Fire Safety Guide for Building Owners and Operators

Fire Safety Guide for

Building Owners and

Operators

Guide for persons having control under

Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts 1981

and 2003

August 2023

Prepared by the Department of

Housing, Local Government and Heritage

gov.ie

i 
 
Table of Contents 
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 
1  Special Hazards ............................................................................................ 3 
Interpretation........................................................................................................ 4 
Persons Having Control (PHC) ............................................................................ 5 
1  Competent Persons ...................................................................................... 6 
Requirements under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 ................................ 8 
1  Section 18(1) ................................................................................................. 9 
2  Section 18(2) ............................................................................................... 10 
3  Section 18(3) ............................................................................................... 14 
4  Inspection and Enforcement........................................................................ 14 
5  Section 20(5) ............................................................................................... 15 
Main Duties for Persons having Control ............................................................ 16 
1  Fire Safety Programme ............................................................................... 16 
2  Fire Prevention ............................................................................................ 17 
2.1  Rubbish and Waste .............................................................................. 17 
2.2  Smoking ................................................................................................ 17 
2.3  Storage of Gas Cylinders/Cartridges .................................................... 17 
2.4  Storage of flammable, explosive or potentially explosive substance Gas 
Cylinders/Cartridges .......................................................................................... 18 
2.5  Electrical Installations and Appliances .................................................. 18 
2.6  Heating and Ventilation Systems .......................................................... 18 
2.7  Kitchens ................................................................................................ 19 
2.8  Laundries .............................................................................................. 19 
2.9  Flammable Liquids ............................................................................... 20 
2.10  Hot Work ........................................................................................... 20 
3  Staff Training ............................................................................................... 20 

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3.1  Fire Emergency Plan ............................................................................ 21 
3.2  Evacuation Drills ................................................................................... 22 
3.3  Fire Safety Instructions for Occupants .................................................. 22 
4  Escape Routes ............................................................................................ 22 
4.1  Escape routes in Places of Assembly ................................................... 23 
Regulation 4 ....................................................................................................... 25 
4.2  Overcrowding ....................................................................................... 25 
5  Liaison with the Fire Authority and Assisting the Fire Service ..................... 26 
5.1  Liaison with the Fire Authority ............................................................... 26 
5.1  Assisting the Fire Service ..................................................................... 26 
5.2  Plan of Premises .................................................................................. 27 
6  Fire Safety Register – Record Keeping ....................................................... 27 
6.1  Fire Safety Register .............................................................................. 27 
6.2  Additional Information ........................................................................... 30 
Fire Safety Maintenance and Testing ................................................................ 31 
1  Fire Safety Systems: Testing, Inspection and Maintenance ........................ 31 
2  Fire Detection and Alarm Systems .............................................................. 33 
3  Emergency Lighting System........................................................................ 34 
4  Fire Doors ................................................................................................... 36 
5  Fire Mains: Risers/Fallers ........................................................................... 39 
6  Firefighting Shafts and Lifts ......................................................................... 40 
7  First Aid Firefighting Equipment, including Hose Reels ............................... 41 
8  Smoke Control Systems .............................................................................. 43 
8.1  Stairway Smoke Control ....................................................................... 43 
8.2  Smoke Control in Larger more Complex Buildings ............................... 44 
8.3  Smoke Clearance Systems in Enclosed Car Parks .............................. 44 

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6.9  Sprinkler Systems ....................................................................................... 47 
6.10  Doors on Escape routes, Final Exit Doors ............................................... 47 
6.11  Maintenance of Private Fire Hydrants and Water Supplies ...................... 48 
6.12  Maintenance of Compartmentation (Fire Stopping) ................................. 49 
7  Buildings containing Flats/ Apartments .............................................................. 52 
7.1  Fire Detection and Alarm Systems .............................................................. 53 
7.2  Emergency Lighting System in Buildings with Open Shared Balcony Egress
  54 
7.3  Sprinkler Systems ....................................................................................... 54 
7.4  Smoke Control ............................................................................................ 54 
7.5  Evacuation procedures ............................................................................... 56 
7.6  Flat/Apartment Doors .................................................................................. 57 
7.7  Building Layout ............................................................................................ 57 
8  Recommended Routine Maintenance Schedules .............................................. 59 
Appendix A.  Referenced Standards ...................................................................... 76 
Appendix B.  Legislation ......................................................................................... 78 
Appendix C.  Other Publications ............................................................................. 79 
Appendix D.  Technical Guidance Documents ....................................................... 80 
Appendix E.  Management Responsibilities - Exemplar Premise (Informative) ...... 83 
Appendix F.  Requirements for Landlords .............................................................. 84 
Appendix G.  Instructions for Residents .................................................................. 86 
Appendix H.  Instructions for Occupants................................................................. 87 
Appendix J.  Check Sheets/Log Sheets/Certification of Equipment and Systems . 88 
Appendix K.  Nomenclature / Abbreviations/ Definitions ........................................ 99 
 

1 Introduction

The purpose of this guide is to assist the person having control of premises in

discharging their statutory fire safety responsibilities under section 18(2) of the Fire

Services Acts 1981 and 2003. Section 18(2) places a duty on persons having control

over a wide range of premises types, but excluding premises consisting of a dwelling

house occupied as a single dwelling.

Additionally in the case of places of assembly, The Fire Safety in Places of Assembly

(Ease of Escape), Regulations, 1985 apply (see Section 5.4.1 below).

While the guidance in this document is relevant to the management of fire safety in

all premises (including buildings containing flats/apartments) covered by section 18,

additional specific guidance regarding buildings containing flats/apartments is

provided in Section 7.0 of this document.

Fire precautions are generally classified into three broad areas:

• Fire Safety Management:

• Passive Fire Protection:

• Active Fire Protection:

This guide is intended to assist every person having control over premises in the

practical understanding and effective management of the fire safety requirements,

and in discharging their statutory responsibilities for fire safety in premises. The text

of the relevant section of the legislation is given in Section 4.0.

In general, the person having control is required to guard against the outbreak of fire

on the premises and to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the safety of persons

on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire. If a fire emergency occurs in a

premises, it is imperative to respond effectively by evacuating the premises, and

calling the fire service.

The person having control is legally required to make provision for fire safety on the

premises; this includes providing a premises that is safe including structural fire

precautions, such as fire resistance of elements of structure, protection of escape

routes and compartmentation appropriate to the building.

Additionally, management of fire safety should ensure that all necessary reasonable

fire safety measures and procedures are in place. This may include ensuring all

fire safety systems are regularly checked, inspected and maintained (see section

6.0), ensuring suitable provision of fire safety within the premises and carrying out

repair works, as and when necessary. If the person having control requires advice

with respect to such matters, they should engage competent persons.

