What are Self-Protection Measures? Guide for all establishments in Portugal

Self-Protection Measures: what they are, why they exist, and the responsibilities of those who run a public-facing space

Many people run a café, shop, salon, office, warehouse or other type of space and are unaware that the law requires Self-Protection Measures (MAP). This article explains, in a simple and straightforward way, what these measures are, why they are mandatory, and the responsibilities of those who own or manage an establishment.

1. What are Self-Protection Measures?

Self-Protection Measures (MAP) are a set of procedures, records and actions designed to reduce the risk of fire and ensure that, if something does happen, people and property are protected as effectively as possible.

They are mandatory in virtually all public and private buildings in Portugal, under the Legal Regime for Fire Safety in Buildings (RJ-SCIE).

Self-Protection Measures act like a "safety manual" for each building / establishment, including:

• Prevention procedures: routines such as keeping equipment in good condition, ensuring unobstructed access, carrying out mandatory maintenance, and controlling sources of risk.
• Emergency procedures: actions to take in the event of a fire - evacuation, alerting the fire brigade, initial use of first-intervention equipment.
• Training and drills: training and rehearsing with occupants - whether few or many - so they know how to act.
• Mandatory records: everything that is done (maintenance, drills, inspections) must be recorded and kept up to date.

In the event of a fire or accident, the authorities and insurers require proof that the responsible party has complied with their legal obligations. Without MAP implemented, the consequences can be severe.

2. Who is responsible for these measures?

The responsibility always lies with the owner, operator or person in charge of the establishment:

• If you run a restaurant, it is your responsibility.
• If you run a salon or office, it is your responsibility.
• If you lease a space to run your business, it remains your responsibility as the operator.
• If you have employees, staff or receive members of the public, the responsibility still rests with you.

This is not optional. The law requires it and identifies this person as the Safety Officer, who may appoint a Safety Delegate to represent and assist them in implementing the required measures.

The Safety Delegate, where appointed, acts as a "fire safety manager" and may be the business owner themselves or a designated employee.

3. What are the obligations of the Safety Officer?

This role is not ceremonial: the law requires the Safety Officer to ensure that the building / establishment meets safety obligations. This includes:

3.1. Ensuring that MAP exist and are up to date, and therefore must:

• Be adapted to the building type and the existing risk;
• Be reviewed whenever there are changes to the space, equipment or activity.

3.2. Guaranteeing the implementation of the measures:

• Promote internal training;
• Carry out evacuation drills;
• Ensure maintenance of safety equipment (fire extinguishers, fire doors, emergency lighting, detection systems, etc.);
• Ensure that exits and evacuation routes are unobstructed.

3.3. Keeping records organised and available

All procedures must be recorded and stored. During an inspection or after a fire, these Safety Records prove compliance with legal requirements:

• Maintenance and in-house equipment checks;
• Anomalies, repairs, inspections;
• Training and drills.

Without up-to-date Safety Records, the measures are considered not to have been complied with, even if you had good intentions.

3.4. Coordinating with external entities

The Safety Officer is the point of contact for:

• National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC);
• Fire brigade;
• Maintenance company;
• Insurers.

3.5. Promoting a safety culture

This means raising awareness among workers, staff or building occupants to prevent accidents, since these often happen not due to a lack of means but due to a lack of knowledge.

4. Why is this responsibility important?

4.1. Protection of human life

The main goal of the SCIE is to ensure that people can evacuate quickly and safely in the event of an accident.

4.2. Reducing losses

A well-implemented plan reduces property damage and business interruption.

4.3. Legal responsibility

If non-compliance occurs, the consequences may include:

• High fines that can exceed €20,000;
• Temporary closure of the establishment;
• Reduced or denied insurance payouts;
• Civil liability of those responsible if they cause damage;
• Criminal liability of those responsible in the event of serious injury or death.

5. Is this complicated?

No. What the law requires is reasonable and proportionate to the risk. The problem is that many businesses and entities are unaware that this obligation exists, and only find out when they are inspected - or when an incident occurs.

Complying with MAP is simpler when you understand the logic:

• Prevent so it doesn't happen;
• Prepare to act;
• Record to prove.

Sources: Legal Regime and Technical Regulation for Fire Safety in Buildings, ANEPC Technical Notes.