New state building codes for civil defense structures: Clear requirements and inclusiveness

Starting from November 1, new state construction standards governing the construction and reconstruction of civil protection facilities will come into force in Ukraine. This decision was made by the Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and is aimed at improving the safety and health of citizens.

According to the Ministry's press service, the new construction standards will come into force on November 1, 2023, and set strict requirements for the design and construction of new protective structures, as well as impose responsibility for compliance with the standards on the reconstruction and overhaul of existing structures.

The new state construction standards stipulate that projects for the construction of residential and public buildings, including schools, hospitals, and kindergartens, must take into account the proper arrangement of zones. According to the approved draft DBN, all protective structures must meet the requirements of inclusiveness, including physical barrier-free access. This implies the availability of ramps for people with disabilities. If a ramp is not possible, it is recommended to use lifting devices and mechanisms.

In addition, protective structures should have visual and tactile navigation systems, contrasting markings on stairs and thresholds. During the construction of new facilities, it is also mandatory to equip at least one universal sanitary and hygienic room for every 200 people.

The draft DBN B.2.2-5:2023 is already available on the portal of the Unified State Electronic System in the field of construction. Within a month, the project will be registered, and its control copy will be available for use in the design of buildings.

Also, until November 1, the Ministry of Reconstruction will provide expert advice to representatives of the construction market on the features of the new DBN and their implementation in practice. These new construction standards were developed in cooperation with numerous government agencies, scientific institutes and representatives of the construction industry to ensure the highest level of safety and comfort for citizens.