Self-protection measures
Self-protection measures consist of a set of rules and procedures adapted to each particular commercial and service establishment, taking into account its nature, the physical characteristics of the spaces, the products on the premises, among others, which are aimed at preventing fires, as well as indicating emergency procedures in the event of a fire.


Self-protection measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Are self-protection measures compulsory?
In fact, self-protection measures are compulsory for all establishments, whether commercial, service or even warehouses and workshops, whether new or existing.
Decree-Law 220/2008 of 12 November, specifically articles 21 and 22, states that self-protection measures are mandatory. Ordinance 1532/2008 of 29 December regulates the conditions that self-protection measures must meet, i.e. what must be included in the document according to the type of use of the establishment and its risk category.
Did you know that since 01/01/2010 all existing buildings have been subject to new EHS regulations? This means that even buildings already in operation have to comply with the new legislation. One of the obligations inherent in this new legislation is the existence of Self-Protection Measures.
Are self-protection measures the same for all spaces?
No. The type of measures applicable depends on the type of activity and the type of associated risk, so in smaller establishments the requirements are lower.
For example, in a medium-sized office, in principle only Prevention Procedures, Safety Records and General Instructions will be required, while in larger establishments an Emergency Plan, Drills, Inspections and others may be necessary.
Where are the self-protection measures delivered?
They are delivered to the National Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) in the area where the establishment is located, which in the case of the Algarve is the Faro ANEPC.
ANEPC technicians will issue a favourable opinion (or not) on the self-protection measures submitted after a fee has been paid.
The fee is €0.11 per square metre of the establishment’s building area, with a minimum of €108.30.
If the self-protection measures are not approved, the ANEPC requests a correction, and when submitting the document a second time a fee is charged again, this time corresponding to 50 per cent of the value of the first fee.
After approval, the ANEPC sends the stamped self-protection measures, which must always be in the establishment, and in the event of an inspection the ANEPC asks to see the document.
Do you have to carry out self-protection measures every year?
No. Self-protection measures are only carried out once – unless there are very significant changes – so you only incur this cost once.
ANEPC technicians will issue a favourable opinion (or not) on the self-protection measures submitted after a fee has been paid.
In any case, the various forms that form part of the booklet need to be filled in over time, such as when the fire extinguishers are serviced, the SADI, among others, but this should be done by the establishment’s Safety Officer, who is an employee of the establishment itself, appointed to enforce what is laid down in the self-protection measures. Alternatively, the companies that maintain the establishment’s fire safety equipment and others can complete the form themselves.
Is it worth taking self-protection measures?
Yes, after all, it is mandatory by law and failure to carry out self-protection measures leads to fines.
The cost of the work is cheaper than the fines.
Fines can range from €275.00 to €27,500.00 for each administrative offence.
What’s more, self-protection measures can help prevent this…
Is it worth taking self-protection measures without SCIE equipment in place?
NO. Self-protection measures presuppose the existence of a fire safety project duly implemented in the establishment, once the fire safety equipment – extinguishers, detectors, emergency lighting, among others – has been installed.
In particular, in the self-protection measures booklet, one of the chapters concerns the procedures for maintaining and using the fire safety equipment installed. If this equipment isn’t installed, it won’t be possible to write this chapter, so the self-protection measures won’t be complete and can’t be approved.
It should be noted that there are many companies without occupational safety and hygiene, who subcontract other companies to carry out the self-protection measures, and don’t bother to check whether or not the establishment has the proper equipment, doing the MAP even though the equipment is missing. This is not correct and if there is an inspection there will be fines not only for the organisation operating the establishment, but also for the technician who signed the Self-Protection Measures.