In the project for the complete revision of the Swiss fire protection regulations (BSV 2026), Matrisk is responsible for the conception and technical management of the risk-based approach. The starting point was a mandate from the Intercantonal Body for Technical Barriers to Trade (IOTH) to the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF) to fundamentally redesign the regulations and align them more closely with real risks.
The aim of the revision is a modern, proportionate, and consistent set of regulations. It is intended to contribute to deregulation, reduce complexity, and standardize enforcement. The basis for this is the principle of proportionality: requirements must be comprehensible, appropriate, and economical.
Matrisk developed a risk-based core for the regulations, creating a consistent assessment system. Requirements can be derived transparently based on quantitative risk models, including the Model Code. At the same time, the approach integrates both traditional (i.e., prescriptive) and performance-based verification methods. Thus, all three verification methods are based on the same foundation.
The development of the BSV 2026 follows a clear three-phase methodology. First, the foundations are established, then there is a consistent focus on risks, and finally, the structure and regulations are redesigned. Three principles guide the process: transparency, consistency, and efficiency. They ensure that requirements are clearly justified, systematically coordinated, and optimized based on risk.
In the interdisciplinary project team led by Bern University of Applied Sciences (Federal Fiscal Court) and participation of Keel and grid Matrisk contributes its expertise in quantitative risk analysis. At the same time, development is iterative and carried out in close coordination with experts, authorities, and policymakers. Technical and political consultations ensure broad support.
The BSV 2026 thus creates a clearly structured and future-proof set of rules. It is based on defined protection goals and a uniform level of security. Through the consistent focus on risk and proportionality, requirements become more understandable, processes simpler, and interfaces better coordinated.
A background interview on the BSV 2026 was published in April 2026 in IFSJ.
Videos about the complete overhaul can be found here:
Part 1: Introductory video
Part 2: The core of BSV2026
Part 3: Evidence, documentation and enforcement
Part 4: Proof of the security level
