123-FZ and came into force after approval by the order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia. It is mandatory for all new construction projects, reconstructed buildings, as well as for those cases when the functional purpose of existing buildings changes.
It is important to note that for buildings commissioned before the new regulations come into force, the rules are current at the time of their design. However, if major repairs are carried out or design decisions affecting the fire-safetyIt is necessary to be guided by current requirements. This is often the subject of controversy during inspections, so the legal status of the document is paramount.
What is the difference between mandatory and voluntary rules?
Since 2021, the rationing system has changed in Russia. Part of the joint venture became mandatory (included in the List approved by the Government of the Russian Federation), and part - voluntary. SP 506.1311500.2021 contains both mandatory requirements (marked in the text with relevant references to 123-FZ) and recommendations. Failure to comply with mandatory clauses entails administrative responsibility.
The scope of the standard applies to:
- 🚗 Ground, underground and semi-underground parking;
- 🏢 Built-in and attached parking lots in residential and public buildings;
- 🏗️ Free parking garages for cars;
- 🚛 Specialized parking lots for freight transport (with restrictions).
When designing new facilities, engineers are obliged to lay down solutions that meet this standard. This applies not only to construction, but also to engineering systems, such as: smoke-ventilation And automatic fire extinguishing. Violation of these requirements at the design stage entails the impossibility of obtaining permission to commission the facility.
Parking classification and fire resistance requirements
One of the fundamental aspects of the standard is the classification of parking lots by number of floors and capacity. These parameters are directly related to the requirements for fire-resistance construction structures and class of fire hazard materials. For example, underground parking lots and aboveground parking lots with a height of more than 50 meters are considered high-risk objects and require special protection measures.
Parking buildings must be of I, II or III degree of fire resistance. The construction of the floors and columns must withstand the impact of fire for a certain time, allowing people to safely evacuate and firefighters to carry out a rescue operation. For underground floors, the requirements are even stricter: the use of combustible materials in the decoration of evacuation routes is unacceptable.
When choosing a place to buy a parking space in a new building, pay attention to the class of constructive fire hazard of the building (C0, C1, etc.). Class C0 means that the structures are non-combustible and do not emit toxic substances in a fire, which is critical for underground parking lots.
The table below shows the main relationships between the type of parking and the required characteristics:
| Parking type | Degree of fire resistance | Fire hazard class | Permissible floors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open (canopy) | Not rationed | K | 1st floor |
| Ground (up to 55 m) | I, II, III | C0, C1 | Up to 9 floors. |
| Underground | I | C0 | No more than 3 floors |
| High altitude (> 55 m) | I | C0 | No restrictions |
Particular attention is paid to the materials of finishing. In the storage areas of cars it is forbidden to use materials that emit toxic substances when burning or contribute to the rapid spread of flames. Fire hazard class The designs must be confirmed by certificates that must be kept by the management company.
Planning decisions and number of evacuation exits
The layout of the parking space should ensure free movement of transport and safe evacuation of people. The width of the passages, corner radii and the size of parking spaces are strictly regulated. It is unacceptable to clutter the escape routes with foreign objects or temporary partitions.
The number and width of evacuation exits are calculated based on the maximum number of people who can be on the floor. For parking lots with mechanized storage of cars, the requirements are different from conventional parking lots. The exits should be dispersed so that an alternative route can be used when one area is smoked.
☑️ Verification of escape routes
An important requirement is the division of the building into fire bays using fire partitions and floors. This allows you to localize the fire within one compartment and prevent its spread to the entire parking area. The gates and doors in such partitions shall be equipped with self-closing devices and shall have an appropriate fire resistance limit.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to arrange through corridors connecting the stairwells, if they are not separated by tambour gateways with air support. This can lead to quick smoke escape routes.
For parking lots with a capacity of more than 50 cars, the number of exits must be at least two. The distance between them is also normalized to ensure the possibility of firefighting equipment from different sides. In dead-end drives should be provided with platforms for turning cars of special equipment.
Engineering protection and alarm systems
Modern parking is unthinkable without a complex of engineering systems that ensure early detection and extinguishing of fires. According to SP 506.1311500.2021, the installation of an automatic fire alarm system (APS) is mandatory. Underground parking lots and multi-level parking lots also require an automatic fire extinguishing system (AWPT).
