Important for building owners: how does the fire department get in?

The fire department naturally comes to help as quickly as possible during a fire or other incident. But if proper access is not arranged, the fire department must force the door. This can cause delays in the emergency response, and the damage that then occurs is not compensated, as the fire department is performing its legal duty.

What does this mean for you?

As the owner of a property with a mandatory key tube and a pass-through OMS, you must provide another way for the fire department to enter by Jan. 1, 2026. For properties where a key tube is not mandatory, the fire department will no longer use the key tube, even if it is.

Two types of buildings

Two categories of buildings are distinguished with respect to reporting to fire department control rooms:

1. Buildings with mandatory call forwarding.
   Applicable to buildings with vulnerable groups (such as healthcare facilities, daycare centers and hotels) and specific risks.
   - Here it is mandatory that the fire department can enter quickly and safely.
   - The entrance must be unlocked automatically in the event of a fire alarm, or via a system coordinated with the fire department.
    
2. Buildings without mandatory call forwarding.
   For example, offices or stores.
   - Here an access device is not mandatory, but it is sensible.

What are the requirements for a good access facility?

• Firefighters must be able to enter quickly and safely 24/7, without their own tools.
• The system must continue to operate for at least 30 minutes in the event of a power failure.
• You must record the management and maintenance of the system in the building logbook.
• You must coordinate the method of access in advance with Haaglanden Fire Department at: sleutelbuis@vrh.nl

Examples of good solutions

• An administrator or employee will be there within 15 minutes to open the door.
• The door is automatically unlocked in the event of a fire alarm.
• A video intercom with door release, where someone can always be reached.
• You may also come up with your own solution and submit it to the Haaglanden Fire Department.

Key tube emptying

If a new access device is installed or set up, you must empty the key tube. To do this, use the key you received at installation. Do you no longer have this key? If so, send an e-mail to rbindewijk@vrh.nl requesting that your key tube be emptied.

Nothing settled yet?

In the event of an incident, have you not arranged access? Then the fire department will force entry to provide assistance. Damage caused as a result is, as previously stated, for your own account. The fire department is carrying out its legal duty and damages incurred cannot be recovered from the fire department.