Fire Safety

Fire Safety Responsibilities of a Business in Ireland

If you are a commercial building (non residential) owner or you are in control of such a building you are responsible for FIRE SAFETY in this building. This is based on Fire Services Act of 1981 & 2003.

Fire Safety Duties of the owner or occupier

1) take reasonable measures to guard against fire,

2) provide reasonable fire safety measures and prepare fire safety procedures,

3) ensure that fire safety procedures are followed,

4) ensure fire safety of persons on the premises.

Typical Fire Safety measures

1) Fire doors across the building,
2) Fire detection and fire alarm system covering the building,
3) Emergency lighting across the building,
4) Clear Escape routes,
5) Emergency procedures and their implementation,
6) Portable fire extinguishers across the building,
7) Not locked escape doors,

In short a business is responsible for Fire Safety of persons on the premises, part of that responsibility is to train your employees in regards of Fire Safety. This can be done by having your employees attend Fire Safety Training .

Another piece of legislation describing Fire Safety Responsibilities is Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Section 11.1 part c of the Act states:
"(c) for the purposes of implementing the plans, procedures and measures referred to in this section and section 8

(i) designate employees who are required to implement those plans, procedures and measures, and

(ii) ensure that the number of those employees, their training and the equipment available to them are adequate, taking into account either or both the size of and specific hazards relating to the place of work."

Designated employees from the above section are often called Fire Wardens or Fire Marshals.

The 2005 Act states that all employers are required to:
"provide the necessary measures to be taken appropriate to the place of work for first aid, fire-fighting and the evacuation of employees and any other individual present in the place of work, taking account of the nature of the work being carried on and the size of the place of work".

To recap all employers in Ireland must appoint proper number of Fire Wardens to help evacuate the work place and carry out other duties in an emergency. Fire Wardens/Fire Marshals should undergo a Fire Warden Training .

Another helpful measure in improving Fire Safety is to train employees on using Fire Alarm System. People are often confused and do not know what to do when Fire Alarm sounds and do not see the difference between fault or real alarm. They also have problem with silencing false alarms. It may be helpful to have your employees attend Fire Alarm Training .

What are Fire Safety steps at work?

1. Fire Safety Risk Assessment

Identify potential fire hazards on regular basis and evaluate the risks.

2. Implement Fire Safety Measures

Fire Safety Equipment: fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting must be serviced on annual basis.

3. Fire Safety Emergency Planning

Fire Safety Emergency Plan must be developed.

4. Fire Safety Training and Information

Provide Fire Safety Training to all staff on annual basis or as required.
Appoint Fire Wardens and provide Fire Warden Training on 1 or 2 year basis.