The ERP safety commission
Establishments open to the public (ERP) are subject to strict fire safety and accessibility regulations. Compliance with these regulations is monitored by the ERP safety commission. What is the role of the ERP commission? What do its visits entail, and how can you best prepare for them as an ERP manager? We answer all your questions.
What is the role of the safety commission for ERP?
If you own and/or operate an establishment open to the public (ERP), you must comply with a number of fire safety regulations. Your establishment must enable all occupants to evacuate safely, avoiding panic. It must also be designed to limit the outbreak or spread of fire.
Your obligations depend on :
- The capacity of your premises: categories from 1 to 5. The number 1 corresponds to the largest capacity (over 1,500 people).
- Your establishment's activity: defined by a letter. For example, healthcare establishments are classified as U, while retail outlets are classified as M.
The role of the local or departmental safety commission is to carry out inspection visits to ERP buildings to check that all fire safety regulations are being complied with. In particular, it checks the following points
- obstruction of corridors and emergency exits ;
- proper operation of fire-fighting equipment, warning systems (alarms) and emergency lighting;
- proper operation of the smoke extraction system;
- mandatory maintenance of safety equipment;
- proper maintenance of the safety register.
For your information, the design of your establishment is assessed by a safety commission when you submit your building permit (PC) or works authorization (AT). Interior layout, passageway widths, number of emergency exits, location of safety equipment and staffing levels are all examined to ensure that your plans comply with regulations.

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How does the fire safety commission visit an ERP site?
For establishments in categories 1 to 4, the safety commission must carry out an inspection prior to opening. This is essential if you are to be authorized to operate your premises. Other assessments are also organized during the operating period.
As the person in charge of the establishment, you are required to be present when the commission meets, or to be represented by a qualified person. During its examination, the ERP safety commission :
- visits your premises and draws up a list of any regulatory violations;
- keeps your administrative documents and safety register up to date;
- suggests improvements or modifications to be made to your establishment to comply with the fire regulations that apply to you;
- checks that any remarks made during a previous visit have been taken into account (if this is not a first visit).
Following its visit, the commission draws up a visit report in which it issues a favorable or unfavorable opinion as to the compliance of your establishment.
The mayor's office takes note of this report and notifies you of the commission's opinion. In the event of serious non-compliance, it may decide to temporarily close your establishment. You will then be obliged to carry out the work required by the commission to obtain authorization to operate your establishment again.
Frequency of inspections by the safety commission, depending on the establishment:
The visit of the ERP safety commission can take place at different times in the life of your ERP :
- before opening;
- periodically, depending on the category and type of establishment ;
- unexpectedly (sometimes following a visitor's report).
After opening, category 1 to 4 buildings are subject to periodic inspections by the safety commission. Depending on their activity, the interval between two inspections may be 3 or 5 years.
However, periodic inspections are not systematic for 5th category establishments. It is carried out every 5 years for the following uses:
- ERP type J: facilities for the elderly and disabled with sleeping areas;
- Type O ERP: hotels and boarding houses;
- ERP type R: schools with accommodation ;
- Type U ERP: healthcare establishments with accommodation.
Please note that all categories and types of establishments open to the public may be subject to an unannounced visit by the safety commission during the course of their operation.

How to prepare for the safety commission's visit to your ERP?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for the safety commission's visit:
- keep your safety register up to date;
- Keep up to date with the maintenance of your fire safety equipment (extinguishers, alarms), and make sure they are in good working order;
- Legibly display a sufficient number of mandatory evacuation plans and safety instructions, depending on the configuration of your premises;
- Make sure that all corridors and emergency exits are clear of obstructions;
- make sure that the recommendations from the previous visit have been taken into account;
- be accompanied by a person trained in fire safety on the day of the inspection.
At Onet Securitywe understand that obtaining a favorable opinion from the safety commission is essential to the long-term success of your business. Our agents are SSIAP-certified and, thanks to their expertise, contribute to the safety of people and property.
Don't hesitate to contact us to find out exactly what your regulatory obligations are, or to arrange a pre-audit of your facility. We'll be happy to point out any shortcomings you've identified, so that you can remedy them before the safety commission passes by.
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