Austria: fire safety

“Law” is a binding rule. “Official guidance” is not law, but inspectors expect it. “Chef Hygiene default” is a value the app checks against where no rule gives a number.

• LawFire extinguishers and fixed extinguishing systems are checked at least every second calendar year, and no more than 27 months apart, by a competent person. Keep the record for 3 years or use a sticker with the test date (AStV § 13).
• LawEmergency lighting, alarm devices, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and fire alarm systems are checked every year, no more than 15 months apart. Emergency lights and escape signs are checked by eye every month (AStV § 13).
• LawThe electrical installation is tested by an electrician at most every 5 years. The labour inspectorate can set 3 years for wet or hot areas. The RCD test button is pressed at least every 6 months unless the maker says otherwise (ESV 2012).
• LawGas checks are set by each federal state’s own gas law, with no national interval. Vienna and Styria set none; others range from 2 to 15 years. A permitted business plant is self-checked every 5 or 6 years (GewO § 82b).
• LawA fire safety book, fire safety rules and yearly fire drills are required only where the authority has ordered a fire safety officer (AStV §§ 43, 45).