Civil defence shelters – Inspections, maintenance and property owners’ responsibilities
New national guidelines for civil defence shelters in Finland provide clearer practical instructions for their use and maintenance. For property owners and housing companies, this means clearer requirements for documentation, inspections and emergency preparedness.
New national guidelines for civil defence shelters in Finland provide clearer practical instructions for their use and maintenance. For property owners and housing companies, this means clearer requirements for documentation, inspections and emergency preparedness. RTF Services helps property owners and housing companies meet these requirements through professional shelter inspections, airtightness tests and expert services.
The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has recently published new guidelines providing practical instructions for the use and maintenance of civil defence shelters, and for drawing up emergency plans. For property owners, housing companies and property managers in Finland, these guidelines provide clearer instructions on how shelters should be maintained during everyday use and how emergency preparedness should be planned.
However, the property owner's responsibility remains unchanged: the shelter must be in working order and ready for use within 72 hours, as required by law. RTF Services provides inspections and expert services to help property owners meet these requirements.
What do the new Finnish civil defence shelter guidelines mean in practice?
The new guides focus on practical questions concerning civil defence shelters and their use:
- How can civil defence shelters be used for purposes such as storage without compromising their protective function?
- How should shelter maintenance be planned and documented?
- How should the shelter be incorporated into the property's emergency plan?
- How can the shelter be quickly prepared for use when needed
What does Finnish law say about civil defence shelters and property owners' responsibilities?
Civil defence shelters are subject to the Finnish Rescue Act and must be inspected regularly. By law, a more comprehensive inspection, including an airtightness test, must be carried out at least once every ten years. In addition, basic shelter inspections and maintenance should be performed annually.
The property owner or the housing company's board of directors is responsible for ensuring that the shelter:
- remain in working order
- can be made ready for use quickly
- has functioning technical systems and equipment
- has documented inspections and maintenance records
Civil defence shelters may be used for everyday purposes, provided that they can be cleared and prepared for use at short notice in accordance with the shelter's plan for activation.
What does a civil defence shelter inspection include?
A professional civil defence shelter inspection ensures that the shelter and its equipment function as intended. When inspections and maintenance are carried out properly, property owners can be confident that their shelters meet regulatory and technical requirements.
A typical inspection includes:
- airtightness testing
- ventilation systems, filters and ventilation units
- doors, hatches and seals
- piping systems and technical equipment
- protective equipment and medical supplies
- documentation and maintenance history
RTF Services helps identify flaws and plan the necessary corrective measures. Following the inspection, we provide an objective report outlining any repair needs and recommended actions.
Regular civil defence shelter maintenance reduces risks and costs
It is not uncommon for documentation of, or information about, the most recent shelter inspection to be missing.
Problems in civil defence shelters often develop over time. Common issues we encounter include missing equipment and materials, hatches that cannot be closed properly and shelters that fail to meet airtightness requirements. This is why regular maintenance is essential.
Recommended maintenance practices include:
- annual checks of the shelter's condition and equipment – machinery should be operated at least once a year
- necessary maintenance and repairs
- keeping documentation up to date
Preventive maintenance is always less expensive than emergency repairs!
When should you schedule a civil defence shelter inspection?
An inspection is particularly recommended in the following situations:
- at the legally required interval – an inspection including an airtightness test every ten years
- when purchasing or transferring ownership of a property
- after renovations
- when inspection records or documentation are missing
RTF Services offers comprehensive civil defence shelter services, from inspections and reports with recommended corrective measures to repairs and ongoing maintenance through service agreements. We also provide civil defence shelter consulting services.
RTF Services – Experts in civil defence shelter inspections and maintenance
The new civil defence shelter guidelines help property owners and housing companies take a more systematic approach to emergency preparedness.
Regular inspections, planned maintenance and up-to-date documentation help ensure that civil defence shelters meet both legal requirements and practical needs.
Does your property's civil defence shelter need an inspection, or are you looking for expert advice on shelter requirements?
Contact RTF Services for professional civil defence shelter inspections, maintenance planning and expert guidance.
