Technical fire-prevention standards (Italian Fire Prevention Code)

In forceSicurezza in caso d'incendioLegge/DecretoCogente● In review

Summary

TAV. 00

Approves the technical fire-prevention standards, introducing a performance-based, flexible approach (horizontal technical rule) for fire-safety design as an alternative to traditional prescriptive rules. It defines strategies, measures and performance levels.

In depth

TAV. A

Ministerial Decree of 3 August 2015 marked the most important shift in recent Italian fire-prevention practice: replacing dozens of separate technical rules with a single, coherent body, and introducing a performance-based approach (fire safety engineering) alongside the traditional prescriptive one.

Key points

TAV. K

Performance-based approach (fire safety engineering) alongside the prescriptive one
Structured into fire measures: reaction and resistance to fire, evacuation, detection, smoke control
Updated by subsequent decrees and Vertical Technical Rules (RTV)

Processes involved

TAV. P

PRC.02Ventilated Facade PRC.01External Thermal Insulation (ETICS)

Frequently asked questions

TAV. Q

Is the performance-based method mandatory?

No. The Code lets the designer choose: conforming (prescriptive) solutions predefined by the Code, or alternative solutions proven equivalent via performance methods. The performance route is an option, not an obligation.

What is the difference between RTO and RTV?

The RTO (Horizontal Technical Rule) is the general part, valid for all civil activities. RTVs (Vertical Technical Rules) adapt those principles to specific building types (car parks, healthcare, hotels, schools, residential buildings, etc.).

Does the Code apply to all buildings?

It applies to activities subject to fire-prevention controls (Presidential Decree 151/2011). For some activities with a traditional technical rule, the choice of method is governed by transitional provisions: always verify the current framework for the specific activity.

Glossary

TAV. G

RTO: Horizontal Technical Rule: the general part of the Code, applicable to all civil activities.
RTV: Vertical Technical Rule: specific provisions for a given activity type (e.g. car parks, healthcare facilities).
Profilo di rischio: Parameter summarising an activity's risk to life (Rvita), property (Rbeni) and environment (Rambiente), guiding the choice of performance levels.
Soluzione conforme: A design solution predefined by the Code which, if adopted, automatically meets the safety objective without further demonstration.