Turkey safety regulation updates

Turkey is implementing new safety regulations across various sectors to improve public and guest security.

In the tourism sector, new rules for accommodation facilities aim to raise service and safety standards. These include requirements for reception areas in larger facilities, strict temperature controls for food storage, and mandatory first aid certification for staff. Specific measures for swimming pools require at least two certified lifeguards regardless of pool size, alongside mandatory filtration systems and depth indicators. These changes follow safety concerns in bungalow tourism, particularly following incidents involving child deaths in private pools.

In the urban sector, officials announced mandatory periodic fire safety inspections for buildings, a process described by Murat Bayram of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change as being similar to vehicle inspections. To assist fire departments with access issues, a new system of fire safety specialists will be implemented to help generate safety reports and ensure building owners are not disadvantaged by access restrictions.

Recent developments in İzmir highlight efforts to bolster disaster response and address evolving risks. The İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department is undergoing intensive training to obtain AFAD heavy search and rescue accreditation. Approximately 110 personnel are being instructed in international standards, including seismic listening, technical rescue, and debris search, culminating in a rigorous 72-hour examination. Additionally, the 6th International Fire Symposium in İzmir addressed emerging fire risks from electric vehicles and solar power plants, while reinforcing discussions regarding upcoming building safety inspections and the role of certified specialists.