The most common type of extinguishing is water (sprinkler or drencher), however, in some cases, the use of gas or powder fire extinguishing is allowed. The choice of system depends on the type of stored cars and the design features of the building. Smoke removal system shall be activated automatically when the smoke sensors are activated.
Ventilation plays a critical role in safety. It should ensure the removal of combustion products and the supply of fresh air for people leaving the building. Smoke removal fans must be equipped with backup actuators to function even when the main electricity is cut off.
All engineering systems must undergo regular maintenance and inspections. The owner of the building must have a log of inspections and test certificates. Failure of fire extinguishing or alarm systems is equated to their absence and is the basis for suspending the operation of the facility.
Requirements for open and mechanized parking
Open parking (carports) have their own features of regulation. Since they are not a closed volume, the requirements for them are less stringent in terms of smoke removal and fire extinguishing, but the distance to other buildings must be strictly observed. The design of the sheds shall be made of non-combustible materials.
Mechanized parking (robot parking, tower type, elevator type) require a special approach. It is important to ensure the possibility of evacuation of people from elevators and shafts, as well as to provide protection of mechanisms from fire. Often, such facilities require the development of special technical specifications (STU), if they do not fit into the standard standards.
What is STU?
Special Specifications (STU) is a document developed for objects that cannot be designed according to existing standards. STU are subject to examination and approval in the Ministry of Emergency Situations. For complex mechanized parking lots, the presence of STU is mandatory.
When operating mechanized systems, it is necessary to strictly monitor the serviceability of electrical circuits and hydraulics. Any spark in the enclosed space of the mine can lead to a rapid fire of lubricants. Therefore, gas fire extinguishing systems are used here, which do not damage electronics and mechanics.
It is critical to have a link between the control room and each level of the mechanized parking area for the prompt management of evacuation. Staff serving such complexes should receive special training in emergency situations.
Distances between buildings and firefighters
One of the most difficult issues in design is to keep fire breaks between the parking lot and neighboring buildings. These distances depend on the degree of fire resistance of both objects and their purpose. For residential buildings, the requirements are more stringent than for industrial areas.
Fire trucks must be accessed from all sides of the building, if this is not possible, at least from two long sides. The hard covering of the passages must withstand the load from heavy equipment (up to 40 tons). Dimensions of the passage are also strictly regulated: width is not less than 3.5-4.5 meters, height of the passage is not less than 4.5 meters.
- 🚒 Distance from the edge of the passage to the wall of the building: 5-8 meters;
- 🌳 Distance from trees to the passage: at least 5 meters (so that the branches do not interfere with the technique);
- ⚡ Distance from the transmission poles to the passage: depends on the voltage, but not less than the height of the support;
- 🚧 It is forbidden to place fences that prevent the passage of equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Winter cleaning of snow and ice should be made as a priority. A snow-blocked fire hydrant or driveway can cost lives.
Fire hydrants should be installed in the parking area. The distance between them should not exceed 100 meters in urban development and 150 meters outside the city. Access to hydrants should be free all year round, which requires regular monitoring by service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the joint venture 506.1311500.2021 valid for old garage cooperatives?
For existing buildings built according to the previously applicable standards, the requirements of SP 506.1311500.2021 apply in terms of operation, if reconstruction or change of functionality is not carried out. However, if violations that threaten people’s lives are detected, supervisory authorities may issue an order to bring the facility into compliance with current standards.
Can I store gas cylinders in the garage?
According to fire safety regulations, storage of liquefied gas in cylinders in underground and built-in garages is prohibited. In freestanding garages, storage is allowed subject to strict tightness conditions and the absence of sources of spark formation, but it is better to consult with the local department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Do I need a fire extinguisher in my personal garage?
For individual garages, which are part of the GSK, the presence of primary fire extinguishers (fire extinguishers) is a mandatory requirement of the fire safety rules. It is recommended to have at least one powder fire extinguisher of 2 liters or more.
What if parking in the shopping center does not meet the standards?
If you notice obvious violations (cluttered exits, alarms do not work, there are no signs), you should report this to the administration of the shopping center. In the absence of a reaction, you can send an anonymous appeal to the State Fire Supervision (EMERCOM) through an electronic reception room.
How often should fire extinguishing systems be checked?
Maintenance of APS and AUPT systems should be carried out by a specialized organization licensed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Scheduled inspections are usually carried out quarterly and full tests are carried out at least once a year. The results are recorded in the journal.