From Project to Inspection: Understanding the Differences Between AVCB and CLCB for Your Construction

If you work in construction, you've certainly come across the acronyms AVCB and CLCB. They're essential for the legality and safety of any building, but they often cause confusion. Despite having the same goal, the Auto de Vistoria do Corpo de Bombeiros (AVCB) and the Certificado de Licença do Corpo de Bombeiros (CLCB) are different documents, applied to projects with distinct characteristics.

In this post, we'll explain in detail what these documents are, where each one applies, and why they're so important for your construction project.

What Are AVCB and CLCB?

Both are certificates that confirm a building complies with fire and panic safety regulations. The goal is to ensure the location is safe for use, protecting lives and property. The main difference between them lies in the complexity of the project and the risk level of the building.

• AVCB (Fire Department Inspection Certificate): This document is issued for higher-risk buildings. The process requires the approval of a detailed Technical Project (PT), which includes the installation of more complex systems like hydrants, sprinklers, and fire compartmentation. The fire department's inspection is strict and on-site.

  
  

• CLCB (Fire Department License Certificate): This certificate is for low-risk buildings, usually with a smaller area and height. The process is simplified and faster, based on a Simplified Technical Project (PTS), which requires the installation of more basic equipment like fire extinguishers and safety signs. The inspection may be simplified or even conducted by sampling.

Classification Criteria: When to Use Each One?

The choice between AVCB and CLCB isn't random; it's determined by the building's risk, which is evaluated based on technical criteria. The most important risk factors are:

• Built Area: Smaller buildings qualify for the CLCB, while larger ones require the AVCB. The limit varies according to state laws, but it's generally around 750 m² or 1,500 m².

  
  

• Building Height: Lower constructions, like warehouses or single-story houses, can qualify for the CLCB. Multi-story buildings, which require pressurized emergency stairwells and other complex systems, demand the AVCB.

  
  

• Fire Load: This is the amount of heat that can be generated by all combustible materials in a space. For example, a paper storage facility has a much higher fire load than an office with minimal furniture. Locations with a high fire load (like factories and flammable material warehouses) will always need the AVCB.

  
  

• Occupancy and Use: A school (a public gathering place with high density) and a hospital (where evacuation is more difficult) will always require an AVCB, even if the area is small. In contrast, a small office or a single-family residence might be able to get a CLCB.

  
  

In all these situations, the presence of a valid CLCB or AVCB is proof that safety measures, such as emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and alarm systems, were correctly designed and implemented to protect people.

Risk Factors and Building Classification

To determine safety requirements, the Fire Department considers the building's classification. This isn't limited to just area or height; it includes a detailed analysis of risk factors. The main ones are:

• Occupancy and Use: A chemical factory (industrial use) has different requirements than a hospital (healthcare use). The type of use determines the number of people, how long they stay, and the difficulty of evacuation.

  
  

• Fire Load: This is the amount of heat that can be generated by all combustible materials in a space. For example, a paper storage facility has a much higher fire load than an office with little furniture. This load influences the choice of fire suppression systems (e.g., more powerful sprinklers).

  
  

• Height and Built Area: Tall buildings require more complex solutions, like stairwell pressurization to prevent smoke entry, and emergency elevators for use by the Fire Department.

These factors are crucial for developing the safety project. Ignoring them is like building a house without a foundation.

Types of Fire Safety Projects: PT and PTS

The process of obtaining an AVCB requires the approval of a technical project. There are two main types of projects, which depend on the characteristics of the building:

Technical Project (PT)

The Technical Project (PT) is the most detailed and complete model. It's required for buildings with a higher fire risk, greater complexity, or those that exceed a certain limit in built area or height. The PT must be prepared by a qualified professional (usually an engineer or architect), following technical standards.

The project includes blueprints, descriptive reports, and detailed specifications for all fire safety systems, such as:

• Hydrants and Hose Reels: Water points for fighting fires.

  
  

• Sprinkler Systems: Automatic showers that activate in case of high temperatures.

  
  

• Fire Detection and Alarm System: Sensors that identify smoke or heat and trigger the alarm.

  
  

• Vertical and Horizontal Compartmentation: The use of materials and structures that slow the spread of fire between floors or rooms.

Simplified Technical Project (PTS)

The Simplified Technical Project (PTS) is a faster, less bureaucratic procedure, applicable to low-risk buildings with reduced built area and height. It's ideal for small commercial establishments, single-family homes, and other specific cases defined by local laws.

For the PTS, the responsible professional fills out forms and declarations, often online, certifying that the building meets the basic safety requirements. The Fire Department's inspection can be done by sampling or in a simplified manner, which speeds up the issuance of the AVCB.

From Project to Inspection: The Step-by-Step Process

The process to get an AVCB or CLCB has similar steps, but with different levels of complexity:

1. Project Development: A qualified engineer or architect develops the fire safety project, specifying the necessary equipment and protective measures, such as extinguishers, signage, escape routes, and emergency exits. The choice of project type (PT or PTS) is made at this stage, based on legal criteria.

   
   

2. Submission and Approval: The project is submitted to the fire department, which reviews it and may request adjustments. For the AVCB, this analysis is technical and detailed. For the CLCB, the analysis is simplified and, in many cases, can be done automatically.

   
   

3. Implementation of Safety Measures: Once the project is approved, the construction must be executed in strict compliance with the specifications. This is when the safety systems are installed.

   
   

4. Inspection and Issuance: The fire department conducts an on-site inspection to verify that what was designed has been correctly implemented and that the systems are functional. With their approval, the AVCB or CLCB is issued.

A Commitment to Safety

AVCB and CLCB aren't just bureaucracy; they're a guarantee that a project was designed to protect lives. For engineers, understanding these acronyms is fundamental, as it defines the scope of the safety project. Ignoring the importance of these documents can result in serious accidents, fines, and the shutdown of the building.

Mastering the differences between AVCB and CLCB is the first step to ensuring your construction project, whether it's a large factory or a small office, is in full compliance with the law and, more importantly, is a safe place for everyone.

Do you have any questions about the CLCB or AVCB process?

Contact E.S.A. and request a consultation!

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