This guide sets out general management practices for fire safety which should be

applied, having regard to the individual circumstances of each premises

On-going, routine and planned testing and servicing of fire safety equipment and

systems is an essential part of the process to ensure fire safety in buildings or

premises.

Additionally, section 18(3) places a duty on every person on such premises,

including buildings containing flat/apartments, to conduct themselves in such a way

as to – "ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable any person on the premises

is not exposed to danger from fire as a consequence of any act or omission of his".

In this regard, it would be useful to inform the relevant persons of these duties.

Where any works are proposed in buildings they should be carried out by competent

persons, and where necessary, designed, specified, supervised and certified by a

competent professional.

Where necessary, a full fire safety assessment of the provisions for fire safety in a

premises may be undertaken. Guidance on fire safety assessment, and suitable

qualifications for those engaged by the person having control to carry out such an

assessment, is available in the “Code of Practice for fire Safety Assessment of

Premises and Buildings” published by Department of Housing Local Government

and Heritage. (See Other Publications, below.)

Users of this guide are advised that the interpretation and application of the more

complex technical information contained in this document should be entrusted to

competent persons.

It is recognised that, as there are many types of premises and as there are

differences in the types of buildings, there may be a need for flexibility in the

implementation of this guide in particular cases.

Guides and codes of practice, relevant for a range of existing buildings, have been

issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage –these

documents provide guidance specific to the type of premises concerned, on

compliance with Section 18(2) and, in the case of places of assembly, compliance

with the Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape), Regulations 1985.

They are available at the Department’s website (www.gov.ie/housing), and are listed

here in Other Publications, below.

A local fire authority may give advice in relation to fire safety to the owner or occupier

of any premises or to any person having control over any premises.

1.1 Special Hazards

This guide provides guidance in respect of the majority of fire safety issues expected

to arise in buildings generally. Additional considerations may be required where

flammable, explosive, or potentially explosive materials are stored or deposited in

buildings.

Reference may be made to other published guidance in relation to these premises

types, for example: “Guidance document on fire safety in stores for explosives”

published by Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (2008), see

other publications below.

Some premises may contain specific hazards such as:

• magazines or explosive stores

• petroleum stores

• oil jetties

In addition to the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, other legislation may apply at

these premises:

• Dangerous Substances Act, 1972

• Explosives Act, 1875

• Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 200

2 Interpretation

This guide is an aid to, and not a substitute for, professional judgement and/or

common sense, and accordingly:

 It should be noted that this guide does not purport to be a statement or legal

interpretation of the relevant sections of the Acts or of any of the Regulations

made under the Acts. It is not intended as a substitute for professional legal

advice.

 This guide is not a legal interpretation of, or substitution for, the legislation and

is non-exhaustive.

 The recommendations in this guide are advisory only and are not statutory

requirements. Compliance with them does not confer immunity from statutory

obligations nor exempt a person from the need to ensure that any relevant

statutory requirements are complied with.

3 Persons Having Control (PHC)

The person having control may be an individual person, a number of persons or an

organisation such as those indicated in Figure.1. In other circumstances, some or

all these parties could share the responsibility of the person having control,

depending on tenancy agreements and/or other arrangements. The level of

responsibility may depend on the amount of control a person or an organisation

(such as an owners’ management company, approved housing body, real estate

investment trust or property services company) exercises over the premises and its

operation.

Figure 1 Diagram to illustrate the parties that may hold or share in section 18(2)

responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the person having control to ensure that all necessary and

appropriate arrangements are in place to deal with the safety of persons on the

premises in the event of fire. In small premises, this role might only be a part of the

Person Having Control

Owners

Management

Company

Landlord

Leasee

Housing

Authority

Tenant of

Premises

Owner

Property

Services

Company

Facilities

Manager

Occupier

Approved

Housing

Body

Person

Hiring

Premises

Caretaker

Estates

Manager

person’s job/tasks. This responsibility may be shared amongst a number of parties.

(see Figure 1)

The level of responsibility placed on a person may, to an extent, depend on the level

of control they exercises over the premises. For example, the owner of premises

might normally be expected to ensure that the structural fire safety of the premises is

adequate, while, in addition to the owner, a person hiring the premises for a period,

might normally be expected ensure fire safety in the operation of the premises – for

example: to prevent overcrowding, to check that the fire exits are unlocked and clear,

and that any decorations introduced on a temporary basis do not present a fire

hazard.

Where section 18(2) responsibilities are shared between a number of parties – for

example, between landlord and tenant(s), a property manager, or between occupiers

of different parts of a building – allocation of responsibility for management of fire

safety (including maintenance of the premises, maintenance of active fire safety

systems such as fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting systems,

evacuation procedures, etc.) should be clear to all parties involved. The lease – the

contract between the parties – should clearly identify where responsibility lies.

The person having control may delegate specific fire safety duties to members of

staff or members of an organisation; however, the person having control should

retain overall responsibility for ensuring delegated tasks are carried out.

3.1 Competent Persons

For the majority of premises owners /operators, fulfilling their section 18(2)

responsibilities may not require specialist knowledge or expertise. There are general

daily routines, such as checking the fire alarm panels and ensuring that escape

routes are available for egress, and doors on escape routes are in working order,

which can be undertaken by persons who have received a suitable level of training

see Section 8, Table 2 Maintenance Programme Schedule, below.

For the planned periodic maintenance of fire protection systems, such as fire

detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting systems, etc., or for repairs to fire

protection systems, the person having control should engage competent persons.

Where the person having control is considering any building works that may impact

fire safety, or requires advice on the suite of technical provisions for fire safety in a

premises, they should engage persons with appropriate qualifications and experience

who are in one of the following categories to design, specify and supervise any

works:

 Registered Architects that are on the register maintained by the RIAI under

Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007,

 Building Surveyors that are on the register maintained by the SCSI under Part

5 of the Building Control Act 2007,

 Chartered Engineers on the register maintained by Engineers Ireland

under section 7 of the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland

(Charter Amendment) Act 1969, or,

 Members of the Institution of Fire Engineers who hold the title

Chartered Engineer.

A noted above, the local fire authority may give advice on fire safety to the

owner or occupier of any premises or to any person having control over any

premises.

4 Requirements under the Fire Services Acts 1981

and 2003

The person having control is legally required to provide a property / premises that is

safe and all necessary reasonable fire safety measures and procedures are in place.

This may mean oversight and implementation of the fire safety features, measures

and procedures within the premises, and carrying out remedial works and

maintenance as and when necessary. There are different duties which apply to two

different sets of persons -

(a) Owners, occupiers, etc.

(b) Visitors to premises, customers, contractors, residents etc.

