Commissioning a Shelter (Protective Structure)

Commissioning a Shelter (Protective Structure)

Purpose of the article: to explain how to properly commission a civil protection shelter, what documents are required, what DBN (State Building Codes) regulations apply, and what common mistakes developers make.

What is a shelter and when must it be commissioned?

A shelter is a civil protection structure designed to temporarily house people during emergencies or wartime. According to the Law of Ukraine “On Civil Protection” and DBN B.2.2-5:2023 “Buildings and Structures. Civil Protection Facilities”, these structures must be officially commissioned after construction or reconstruction is completed.

Main Stages of Shelter Commissioning

1. Completion of construction works
   • Construction carried out according to the approved design documentation.
   • Compliance with DBN requirements for ventilation, airtightness, autonomous power supply, sanitation, etc.
2. Technical inventory
   • Order a technical passport for the shelter with all specifications.
3. Obtaining a conclusion from the State Emergency Service (SES)
   • The SES verifies the shelter’s compliance with civil protection regulations.
   • A readiness report for the protective structure is issued.
4. Submitting documents to DIAM
   • Register a declaration or obtain a compliance certificate (depending on the building’s consequence class).
   • The declaration is submitted via the Unified State Electronic System in the Construction Sector.
5. Official commissioning
   • Confirmation of registration in the system, granting the right to use the facility.

What documents are required?

• Approved project documentation
• Readiness report of the facility
• SES conclusion
• Technical passport
• Compliance certificate or declaration
• Land ownership or use documents

Common Mistakes Made by Developers

• Constructing a shelter without meeting DBN requirements for ventilation or airtightness.
• Lack of an approved shelter design as part of the main facility project.
• Failing to obtain the SES conclusion.
• Submitting a declaration without confirming the shelter’s readiness.

GlobalBud Ukraine Services

Specialists at GlobalBud Ukraine will help you:

• Develop or adapt a shelter design project.
• Ensure documentation approval.
• Obtain all necessary permits for commissioning the protective structure.
• Provide support during SES and DIAM inspections.

We work with both private developers and legal entities, including international companies. Contact GlobalBud Ukraine — we will commission your shelter quickly, in compliance with legal and construction standards.