Difference between the RSCIEI regulation and the DB SI
The applicable regulations for fire protection vary depending on the scope and activity carried out. One of the most common questions about this is whether to apply the Fire Safety Regulations for Industrial Establishments (RSCIEI) or the Basic Fire Safety Document (DB SI).
What will you learn in this article?
- What is the RSCIEI regulation?
- Scope of application of the RSCIEI
- What is the Basic Fire Safety Document
- What is the difference between RSCIEI and DB SI
➡ What is the RSCIEI Regulation?
The Fire Regulation for Industrial Establishments defines the guidelines to follow to determine the fire resistance of industrial installations. It also establishes the rules regarding fire exits, smoke control, etc.
Its objective is to regulate the requirements and conditions that industrial installations must meet to be adequately protected against such a destructive threat as fires.
➡ Scope of Application of the RSCIEI
The application of the RSCIEI regulation covers four different areas, all within the industrial framework:
- Industries, understood as those defined in the Article 3, point 1, of the Law 21/1992 of July 16 on industry.
- Workshops dedicated to repairing and vehicle parking for both passenger and cargo transportation.
- Industrial warehouses.
- Installations and equipment related to any of the previous activities, such as those linked to a production or storage process.
➡ What is the Basic Fire Safety Document?
The Basic Fire Safety Document is part of the Technical Building Code (CTE) and is responsible for establishing the basic rules and procedures for fire safety. It consists of 6 chapters that collect the applicable rules in each aspect:
- Internal propagation (SI-1), which establishes the obligation to use compartmentalization systems that divide the building into fire sectors.
- External propagation (SI-2), which defines the types of materials required to prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings.
- Evacuation of occupants (SI-3).
- Fire detection, control, and extinguishing (SI-4).
- Firefighter intervention (SI-5).
- Structural resistance (SI-6).
➡ What is the difference between RSCIEI and DB SI?
In practice, the difference between RSCIEI and DB SI lies in the scope of application of both regulations. DB SI should be applied generally in all areas of the Technical Building Code, except in industrial buildings where RSCIEI applies.
It is important to note that what defines an industrial establishment is not the type of building, but the activity carried out in it. For example, an industrial warehouse intended for commercial activity is not an industrial establishment.
Need help with fire protection for your business? At Tecnitex, we specialize in fire protection solutions and can help you comply with DB SI. If you are interested in installing fire curtains or smoke control barriers, contact us.
Bibliography
Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE). (1992, December 8). Royal Decree 681/1992, of July 22, which approves the Technical Complementary Instruction MIE-AP 1 on the fire safety conditions in industrial establishments. BOE-A-1992-17363. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1992-17363&p=20181208&tn=1#a3
Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE). (2025). Royal Decree 164/2025 on Fire Safety Regulation for Industrial Establishments. BOE-A-2025-7190. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2025-7190
Technical Building Code. (n.d.). Fire Safety in Case of Fire. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.codigotecnico.org/DocumentosCTE/SeguridadEnCasoDeIncendio.html