4.1 Section 18(1)

An extract from the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 203 is as follows

Section 18 - General obligations with regard to fire safety Section 18(1)

“This section applies to premises or any part thereof put to any of the following uses

(a) Use as, or for any purpose involving the provision of, sleeping

accommodation, excluding premises consisting of a dwelling house occupied

as a single dwelling;

(b) Use as, or as part of, an institution providing treatment or care:

of any club, society or association:

(d) Use for the purpose of teaching, training or research;

(e) Use for any purpose involving access to the premises by members of the

public, whether on payment or otherwise,

Amendments made in 2003 brought the following premises into the scope of the

Acts:

i. premises used as a factory within the meaning of the Safety in Industry Acts

1955 and 1980:

ii. premises used as a store and subject to licencing under regulations made

under the Dangerous Substances Act 1972:

iii. a magazine, store or registered premises within the meaning of the

Explosives Act 1875:

iv. an oil jetty within the meaning of regulations under the Dangerous

Substances Act,1972:

v. any workplace.

Section 18(2)

“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; and

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.

4.2 Section 18(2)

Section 18(2) sets out duties which are which are placed on the person(s) having

control of premises to which Section 18 applies.

Table 1 below illustrates an example of measures and actions that may apply in the

case of a building with a licenced premises with flat above, to comply with the

requirements of section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts. (This is illustrative only, and

should not be regarded as covering the complete range of measures and actions that

may be required in every premises.)

Table 1

Section 18(2)

2) 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,

measures and procedures

referred to in paragraph (b) are

applied at all times, and

(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.

 Maintain a Fire safety register

o Identify person(s) having control over

premises, and allocate duties and

responsibilities

o schedule and record routine fire safety

visual checks/inspections, training, fire

drills, servicing and systems maintenance

 Put in place a fire safety programme to

include the following:

o Carry out fire safety duties and

responsibilities of the person having

control – or assign some or all to

responsible staff members

o Periodic inspection of electrical installation

o Periodic inspection of gas and oil

installations

o Control of other sources of ignition – such

as matches, candles, smokers’ materials,

overloaded electrics, open fires

o Regular removal of waste – to avoid build-

up of combustible materials

o Control of readily combustible materials,

such as decorations or displays

o Safe storage of flammable liquids – in

limited amounts and in suitable containers

o Closing procedure: making premises safe,

Isolating and unplugging electrical

equipment

 Provide a property / premises that is safe

o Robust building structure and fabric

o Fire resisting construction to separate

commercial premises from living

accommodation, and contain a fire event

o Provision for early warning - fire detection

and alarm system (typically, category L3X

– ’X’ for interlinking between commercial

premises and living accommodation)

o Emergency lighting, to facilitate escape

o Sufficient number of suitable escape

routes

o Maintenance and repair as required

 Provide fire extinguishing equipment

 Provide training for staff – at recruitment, and

at regular periods – housekeeping, control

of ignition sources, waste removal,

procedure on discovering a fire or hearing

fire alarm, ensuring people evacuate the

building promptly and safety, calling the fire

service, safe use of fire extinguishers,

assisting the fire service on arrival, visual

inspection of fire alarm panel, emergency

lighting, fire doors, opening up of premises

procedure (see 5.3.2 below)

 Notices for procedure in the event of fire or

alarm:

o for commercial premises, and

o for flat above

 Signs for escape routes

 Provide fire safety information to occupants

of living accommodation

 Routine visual check of fire alarm panel,

emergency lighting luminaires,fire

extinguishers, signage visibility

 Routine check on operation of fire doors,

escape routes, doors on escape routes, exit

doors

 Regular maintenance (by competent

persons) of fire alarm system, emergency

lighting, fire doors, fire extinguishers (see

Section 8 Table 2 Routine Maintenance

below)

Section 18(3)

“It shall be the duty of every person, being on premises to which this

section applies, to conduct himself in such a way as to ensure that as

far as is reasonably practicable any person on the premises is not

exposed to danger from fire as a consequence of any act or omission of

his”

4.3 Section 18(3)

The section 18(3) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 also places a duty of care

on every person being on the on premises. Any person on any premises covered by

the Act – they could be a tenant, living or working there, just visiting, attending a

show or meeting, etc. – is under an obligation to conduct themselves properly.

There are two sides to this obligation, referred to in the legislation as an act or an

omission. To do anything which would expose anyone to danger from fire (an act)

may be a breach of Section 18(3). In addition, failure to do something which would

prevent people from being exposed to danger from fire (an omission) may be a

breach of Section 18(3).

4.4 Inspection and Enforcement

While fire safety on premises is the responsibility of the person having control, fire

services have powers of inspection, and may take enforcement action where

necessary to deal with unsatisfactory provision for fire safety on premises.

Enforcement powers include:

 provision of advice in relation to fire safety

 service of notice requiring steps to be taken in relation to fire safety on

premises,

 service of notice requiring closure of premises,

 seeking an order of the High Court, prohibiting or restricting use of premises,

or part thereof.

The Fire Services Acts also provide for penalties for contravention of Part III of the

Acts, of regulations made under the Acts, or of notices to which the Acts apply.

Penalties on conviction can include fines and/or imprisonment – potentially up to 2

years imprisonment, fine up to €130,000, or both.

4.5 Section 20(5)

The aforementioned requirements of Section 18(1), (2) and (3) of the Fire Services

Acts 1981 and 2003 address requirements with regard of ensuring the safety of

occupants within buildings. Section 20(5) additionally, places a duty of care on the

person having control of buildings where flammable, explosive or potentially

explosive substance is used, stored or deposited adjacent to buildings.

Section 20(5)

“Where a fire authority is of the opinion that a flammable, explosive or potentially

explosive substance is used, stored or deposited adjacent to buildings in such a

manner as to represent a serious danger to life, the authority may serve a fire safety

notice on the owner or occupier of the land on which the substance is used, stored or

deposited requiring the taking of specified measures to reduce the danger to a

reasonable level.”

5 Main Duties for Persons having Control

Every person having control, as outlined above, has a statutory responsibility in

relation to fire safety. This section provides standardised procedures for the

development and implementation of a fire safety programme which should be an

integral part of the day-to-day management and operation of premises.

There should be clear understanding on the subject of fire safety measures and

emergency procedures, to ensure that no element of fire safety is neglected, and no

element is unreasonably duplicated, where this could cause confusion in an

emergency.

5.1 Fire Safety Programme

A fire safety programme incorporating arrangements for the following should be

prepared for each individual premises:

- prevention of outbreaks of fire, through the establishment of day-

to-day fire prevention practices;

- instruction and training of staff on all matters relating to fire safety;

- emergency fire procedures and evacuation drills;

- provision of fire safety notices/instructions to people on the premises;

- routine check of fire alarm panels, emergency lighting, portable fire

extinguishers, etc.

