Compliance

Facility Owner Obligations

Fire Safety Compliance Guide

A structured overview of mandatory fire safety obligations for facility owners under the Saudi Building Code SBC 801 — covering systems, training, documentation, and emergency preparedness.

SBC 801 Updated 2024 All Facilities
6
Core Obligations
Required by Law
Facility Owner

The primary party responsible for full compliance with SBC 801 fire safety requirements across all facility premises and operations.

Primary Responsible Party
01
Required Systems & Exit Routes
Fire suppression, detection & safe egress
OBLIGATION · 01

Install Fire Alarm & Suppression Systems

Mandatory installation of fire alarm systems, automatic sprinklers, and smoke detectors as required by occupancy type under SBC 801.

OBLIGATION · 02

Secure & Maintain Exit Routes

Keep all exit pathways continuously clear of obstructions and maintain clearly visible EXIT signage in good working condition at all times.

Legal Requirement · Article 107-5

"It is strictly prohibited to disable or tamper with any fire suppression or detection systems."

Article 107-5 explicitly prohibits disabling portable or fixed fire equipment except during authorized maintenance procedures performed by certified personnel.

02
Training & Periodic Maintenance
Staff readiness, system testing & records
OBLIGATION · 03

Ongoing Staff Training

Conduct regular employee training on emergency response duties and proper use of fire protection equipment and evacuation procedures.

OBLIGATION · 04

Periodic Testing Schedule

Establish and follow a routine operational testing schedule for all fire systems to verify full functionality before any real emergency occurs.

OBLIGATION · 05

Documentation & Record Keeping

Maintain a permanent logbook of all inspection and maintenance activities, readily available for submission to the code authority upon request.

Documentation Compliance Checklist
Inspection logs maintained on-site
Maintenance records up to date
Training attendance documented
System test results archived
Emergency plan current & posted
Records available on request

Control Room Requirements

SBC 801 Minimum Standards
19
Minimum Area
Fire Command Room
Required floor area for control room
3 m
Minimum Dimension
Room Minimum Width
No single dimension below 3 meters
Periodic
Frequency
Evacuation Drills
Varies by occupancy classification