The recent approval of the new Regulation on Fire Safety in Industrial Establishments (RSCIEI), through Royal Decree 164/2025, is shaping a significant change in Spanish regulations regarding fire protection in industrial environments. This regulation aims to strengthen prevention measures and raise protection standards by establishing the mandatory requirement to conduct technical inspections before the start-up of establishments and every five years, without exceptions.
One of the key innovations introduced by the RSCIEI is the requirement to carry out an initial technical inspection before any industrial installation begins operating. It is also stipulated that inspections will be mandatory every five years, regardless of the age of the establishment. This measure is aimed at ensuring continuous control over the state of the installations and promoting a culture of prevention throughout Spain.
Furthermore, the new regulation offers flexibility in the design of protection systems, such as sprinklers and smoke detection or control systems. From now on, these systems can be custom-designed without the need for prior authorization from regional authorities, as long as they are validated by an accredited control body. This change translates into a reduction of bureaucratic burden and greater agility in the execution of projects, all without compromising safety.
José Miguel Yarza, director of DEKRA Industrial, has pointed out that “the new regulation presents a significant challenge, but also represents a great opportunity to strengthen safety practices in the industrial sector.” During his intervention, Yarza emphasized that many industries will be able to adapt their security systems to the specific characteristics of their facilities, and highlighted DEKRA’s commitment to evaluate each proposal to ensure compliance with established criteria, thus reaffirming its independence and regulatory rigor.
The regulation also redefines the classification of industrial establishments through more precise criteria, taking into account the building’s architecture, ventilation, and separation between areas. Likewise, fire risk calculation methods are reviewed to better reflect the operational conditions of each plant.
The new regulation is scheduled to come into effect next month. However, a six-month period has been established during which companies may choose to apply the old or new regulations, giving them time to adapt to these changes. In this context, DEKRA consolidates itself as a key ally, offering its experience and knowledge to assist companies in meeting the new requirements and enhancing industrial safety in the country.
via: MiMub in Spanish