- routine check of operation of fire doors, doors on escape routes,

exit doors

- periodic maintenance of fire protection equipment: fire detection

and alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire doors, etc.

- maintenance of the building, and its fittings and services;

- maintenance of escape routes;

- liaison with the fire authority and assisting the fire service ; and

- keeping of fire safety records (Fire Safety Register)

A fire safety programme will be effective only if it is implemented in total, and

monitored on a day-to-day basis by the persons having control. Most of the areas

covered in this section are matters of good housekeeping and can contribute to the

maintenance of fire safety standards in a premises.

5.2 Fire Prevention

Fire prevention measures are a key element in the fire safety management of

premises. This involves the identification and elimination of potential fire hazards,

both inside and outside the premises/building, and the establishment of good

housekeeping practices, periodic inspections, and the diligent application of safety

rules. The following fire prevention measures are recommended for adoption in the

day-to-day running of the premises.

5.2.1 Rubbish and Waste

Arrangements should be made for collection and removal of waste at regular

intervals. Pending removal, rubbish and waste should be stored in suitable

containers at a designated location, away from sources of ignition. Staff should be

made aware of the importance of keeping all areas of the premises clean and tidy.

Rubbish and waste should never be allowed to accumulate in stairways or escape

routes.

5.2.2 Smoking

Smoking and careless disposal of smokers' materials is a common potential cause of

accidental fires. Where permitted, smoking should be restricted to approved areas. In

smoking areas, suitable ashtrays should be provided. Ashtrays should be emptied

frequently into metal bins, with any smouldering material being extinguished

beforehand.

5.2.3 Storage of Gas Cylinders/Cartridges

Where pressurised gas cylinders are stored in buildings, storage should be in

accordance with relevant standards. Cylinders and cartridges containing liquefied

petroleum gas should be stored in accordance with Irish Standard I.S. 3213:2020,

Code of Practice for the storage of Liquid Petroleum Gas Cylinders and cartridges.

Other gas cylinders should be stored in accordance with the British Compressed

Gases Association: CP44. The storage of gas cylinders. Revision1:2022.

5.2.4 Storage of flammable, explosive or potentially explosive

substance Gas Cylinders/Cartridges

Flammable, explosive or potentially explosive substance should not be used, stored

or deposited adjacent to buildings in such a manner as to represent a serious danger

to life.

5.2.5 Electrical Installations and Appliances

(a) Installations

Inspection and testing of the electrical installation should be carried out by

a competent registered electrical contractor in accordance with Irish

Standard 10101. The Health and Safety Authority has issued a Guidance

Note giving practical advice which can assist every person having control

to put in place a suitable regime for periodic inspection and testing of

electrical installations. (See other publications, below.)

(b) Appliances

Staff should be trained to use electrical equipment correctly and safely,

and to report defective electrical equipment. Defective equipment should

not be used; repairs as appropriate should be carried out only by

competent persons. Equipment should be switched off when not in use.

5.2.6 Heating and Ventilation Systems

All ventilation and heating systems in buildings – including air conditioning systems –

should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Any

filters, vents, access points, fans, etc. should be regularly cleaned of oil, grease and

dust.

5.2.7 Kitchens

Good housekeeping practices are essential for fire safety in kitchens. Cookers,

extract fans, extraction hoods, filters, ducts and ancillary equipment should be

regularly cleaned of oil, grease and dust. Equipment should be serviced regularly.

Precautions should be observed in kitchens – for example:

- do not leave cooking operations unattended;

- take care not to overheat fats/oils;

- do not over-fill cooking pans; and

- do not leave combustible materials (for example, towels, etc.) over stoves.

Staff should also be familiar with the location, and receive training in the safe and

correct use, of available first aid fire-fighting equipment and procedures – for

example, portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and any fixed fire suppression

systems – and use of emergency shut-off switches.

5.2.8 Laundries

Rooms used as laundries should be separate rooms. Such rooms may pose

particular fire hazards as detailed below.

(a) spontaneous combustion of compacted fabrics which have been tumble

dried. Tumble dryers should have automatic cooling at the end of the drying

cycle. Fabrics should not be over-dried, and tumble dryers should be

unloaded immediately after use and left empty. Tumble-dried fabrics should

be loosened to dissipate heat on being taken from the machine.

(b) Fluff or lint, which is readily flammable, can accumulate in laundries. Such

materials should be removed on a regular basis – especially from hot areas,

such as electric motors, tumble dryers, and other hidden locations. Filters

should be regularly inspected and cleaned.

(d) Solvents which are highly flammable are sometimes used for spot cleaning

in laundries. Only small quantities needed for immediate use should be kept

in the laundry. The main bulk of this type of liquid and general cleaning

solvents should be stored in a suitable lockable metal cabinet. Containers

for solvents should be kept closed, to prevent vapours leaking.

(e) Smoking should be prohibited in laundries, and signs to this effect should

be displayed.

5.2.9 Flammable Liquids

Where flammable liquids are used in buildings, quantities should be limited to those

needed for immediate use. If larger quantities are stored, they should be in a suitable

lockable metal cabinet. Containers for flammable liquids should be kept closed, to

prevent vapours leaking.

5.2.10 Hot Work

Adequate fire precautions should be taken when any hot work – such as soldering,

welding, etc. – is undertaken, and the work should be carefully supervised. The

activities carried out by outside contractors may introduce additional fire risks. They

may not be as familiar with the premises as those normally present.

The person having control should ensure that all necessary precautions against fire

are taken – including engaging only competent contractors.

The person having control should ensure that escape routes are not blocked or

obstructed. Access by the occupants to areas of hot work should be restricted. Where

work involves removing or switching off fire protection facilities, alternative

arrangements to maintain safety levels should be made.

Hazardous equipment and materials should be removed from the building at the end

of each working day, and a final check should be made to ensure that no fire danger

remains after work finishes.

