The Fire Safety Duties of Businesses

The current structure of Ireland's fire services is based upon the Fire Services Act. This is also the legislation that places a duty of care on those who own or control a commercial building.

While the "duty of care" in respect to fire safety in buildings rests with the owner or occupier, Dublin Fire Brigade also has various powers of inspection and enforcement in order to ensure fire prevention and safety measures are in place.

Dublin Fire Brigade's Fire Prevention Section continually work with Dublin's four local authorities and the building control authority to administer and implement this legislation. It also enforces the Licensing of Indoor Events Act and the Building Control Act in the Dublin area.

Your Responsibilities under the Fire Services Act

Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Act is quoted as follows:

It shall be the duty of every person having control over premises to which this section applies to -

(a) take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises.

(b) provide reasonable fire safety measures for such premises and prepare and provide appropriate fire safety procedures for ensuring the safety of persons on such premises.

(c) ensure that the fire safety measures and procedures referred to in paragraph (b) are applied at all times.

(d) ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such outbreak has occurred or not.

Section 5 also outlines the penalties for those found guilty of an offence under the act. Those who have not fulfilled the duties set out above may be liable for fines of up to €130,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

Is My Building Fire Safe?

Buildings need to be safe from fire or capable of notifying occupants if a fire doe occur. To be sure your building is fire safe, check if the following features are in place, working and maintained:

• Fire doors.
• Fire detection and alarm system.
• Emergency lighting.
• Escape routes clear.
• Compartmentation of walls and floors.
• Portable fire extinguishers.
• Sprinkler system.
• Automatic opening vents in stairs.
• Ironmongery on escape doors (not locked).
• Management procedures.

Not every building will have all these features. Different building types have different requirements. For guidance on how to fulfil your duties under the law, check out our pages on Active Fire Protection and Passive Fire Protection for businesses.

You can also download our Fire Safety Register template to assist with your fire safety records and compliance with the legislation.

Other Fire Safety Responsibilities of Businesses

Additional requirements may be placed on businesses depending on their activities and the type of premises they occupy.

Fire Safety Certification

Businesses should also be aware that if they want to construct, alter, change the use of or extend a building, they will need to apply for a fire safety certificate prior to starting any works.

Obtaining a certificate ensures that your design plans are compliant with the relevant building regulations. Dublin Fire Brigade issues over 2,000 fire safety certificates every year. You can find out more about Ireland's building regulations on our page explaining the Building Control Acts.

Licences for Places of Assembly and Events

If your business premises is a place of assembly, whether it is a bar, club or venue, you will need to apply for the relevant licence. You will be advised to apply to the relevant licensing court and Dublin Fire Brigade will be a notified party. This means we may inspect your premises in order to provide comment to the court.

Dublin Fire Brigade is a notified party in relation to certain types of certificate and licensing applications to the District Court and the Circuit Court by public premises. These include Annual Dance Licences, Gaming Licences and Club Renewals.

Businesses that want to host a small, one-off event should notify Dublin Fire Brigade directly. However, for large events, you will have to apply for an Occasional Licence through the courts and Dublin Fire Brigade will be a notified party. Find more guidance on our Fire Safety at Events page.

Petroleum Licensing

If your business stores petroleum products or explosives, you will need to apply for a Dangerous Substance Licence and Dublin Fire Brigade will inspect your premises.

How Dublin Fire Brigade Can Help

If you need advice regarding your fire safety responsibilities or are concerned about the fire safety features of your building, contact Dublin Fire Brigade's fire prevention duty officer using the details below.