On April 1, 2025, a new building law, No. 25/2025 Z. z., will come into effect, fundamentally changing the rules in the field of construction. For fire protection specialists, it brings several key changes that affect documentation, permitting, and the actual construction of buildings. This article summarizes the most important changes that you should be aware of.
1. Project documentation with an emphasis on fire safety measures
The new law introduces clearly structured levels of project documentation. Each level emphasizes the need to ensure fire safety requirements:
- Building plan (Section 9(2)): contains basic requirements for fire safety of the building and its operation.
- Construction project (Section 9(3)): must also include a proposal for technical fire protection solutions, including fire-fighting equipment.
- Implementation project (Section 9(5)): mandatory for designated buildings – must also address fire safety measures in detail.
These documents are stored in electronic form in the Information System of the Office for Spatial Planning and Construction of the Slovak Republic (§ 8(3)).
2. Approval of project changes by a fire safety specialist
In order to maintain fire safety integrity, the law precisely defines the procedure for changes to project documentation.
(Section 35(11)(a) and (e))
- If the fire safety part of the project is changed, the designer may only approve it after prior approval by a fire safety specialist.
- The same applies to changes proposed by the contractor – these must be approved before they are implemented.
- The tasks also include monitoring the progress of construction work according to the construction schedule, in particular with regard to compliance with the approved fire safety requirements.
- The law also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the designer and the fire protection specialist, the state building inspector, the health and safety coordinator, and the structural engineer—these are key professions that together ensure the overall safety of the building.
3. Access to the construction site for fire protection specialists
Supervision of compliance with fire protection requirements also requires physical presence on the construction site – this is expressly permitted by law.
(Section 38(2)( c)
- A fire protection specialist may enter the construction site with the knowledge of the site manager.
- Supervision is coordinated with the designer and OHS.
4. Right to make entries in the construction log
Transparency during construction is key. The law therefore gives the fire safety specialist the option to make official entries in the log.
(Section 39(2)(a)
- The fire safety specialist has the right to make entries in the construction log.
- The same applies to the designer and the health and safety coordinator.
5. Cooperation on the construction site is not just a formality
The law emphasizes teamwork between all experts, including fire safety specialists. Everyone has their own responsibilities.
(Section 35(e)
- The designer is required to cooperate with the fire safety specialist throughout the entire construction process.
- Cooperation also includes communication with state supervision and occupational health and safety authorities.
The new building law changes the view of the participation of fire specialists in the construction process. Their involvement is an important part of the quality and safety of a building. Emphasis on coordination, clear responsibilities, and documentation of steps is key for any modern building.