5.3 Staff Training

For a fire safety programme to be effective, staff should be familiar with the parts of

the fire safety programme in which they have a role. Instruction and training on the

relevant areas should be given to all staff, including part-time and temporary staff. A

record of the training undertaken by the staff should be kept in the Fire Safety

Staff should receive training and instruction in relation to the following, where

relevant to their duties and roles:

- the fire prevention measures indicated in Section 5.2 above;

- the action to be taken on hearing the fire alarm;

- the action to be taken on discovering a fire;

- the evacuation procedure for the premises;

- the layout of the building, including escape routes;

- the role of fire doors in controlling fire and smoke spread, and protecting escape

routes;

- the location of manual fire alarm call points and fire-fighting equipment;

- the location of the main fire alarm control and indicating panel and any

associated alarm panels and their operation;

- the procedure for calling the fire service;

- arrangements for assisting the fire service;

- fire control techniques, including the safe use of first aid fire-fighting equipment;

- the operation of building services (for example, shutting down air conditioning

systems) to minimise fire and smoke spread;

- action to be taken where fault, damage or ineffective operation of fire protection

systems (for example, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting) or

elements (for example, fire resisting doors) is noticed

5.3.1 Fire Emergency Plan

If a fire emergency occurs in a premises, it is imperative to respond effectively by

evacuating the premises, and calling the fire service. Accordingly, a predetermined

plan should be put in place, outlining the procedures to be adopted:

- a procedure for raising the alarm;

- an evacuation procedure for the occupants, including persons with

disabilities

- a procedure for calling the fire service;

- a procedure for reporting to pre-determined assembly point(s) and informing

designated person(s) of the situation;

- a procedure for accounting for each person on the premises;

- a procedure for assisting the fire service on their arrival.

5.3.2 Evacuation Drills

To assess the effectiveness of the predetermined plan and preparatory training

given, drills which simulate fire and emergency situations should be carried out on a

regular basis. These drills can generally be organised for times which cause

minimum disruption to the operation of the premises, but all staff must be involved.

The objectives of drills are generally;

- to familiarise persons in control with their assigned roles;

- to test the availability and effectiveness of staff training;

- to test arrangements for an emergency; and

- to identify shortcomings in the emergency procedures.

Each drill should be reviewed afterwards, and procedures revised if necessary. All

drills should be recorded in the Fire Safety Register.

5.3.3 Fire Safety Instructions for Occupants

In addition to instructions for staff, written instructions on the action to be taken by

building occupants on the discovery of a fire or on hearing the fire alarm should be

displayed in prominent positions throughout the building. Instructions should be

accompanied by a simple floor plan, showing schematically the location of all storey

exits. Particular attention should be drawn to the general advice that lifts should not

be used in the event of fire. An example of the notice required, together with the fire

safety instructions, is given in Appendix H.

5.4 Escape Routes

In the event of a fire or other emergency, occupants should be able to evacuate the

premises quickly and safely, by way of routes protected from fire and smoke and free

from obstruction. This can only be achieved if escape routes are unobstructed, if fire

resisting doors are kept closed, and if exit doors are readily openable at all times

while the premises is occupied. All escape routes should be checked on a daily

basis. If any obstruction is noticed in the areas of escape, then it should be removed

immediately and any necessary steps taken to prevent a recurrence.

Daily checks of escape routes should be carried out in accordance with Section 8

Table 2 Maintenance Programme Schedule, below.

All fire safety signs, notices and instructions which are provided for the building

users, staff and the fire service should be prominently displayed and be fully and

clearly visible at all times. Damaged items should be repaired or replaced.

5.4.1 Escape routes in Places of Assembly

Premises which are used as a place of assembly may accommodate large

numbers of occupants. A "place of assembly" means a building or any part of

a building put to any of the following uses:

 amusement arcade

 art gallery

 assembly hall

 bingo hall

 concert hall

 conference hall

 cinema

 dance hall

 ecclesiastical building

 exhibition hall

 funfair building

 grandstand

 gymnasium

 indoor bowling ally

 indoor games court

 library to which the public are admitted

 museum

 non-residential collage or school

 non-residential club

 premises licenced for the sale of intoxicating liquor other than an off-

licence

 radio or television studio to which the public are admitted

 restaurant, café, canteen

 riding school

 skating rink

 sports pavilion

 stadium

 swimming baths(including any swimming pool, changing rooms, or similar

facilities)

 tent or marquee to which the public are admitted

 theatre

The Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape), Regulations, 1985 apply to

these premises (S.I. No. 249/1985) and set out some additional fire safety

requirements relating to escape routes and ensuring that they can be readily used at

all times.

5.4.2 Overcrowding

In all premises, the person having control should guard against overcrowding which

could inhibit escape of the occupants. There may be potential for overcrowding in

any building.

In the case of premises licenced under the Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 and 2003,

the maximum number of persons permitted on the premises/licenced area may be

set out as part of the licence conditions

Regulation 4

“every person having control over a place of assembly shall take the following

precautions that is to say, he shall ensure that, while the place is in actual use as a

place of assembly–

e) Subject to paragraph (ii), all escape routes are kept unobstructed and

immediately available for use;

f) Doors, gates and other like barriers across escape routes are not secured in

such a manner that they cannot easily and immediately opened by persons in

the place of assembly

g) All chains, padlocks and other removable fastenings for securing doors, gates

or other like barriers are removed and kept in a place where they may be

readily inspected by an authorised person for the purpose of section 22 of the

Fire Services act,1981,

h) No hanging or drape is placed across or along an escape route in a manner

which would impede or obstruct escape

5.5 Liaison with the Fire Authority and Assisting the Fire

Service

5.5.1 Liaison with the Fire Authority

It may be appropriate to liaise and consult from time to time with the local fire

authority with the following objectives:

- familiarisation of the fire service with the premises;

- to ensure the availability of access and appropriate facilities for the fire

service;

- advice on fire safety matters and fire safety management generally.

5.5.1 Assisting the Fire Service

Access routes to premises, including private access roads should be accessible or

arrangements should be put in place to facilitate fire service access. Obstruction of

private access routes – for example, by waste skips or parked vehicles – should be

prevented.

Facilities, such as fire hydrants and other fire-fighting water supplies, dry risers, foam

inlets, etc., should be immediately available for use by the fire service.

All firefighting lifts should have a notice displayed adjacent to the lift entrance at fire

service access level indicating the maintenance history of the lift, including the date

of the most recent weekly, monthly and six monthly checks and tests.

Signs should be provided in firefighting shafts as follows:

(a)

A storey identification sign, in each firefighting stairs, at each storey

landing, that identifies the floor by number.

(b)

A storey identification sign, in each firefighting lobby, that identifies

the floor by number.

Where there is more than one firefighting shaft in a building, the storey identification

number should be supplemented by a shaft identification number (e.g. A-1, A-2, etc.,

or similar).

5.5.2 Plan of Premises

Plans of the building and site should be made available to the fire service upon their

arrival. Such plans should indicate the following:

- Building layout, including stairways and escape routes;

- fire protection facilities;

- first aid fire-fighting equipment; gas and electricity supply shut-off points;

- storage of gas cylinders and other hazardous materials;

- the fire alarm panel for the automatic fire detection and alarm system

- the control device for any ventilation systems.

