What an ERP is
As soon as premises receive the public, they are an ERP. The category depends on how many people it holds, and the type on the activity: a shop falls under type M. That classification sets the level of fire-safety and accessibility requirements.
Fire safety
Fit-out materials have a fire-reaction rating, from the older French M0 to M4 marks (NF P92-507 standard) through to the European Euroclasses A1 to F (NF EN 13501-1 standard). Depending on where it sits, a wall covering, a ceiling or a floor needs a suitable class. We choose the materials and panels accordingly, and we take care not to obstruct circulation routes or exits.
Accessibility
An ERP has to stay accessible to people with reduced mobility. At our level, that plays out in the fit-out: an entrance and circulation you can get through, a counter or reception desk that works for everyone, enough room to manoeuvre. We draw the furniture and the routes with that in mind.
Who signs off what
The fit-out contractor designs and builds within this framework. The compliance of the whole establishment rests with the operator and is checked with the competent parties: the architect, the inspection office, and the safety commission where relevant. We work alongside them, not in their place.
Plan it from the study stage
Thinking about these rules early costs less than fixing them afterwards. From the study stage, we build in the fire-reaction of materials and the accessibility of routes, to avoid rework on site.
