Many building owners and managers believe that once they have obtained a fire safety permit, their obligations are fulfilled. In reality, the permit is only the starting point.
Through GEO 17/2026, the authorities place much greater emphasis on actual operation of fire safety installations and the responsibility of administrators to maintain these systems in permanent operating condition.
For hotels, office buildings, retail spaces, medical facilities, schools and industrial halls, the risks are no longer just technical. A faulty installation can mean significant fines, severe administrative measures and even suspension of activity.
It is not enough to have the installations installed
During ISU inspections, inspectors not only check the existence of installations, but also their actual functioning. Among the essential systems checked are:
- fire detection and alarm systems;
- automatic extinguishing systems;
- emergency lighting for evacuation;
- smoke and hot gas exhaust systems;
- PSI pumping groups;
- backup power supplies;
- warning and alarm systems.
A faulty fire alarm system, a non-functional pumping unit or a faulty smoke extraction system are not just maintenance issues. These situations can be considered serious non-conformities within a control.
What happens when a facility breaks down?
One of the important changes brought about by the new legislative framework is the emphasis placed on quick reaction when faults occur.
Administrators and owners can no longer treat a breakdown as a problem that can be postponed until the next inspection. Depending on the nature of the installation and the impact on fire safety, immediate remedial measures, compensatory measures and informing the competent authorities within the deadlines provided for by law are required.
Basically, every day that a critical system is out of order increases the building's risk level and can generate significant legal and financial consequences.
Fines are no longer the only problem
Most administrators think first about the value of fines. In reality, the greatest impact occurs when business is affected.
In the event of serious non-conformities being found, the authorities may order measures leading to the limitation or suspension of the use of the construction until the identified problems are remedied.
For a hotel, shopping center, factory, or office building, the costs generated by business interruption can far exceed the value of any misdemeanor penalty.
The most common problems discovered during inspections
From the experience of maintenance and audit projects, the most common situations are:
- fire control panels that have been out of order for long periods;
- faulty or out of order detectors;
- used batteries that no longer ensure the autonomy of the system;
- non-functional smoke extraction systems;
- pumping groups not checked according to requirements;
- incomplete documentation regarding checks and maintenance;
- lack of evidence of interventions carried out on the systems.
In many cases, administrators only learn about these problems at the time of the audit.
How do you prepare for the new requirements?
The most effective way to reduce risks is to carry out a preventive technical auditA professional audit can identify:
- defective or end-of-life equipment;
- non-compliances that may generate sanctions;
- missing documents;
- outstanding checks and inspections;
- the need to modernize existing systems.
The cost of an audit is incomparably lower than the costs generated by a major sanction or the cessation of activity.
How GreenSoft can help you
GreenSoft offers complete services for fire safety installations:
- technical audits and compliance assessments;
- checking the operation of existing installations;
- preventive and corrective maintenance;
- interventions to remedy damage;
- modernization of existing systems;
- assistance in preparing ISU inspections;
- updating technical documentation and maintenance records.
If you manage an office building, a hotel, a medical facility, a commercial space or an industrial hall, now is the time to check whether your fire safety installations are functioning according to current requirements.
Contact GreenSoft for a technical evaluation and find out if there are risks that may affect the operation of your business.