- site layout plans

5.6 Fire Safety Register – Record Keeping

5.6.1 Fire Safety Register

A Fire Safety Register should be maintained for all premises where section 18

applies. The maintenance of a Fire Safety Register will assist in meeting the general

obligations, imposed by section 18 of the Fire Services Acts, and is a means of

demonstrating compliance

The person having control should retain and make available the Fire Safety register

for the premises. This register should be kept on the premises at all times, be kept

up-to-date, and should be available for inspection by an authorised officer of the fire

authority.

The Fire Safety Register should be a living document – with daily, weekly, monthly,

quarterly and annual records of fire safety checks of procedures and the life safety

systems within the premises.

Larger, more complex premises may have correspondingly a more comprehensive

Fire Safety Register and schedule of contents, with other engineering fire safety

systems listed, and records of the appropriate maintenance and certification of those

systems included.

This information in the Fire Safety Register may also be useful in any future

maintenance or renovation. Most active and passive fire safety systems require

periodic maintenance/proactive intervention, and it is necessary for all interventions to

be properly recorded.

The Fire Safety Register should be produced and maintained in a user friendly format

suitable for ongoing use. The following information should be regarded as an indicative

schedule of contents: (Note - this list is non-exhaustive and not in any order of

preference)

Figure 3 Sample Fire Safety Register

 details of premises (address, owner, management company),

 the name of the person in control – the owner/occupier/manager, and any

deputies; fire and emergency procedures;

 fire duties assigned to staff members;

 information regarding:

 emergency lighting systems (Installation, Inspection, maintenance, and

works carried out),

 fire detection and alarm system (zones, detectors, manual call points,

inspections, false alarms, maintenance, and works carried out),

 fire doors (inventory, inspections, maintenance, and works carried out),

 sprinkler systems – water,

 fire suppression systems -gas, foam,

 smoke control systems,

 fire mains – dry/wet fallers – dry/wet risers,

 static water storage, bulk tanks,

 portable fire extinguishers

 up-to-date construction drawings and specifications; these may include

drawings prepared as part of an application to the local building control

authority for a fire safety certificate, and any conditions attached to the

certificate

 details of instruction and training given to staff on fire safety, and by whom;

 details of each fire and evacuation drill, the date thereof, the names of those

taking part, and the type, objective and results of exercises held;

 manuals, and where appropriate certificates, produced by specialist

contractors and suppliers which outline operating and maintenance

procedures and schedules for plant and equipment installed as part of the

structure;

 details of the location and nature of utilities and services, including

emergency and fire-fighting systems;

 details of routine checks, planned inspections and maintenance carried out

on fire protection equipment and systems, with comments on the results of

the checks and inspections and actions taken (and by whom) to address

defects;

 details of each inspection of the building itself, its fittings and services and

the actions taken to remedy any defects found; and

 details of all fire incidents and false alarms that occur and the actions

5.6.2 Additional Information

Additionally, persons having control might find the following document useful in

providing information regarding the structure and fabric of the premises/building.

 Certificate of compliance on completion, where applicable

6 Fire Safety Maintenance and Testing

The safety and protection of the occupants in the event of a fire will depend greatly

on the reliable functioning of fire protection equipment, such as fire detection and

alarm systems, emergency lighting systems, fire doors, smoke ventilation systems,

fire extinguishing equipment and sprinkler systems. In buildings, a high degree of

reliance may be placed on such active fire precautions, and accordingly, the person

having control should ensure that such equipment is operated and maintained to the

appropriate standards.

All such equipment should be checked by the person having control, or designated

member of staff, and inspected and maintained on a regular basis by a competent

person. Details of checks and inspection procedures for fire protection equipment are

given in Section 8, Table 2 Maintenance Programme Schedule, below. If faults or

deficiencies are discovered, they should be noted and corrective action should be

taken, as well as any appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence. Maintenance should

be arranged with competent companies or persons in accordance with the

appropriate standards.

It is important to maintain the condition of the premises/building over time, including

passive fire protection features. The integrity of walls, doors or floors which are part

of fire compartmentation or the protection of escape routes is an important feature of

passive fire protection. When repairs or alterations are made to building structures, it

should be ensured that fire resisting walls or other passive fire protection systems are

reinstated if damaged. Any alterations, additions, repairs or modifications should to

be carried out only by competent persons.

6.1 Fire Safety Systems: Testing, Inspection and

Maintenance

Planned inspection, maintenance and testing procedures should be established and

used to ensure that all fire protection systems can operate effectively when required.

Faults are a life safety issue – not simply a maintenance issue to be dealt with later;

faults should be entered in the fire safety register and corrected promptly.

Maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the relevant standards or

manufacturer’s Instructions at the recommended time intervals, and the testing and

inspection of these systems should be carried out by competent persons.

All fire safety installations should be tested individually, but interdependent fire safety

installations should be tested collectively, to demonstrate satisfactory interfacing /

interlinking (cause and effect) – for example, operation of automatic opening vents

upon the activation of localised fire detection and alarm system.

A clear understanding of how the fire safety equipment and systems operate

independently and/or collectively is key to the establishment of the planned routine

maintenance programme.

The maintenance requirements for all fire safety equipment and systems should be

sought from the equipment and/or system manufacturers, suppliers, their technical

advisers and/or specialised contractors. The following non exhaustive list details

equipment and systems which require ongoing management and routine

maintenance:

• fire detection and alarm system

• emergency lighting system

• fire doors and doors on escape routes

• dry mains, dry risers, wet risers, inlet breechings, landing valves, etc.

• fire fighting shafts and lifts

• first aid fire fighting equipment, including hose reels (if provided/ required)

• smoke control systems (common areas, such as corridors, lobbies and

stairwells)

• sprinkler systems

• signposting and way-finding measures to assist firefighting

• signposting fire hydrants and water supplies

 special provisions – for example, fire/smoke curtains and shutters, etc.

6.2 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

The majority of buildings will include a fire detection and alarm system installation

(see Figure 4). A fire detection and alarm system can be a simple manual system,

with only manual call points (break glass units). In larger or more complex

buildings a system will typically include automatic detection (smoke or heat

detectors).

The person having control should have a clear understanding and written description

of the extent of the fire detection and alarm system, and any interaction with the active

fire safety systems. In a larger building, the fire detection and alarm system may

consist of number of separate alarm zones. This can allow the fire alarm panel (see

Figure 5) to indicate the location of a fire, in the event of an alarm activation, or a fault

in the system.

Figure 4 Fire Alarm and Detection System

Figure 5 Fire Alarm Panel

A zone plan drawing should be displayed on a wall next to the fire alarm panel.

