Andorra Fire Safety Firms Push for 1978 Regulation Overhaul

Fire safety companies in Andorra are urging an update to the country's 1978 fire prevention regulations, describing them as outdated amid modern technological advances and evolving leisure spaces.

Firms such as Mensan Consulting, UNIDA, and Mutuand, which provide services to venues including The Boss, UNNIC, and L’Abarset, emphasise that their clients already follow current procedures. These include staff training, emergency planning, and checks on fire protection systems—routines conducted well before January inspections by the Fire Service. Gisela Serra, a sales representative at Mensan Consulting, noted that maintenance contracts cover extinguisher installation, annual reviews, and advice on emergency signage and evacuation. Each inspection covers more than 20 technical items, though ultimate responsibility rests with venue owners.

Experts across the firms agree the 1978 rules fail to reflect today's realities, such as new high-rise buildings, indoor electric vehicle parking risks, and advanced safety tech. Many businesses already exceed them by adopting stricter European standards for extinguisher placement, exit signage, and photoluminescent systems.

UNIDA director Elena Millán stressed that regular equipment checks, maintenance, and staff training are mandatory and routine, especially in low-light, crowded nightlife settings where calm responses can minimise dangers. Mutuand consultants Santiago Soliva and Teresa Civic tailor training to each venue's operations, focusing on panic management, evacuation protocols, and certifications in fire response, first aid, and emergency hierarchies. They advocate frequent drills to test detectors, sprinklers, and exits, insisting safety demands ongoing internal oversight beyond yearly reviews.

UNNIC security head Pol Serra said his venue fully complies with existing rules and welcomes the pending overhaul, which the government is developing with the Fire Service and Civil Protection. He highlighted benefits for enhanced training, drills, and equipment checks. UNNIC avoids pyrotechnics like flares, opting for safe LED lighting, and features an in-house fire control centre, instant detection, autonomous evacuation, zoned areas, and round-the-clock security.

Industry representatives praised the new framework's potential for clearer, more rigorous standards tailored to Andorra's needs, ensuring better client protection as the leisure sector evolves.