A Look Back at the 2026 SiBe Conference: Responsibility at the Intersection of fire safety officers, Property Owners, and Building Users

Who is responsible when a fire safety-related incident occurs during operations? This central question was the focus of this year’s SiBe Conference, which was hosted by the Swiss Safety Center in Wallisellen. The conference examined the different responsibilities of fire safety officers (SiBe), property owners, and building users.

The conference combined legal principles with organizational issues and practical, proven solutions. Experts in law, occupational safety, communication, and operational practice discussed the challenges that fire safety officers face daily.

Technical Focus Areas with Practical Relevance

The program addressed key topics in organizational fire safety and workplace safety:

Legal Foundations and Liability Issues for fire safety officers, Building Owners, and Building Users

– Rights, duties, and responsibilities outlined in fire safety officers’ job descriptions

– Evacuation: common misconceptions versus actual requirements

– Internal communication in emergency situations

– Practical insights from fire safety officers across various industries

The presentations made it clear that effective fire safety requires more than just complying with regulations. Clear responsibilities, structured communication, and cooperation among all parties involved are essential prerequisites for acting quickly and appropriately in the event of an incident.

Valuable Exchange Across Industry Lines

In addition to the technical presentations, the conference offered numerous opportunities for personal exchange. Participants discussed specific issues from their day-to-day work, compared different approaches, and benefited from the experiences of other professionals. The cross-industry dialogue once again demonstrated how diverse the challenges faced by fire safety officers can be and how valuable the mutual transfer of knowledge is.

A key takeaway from the event is that: The role of fire safety officers requires organization, communication, expertise, and responsibility. As such, their role goes far beyond individual operational tasks and contributes significantly to an effective safety culture within the company.