This should indicate the locations of the fire detection and alarm zones in layout

form for all floors throughout the building. Additionally the schedule of

servicing/testing should also be displayed at this location (in accordance with Irish

Standard I.S. 3218)

The Fire Safety Register should contain details of the fire detection and alarm

system. Fire detection and alarm systems should be inspected and maintained in

accordance with the recommendations of the Irish Standard IS 3218.See section

8,Table 2 Maintenance Programme Schedule,below

Section 18(3) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 places a duty on each

occupant to ensure that any person on the premises is not exposed to danger from

fire as a consequence of any act or omission on their part. Reasonable access

should be allowed for maintenance of the common alarm system. Section 7

provides additional information for fire detection and alarm systems in buildings

containing flats/apartments.

6.3 Emergency Lighting System

In general, buildings are required to include an emergency lighting system – typically

used to illuminate escape routes, common areas, corridors, stairways and service

rooms, etc. Irish Standard I.S. 3217 sets out requirements for installation, testing and

maintenance of emergency lighting systems.

The overall objective of emergency escape lighting is to illuminate escape routes to

assist safe exit from a location in a building in the event of failure of the normal

electrical supply. An emergency lighting fitting (see Figure 6) automatically

illuminates when the power fails, assisting occupants to make their way to an exit.

Emergency lighting systems should be inspected and maintained in accordance with

the recommendations of Irish Standard I.S. 3217. See Section 8, Table 2

Maintenance Programme Schedule, below.

Figure 6 Emergency Light Fitting

6.4 Fire Doors

Fire doors have two important functions in a fire:

• to maintain the fire resistance of compartmentation in buildings

• to protect escape routes by keeping them free of smoke and fire, to enable

occupants to evacuate to a place of safety

A reference to a fire door includes the door leaf(s), frame, hardware, including seals

and automatic door closers (See Figure 7). Every fire door is required to act as a

barrier to the passage of smoke and/or fire.

Fire doors may be rated differently, depending on their performance in standard fire

resistance tests, doors commonly found in buildings can offer various degrees of fire

rating eg: 30,60, 90 minutes, where required.

Fire doors are typically fitted with intumescent seals around the door or frame. These

seals reduce the spread of smoke between the door and frame. The seal swells

when exposed to high temperatures, and seals the gaps between door and frame.

Figure 7 Fire Door Components

Some fire doors may additionally be fitted with a cold smoke seal (see Figure 7).

Intumescent and cold smoke seals should not be removed or painted over.

Fire doors should be identified by a label affixed to the top edge of the door or

colour-coded plugs inserted into the door to indicate their performance in a fire

resistance test. (See Fire Door Labels – A Guide | BWF Fire Door Alliance) They

should also have a permanent sign reading “fire door keep shut” fixed on both faces

– see Figure 8 (a). (Entrance doors to flats, and internal doors in flats, and bedroom

doors in some other residential buildings are exempted from this requirement).

Identification marks should not be removed or painted over.

The protection provided by a fire door is demonstrated in Figure 9 where extensive

fire damage has occurred in a car park. This an example of how a fire door in the

closed position prevented fire spreading out of the car park to other parts of the

building, with only minor smoke damage occurring beyond the car park

Figure 8(a) Fire Door Sign

Figure 8(b) Overhead Self Closing Device

In order that a fire door be effective, it is essential that it returns to the closed

position and forms a barrier to smoke and hot gases, this closing action is

achieved by the automatic door closing mechanism.

It’s essential that fire doors are not rendered ineffective by being held open by

wedges or other objects. Any other arrangement should be considered only upon the

advice of a competent professional.

Staff moving about buildings on a daily basis who note damage or ineffective

operation of a fire door should bring it to the attention of the relevant person, and it

should be noted in the Fire Safety Register and remedial action taken. Particular

attention should be paid to fire doors where people movement is higher, as these are

likely to be more susceptible to wear.

All fire doors should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the

recommendations in Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below. Mechanical

items such as hinges, locks, latches, door closers, (see Figure 8 (b)) floor springs

etc. are likely to wear over time; it is important that these mechanisms are checked,

inspected and maintained.

Figure 9 Fire Door

Performance

Any slight alteration to the door or its surrounds can affect the performance of the fire

door. Any inspection or maintenance of the fire doors or any alterations or work on a

fire door, should be carried out only by a competent person.

Where it is necessary to replace worn hardware on a fire door, the essential items

should be replaced with products to the same specification as that outlined in the test

certification supplied by the door manufacturer.

Where any alterations are proposed to fire doors, they should be carried out by

competent persons, and where necessary, designed, specified, supervised and

certified by a competent professional.

6.5 Fire Mains: Risers/Fallers

A fire main can be a fixed water supply pipe (riser or faller) installed in building for

firefighting purposes, or can be a ring main which circuits a building to serve fire

hydrants, fire mains or other firefighting apparatus.

Usually, only the larger, complex or restricted developments include wet or dry

riser/faller installations. Risers are fixed pipes provided to facilitate the supply of

water above the inlet level, while fallers facilitate water supply below the inlet level.

Figure 10 Rising Main

These may be installed in tall or deep or otherwise complex/inaccessible buildings to

eliminate the need for fire-fighting personnel to run hoses up through the building to

carry out fire-fighting operations (see Figure 10). In the case of wet risers (usually

only taller or complex/inaccessible developments) a detailed maintenance program

is necessary and should be carried out by competent persons in accordance with

Section 8, Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below.

In the case of dry risers/fallers a certain amount of maintenance is required, to

ensure that the landing valves have appropriate blank caps secured by a chain or

similar, and to deal with any damage that may occur as a result of interference.

Figure 11(a) shows examples of a typical inlet breech, and Figure 11(b) a landing

valve. Dry riser/faller systems should be checked, inspected and maintained in

accordance with the recommendations in Section 8, Table 2 Programme

Maintenance Schedule, below.

6.6 Firefighting Shafts and Lifts

This is a provision that is normally only associated with taller or relatively

inaccessible or complex buildings, and includes a series of features collectively

referred to as a firefighting shaft, which forms a protected area for initiating fire-

fighting operations. It normally includes a protected stairway, firefighting lift and

Figure 11(b) Landing valve in

stairway at upper levels

Figure 11(a) Inlet Breeching at exterior

of building

protected approach lobby enclosed in fire resisting construction (see Figure 12(a)),

along with a dry or wet riser and specific ventilation provisions.

Ventilation can be achieved by means of an openable window, naturally or

mechanically ventilated smoke shaft. A firefighting lift, unlike a normal lift, is

designed to operate for as long as is practicable when there is a fire in the building.

Additional lift control system features (see Figure 12(b)) are required above those

which would be incorporated on a normal lift. Firefighting lifts should be inspected

and maintained in accordance with the recommendations in Section 8, Table 2

Programme Maintenance Schedule, below.

6.7 First Aid Firefighting Equipment, including Hose Reels

First-aid firefighting equipment can make a valuable contribution to containing and

extinguishing fire, when operated by a trained user.

