In fire protection, firefighting documentation (known in Czech as DZP) is a key set of documents intended above all for firefighters. It contains an operational plan and an operational card. It provides fast and accurate information about a building during a fire, including its risks, escape routes and fire safety equipment. This allows a fast, safe and effective response, protecting people’s lives and property. At Rescue Group we specialise in comprehensive fire protection services.
What firefighting documentation is and why you need it
Firefighting documentation (DZP) is a mandatory set of documents for all buildings with a high or increased fire hazard. It consists of an operational plan and an operational card. These materials are used mainly by firefighters during an incident. They provide key information for finding their way around the building quickly, describing its structure, risks, escape routes and available fire equipment.
The documentation must be approved by the Fire and Rescue Service. Without its stamp, the documentation is invalid and you face fines. Even worse, however, is the risk of an ineffective response in a real fire. Under Czech Decree No. 246/2001 Coll. on fire prevention, it is required for industrial halls, flammable goods warehouses, chemical plants and multi-storey buildings with more than 100 people.
Good firefighting documentation can shorten response times by tens of per cent. Companies with up-to-date, approved documentation suffer significantly less damage.
The main elements of firefighting documentation
Every set of firefighting documentation is tailored to the specific building and its risks. It includes two basic documents:
- Operational plan: a detailed description of the whole building including plans of all floors. It marks escape routes, hydrants, fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems.
- Operational card: a brief overview of the key information, including risk factors, emergency contacts, access routes for firefighters and the estimated number of people in the building.
The documentation also contains:
- A comprehensive analysis of fire risks – flammable materials, chemicals, electrical equipment
- Clear procedures for rescuing people
- A precise list of fire safety equipment and its location
- Emergency contacts for company management, health and safety technicians and the relevant fire brigade unit
Update the documentation at least once every two years, or immediately after any change to the building, operations or fire equipment.
How to create effective firefighting documentation
Creating firefighting documentation starts with a thorough risk analysis carried out by a qualified fire protection technician with a valid licence. First, we gather the current building plans and carry out a detailed inspection of the building. We identify all potential sources of fire, including warehouses, production lines, server rooms and kitchens.
We then produce clear diagrams with colour coding for quick orientation. The operational card is always brief – no more than 1–2 pages. The operational plan contains detailed drawings of all floors, including lofts, basements and plant rooms.
Once complete, we submit the documentation to the relevant fire brigade unit for review. After approval, we place copies in visible places, for example at the main entrance, and we recommend QR codes for instant electronic access by firefighters.
We can link the firefighting documentation with your health and safety system, increasing overall safety in the workplace. According to statistics, companies with linked systems have 30 to 40% fewer fire incidents.
Many companies underestimate the obligation to have the documentation approved by the Fire and Rescue Service. Documentation without the stamp is invalid and can lead to sanctions. Other common mistakes include outdated plans after a renovation or a change in operations.
A missing operational card slows down the response – we always create it as a separate, quickly accessible document. Incomplete information about risks increases the danger – that is why we include all flammable substances, including their quantities, storage and safety data sheets.
At Rescue Group we will carry out a complete audit of your existing firefighting documentation. We will uncover all shortcomings and arrange corrections, updates and new approval.
Integration with digital tools
Firefighting documentation can be fully electronic. Firefighters can load it on a tablet or mobile device, saving precious time during an incident. Place QR codes at all entrances and link the documentation to an app for instant updates and notifications.
Firefighting documentation is mandatory for:
- Buildings with a high fire hazard – fuel stores, chemical plants, explosives.
- Buildings with an increased hazard – more than 100 people, multi-storey buildings, educational facilities.
At Rescue Group we handle the complete process from analysis to approval. We communicate with the authorities and save you time and trouble.
Q&A: frequently asked questions about firefighting documentation
For which buildings is firefighting documentation mandatory?
For buildings with a high or increased fire hazard. The exact list is set out in Decree No. 246/2001 Coll.
Who prepares firefighting documentation?
A qualified fire protection technician. The operator submits it to the Fire and Rescue Service for review and approval.
How often should firefighting documentation be updated?
At least every two years, or immediately after a change in the building, operations, equipment or regulations.
What does an operational card contain?
Key information – fire risks, emergency contacts, access routes, the number of people and the location of firefighting equipment.
What do you face for missing or unapproved firefighting documentation?
Fines of CZK 50,000 and more. If health or property is harmed, the operator may even face criminal liability.
The benefits of working with Rescue Group on firefighting documentation
At Rescue Group we have more than 15 years of experience in fire protection. During that time we have prepared firefighting documentation for many buildings – from industrial warehouses to office buildings.
Our clients get a comprehensive service: we carry out a thorough risk analysis, prepare the operational plan and card, supply the documentation in digital and printed form for instant access, handle the complete Fire and Rescue Service approval including all communication with the authorities, and provide regular reviews, updates and employee training.
Get your firefighting documentation approved
Firefighting documentation is much more than an administrative obligation – it is a well-thought-out system that, at a critical moment, determines how fast and how successful the response will be. It allows firefighters to understand the specifics of your premises immediately, minimise risks and effectively protect human lives, animals and all property. Properly prepared and approved documentation brings not only legal certainty, but above all peace of mind in day-to-day operations. At Rescue Group we approach firefighting documentation with an emphasis on precision and the individual needs of each building, so you can be sure your safety stands on solid foundations.
Keep your firefighting documentation in order.
