CEPREVEN is celebrating its 50th anniversary, a milestone that reflects five decades […]
CEPREVEN is celebrating its 50th anniversary, a milestone that reflects five decades of continuous work dedicated to prevention, safety, and the protection of people, property, and the environment. Founded half a century ago, the Association was created through the initiative and vision of a group of professionals committed to advancing prevention standards in Spain.Since its inception, CEPREVEN has actively contributed to the development of technical knowledge, the promotion of best practices, the delivery of specialized training, and collaboration with public and private entities to help create a safer environment for all.
On 20 January 1976, at the National Insurance Union headquarters, representatives from various organizations met to establish an association devoted to research into the study and analysis of the root causes of all types of risks. Its purpose was to define standards and technical measures to eliminate or reduce such risks, working alongside the public administration and disseminating findings to relevant sectors and to society at large.
As recorded in the founding charter, that meeting gave rise to the National Centre for Damage and Loss Prevention (CEPREVEN), conceived with a cooperative approach and close collaboration with competent authorities and peer organizations.
The First Steering Committee Special recognition is due to the first Steering Committee, composed of:
Emilio Junquera Butler, representing the National Union of Insurance Entrepreneurs and La Unión y el Fénix Español
50 Years of Milestones: Training, Technical Documentation and Standards
Over these five decades, CEPREVEN has consolidated an activity focused on the exchange of information and experience, as well as on the enhancement and professional development of stakeholders involved in risk prevention and protection through training programmes, technical committees and specialized publications.
In the documentary field, CEPREVEN maintains a structured catalogue of rules, technical specifications and checklists, as well as specialized documentation on fire safety. The Association also acts as the official NFPA distributor in Spain, facilitating access to NFPA catalogue publications.
As a publishing milestone, CEPREVEN maintains a collection of books, guides, codes and NFPA/CEPREVEN standards in Spanish. The European dimension has also been an integral part of its trajectory.
CEPREVEN has participated in the Prevention Forum of Insurance Europe (CEA), where a cooperation agreement was signed to establish expert working groups among organizations such as ANPI, CNPP, DBI, FPA, VdS and CEPREVEN. In this same vein, CEPREVEN has disseminated developments in European standards related to sprinkler systems, highlighting joint editions and collaborative work among European prevention bodies.
In 2016, the organization marked its 40th anniversary with a commemorative event attended by more than 200 participants. Institutionally, the appointment of Jon Michelena as Director General (2012) and his designation as Vice President of CFPA Europe (2020) represent milestones of continuity and international projection, with CEPREVEN serving as Spain’s representative within the confederation.
New Headquarters and New Practical Training School
As part of its ongoing evolution, CEPREVEN inaugurated its new headquarters on 9 October 2025, coinciding with International Fire Prevention Day. The new facilities incorporate technical classrooms and upgraded training spaces designed to provide more practical instruction tailored to the sector’s current challenges.
With these new premises, CEPREVEN reinforces its mission to provide tools, knowledge and spaces enabling professionals, companies and institutions to anticipate risk and ensure the highest standards in safety. Continuing this commitment, on 20 January 2026 CEPREVEN launched its Practical Training School in Fire Protection, conceived to deliver applied training aligned with current industry technologies.
The School offers five workshops covering, among other areas, fire suppression systems (sprinklers, foam and water spray), gaseous and powder agents, smoke detection and control, manual firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers, dry risers, hose reels and hydrants), and fire water supply systems. These programmes draw on technology from leading manufacturers to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective.
An Anniversary to Reaffirm Its Purpose
Fifty years after its founding, CEPREVEN underscores the continued relevance of its original mission: to research, standardize, train and disseminate knowledge so that prevention is grounded in evidence, methodology and technical cooperation—and continues to translate into tangible improvements in the protection of people, assets and economic activity.
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