Where provided, portable fire extinguishers (Figure 13(b)) should be suitable for the

class of fire likely to occur. Portable fire extinguishers should conform with European

Standard EN 3, and be installed, inspected and maintained in accordance with lrish

Standard I.S. 291; see recommendations in Table 2 Programme Maintenance

Schedule, below. Where provided, fire hose reel installations (Figure 13(a)) should

be inspected and maintained in accordance with the recommendations in Section 8,

Figure 12(b) Firefighting Lift

Control Features

Figure 12(a) Firefighting Shaft

Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below. Portable fire extinguishers

should be in a fixed, permanent location, such as a stand, or wall mounted, and

generally located on exit routes near exit doors and for specific hazards in

accordance with lrish Standard I.S. 291.

Any extinguisher used in a fire, or otherwise discharged, should be recharged

immediately. Damaged extinguishers or hose reels should be repaired or replaced.

Figure 13(b) Portable Fire Extinguishers

Figure 13(a) Fire Hose Reel

6.8 Smoke Control Systems

Smoke Control Systems play an important role in protecting escape routes in many

buildings in the event of fire. The objectives are:

• to keep staircases relatively clear of smoke

• to keep lobby or corridor relatively clear of smoke

• to facilitate firefighting operations

The person having control should be aware of the type of smoke control system in

place and how this is intended to control the spread of smoke in the event of fire.

The person having control may need to seek advice from a competent person or

professional to ascertain how it will function.

Some additional information relevant to smoke control in buildings containing

flats/apartments in given in Section 7.4.

Smoke control systems should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the

recommendations in Section 8, Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below.

6.8.1 Stairway Smoke Control

For stairways this normally will take one of 3 forms;

1. The provision of manually openable vents (OVs) (in many cases windows on

landings in stairways may fulfil this function) at every level in the stairway

including at high level at the top of the stairway enclosure, or,

2. The provision of a high level automatic opening vent (AOV) at the top of the

stairway (Figure 14(a)), that is opened on activation of smoke detectors in the

stairway enclosure, and is additionally manually openable by fire service

switch at the entrance level (normally at ground floor level) or,

3. The third method of provision – namely pressurisation systems – which are

less common, and use fans to maintain a positive pressure in the escape

stairway, and thus prevent smoke from entering in the event of a fire

6.8.2 Smoke Control in Larger more Complex Buildings

In larger more Complex buildings such as shopping centres and buildings containing

atria, natural, automatic or mechanical smoke extraction systems can also be

employed using roof vents or smoke ventilation shafts.

6.8.3 Smoke Clearance Systems in Enclosed Car Parks

Ventilation of enclosed carparks are employed to limit concentrations of carbon

monoxide (CO) and other vehicle emissions in the day-to-day use of car parks, and

to remove smoke and heat in the event of a fire. The same equipment/system is

often used to satisfy both requirements. The following types of ventilation systems

may be employed for a covered car park area or level(s).

• natural ventilation (permanent openings to the exterior) (see Figure 15)

• ducted mechanical ventilation systems.

Figure 14(b) Roof mounted Automatic

opening vent

Figure 14(a) AOV in stairway

• mechanical ventilation systems(see Figure 16)

Louvres, dampers, and powered smoke extraction fans are also often integrated into

the mechanical system

Any ventilation system, unless permanently open (as in Figure 15), is dependent

upon suitable power supplies and controls for correct operation. Ventilation systems

Figure 15 Car Park permanent ventilation openings to the external air

Figure 16 Car Park impulse Ventilation Fan

interact with other building services and fire protection systems in normal operation,

whether by design or as a by-product of operation. Figure 16 shows impulse (or jet)

fans used to clear smoke from an enclosed or underground car park. Ventilation

systems should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the

recommendations in Section 8, Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below

6.9 Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler installations, where provided, (Figure 17(a)(b)) may comprise a single

system throughout the building, or, in buildings containing flats/apartments, may

comprise a discrete domestic sprinkler system in each individual flat /apartment.

Sprinkler systems should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the

recommendations in Section 8, Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below

6.10 Doors on Escape routes, Final Exit Doors

All doors on escape routes should be readily openable. The time taken to negotiate a

closed door can be critical in an escape situation. Doors on escape routes (both

within and from the building) should be readily openable if undue delay is to be

avoided.

The operation of door fastenings and emergency and panic escape devices (Figure

18), where fitted, should be checked for ease of operation and opening of the door.

(see Section 8, Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below)

Figure 17(b) Sprinkler Head

Figure 17(a) Concealed Sprinkler Head

Particular attention should be paid to external doors which are not regularly used, as

weather conditions can affect the door and frame relationship, and therefore the

ease of operation of escape devices.

Where additional security is required on final exit doors when the premises is not in

use, hardware which is fully removable may be used. Such hardware must always

be removed when the building is occupied.

6.11 Maintenance of Private Fire Hydrants and Water

Supplies

Normally, firefighting operations rely on the provision of appropriate water supply,

usually in the form of fire hydrants, and sometimes as static water supplies, such as

ponds or tanks, etc. The access to and identification of such facilities for speedy use

is fundamental for successful firefighting operations.

If the building has a fire hydrant(s) on its site, identification is required in order that

firefighters can locate the fire hydrant(s) quickly. A fire hydrant indicator plate (Figure

19) to British Standard BS 3251:1976 should be fitted at 450mm over the footpath

surface level.

Figure 18(b) Thumb-Lock

Figure 18(a) Panic Escape Device

The diameter of the water main in millimetres on the upper part of the plate and the

distance in metres of the marker from the fire hydrant on the lower part of the plate.

All the characters are black and the remainder of the front face should conform to

colour reference number 309 (Canary Yellow) of British Standard 381C.

Fire hydrants should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the

recommendations in Section 8, Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below.

6.12 Maintenance of Compartmentation (Fire Stopping)

Buildings are commonly divided into separate spaces called fire compartments and

separated from each other by fire resisting construction to limit the spread of fire and

smoke from one compartment to another. This is often done where parts of the

building are in separate uses, and to limit the size of individual compartments. In

buildings containing flats/apartments, each flat/apartment unit is a single fire

compartment. Care should be taken that building works do not affect

compartmentation.

In cases where damage to compartmentation is noted, repairs should be carried out

only by competent persons

Figure 19 Hydrant Markers

In buildings, services, pipes, ducts may pass through compartment walls or floors.

Special measures, known as fire stopping, are taken to ensure the fire resistance of

the compartmentation is maintained around these penetrations.

Typical fire stopping arrangements can be seen in Figure 20. Any fire stopping

works should be carried out by a competent person.

Figure 20 Fire Stopping of Pipe Penetration Wall

Figure 21 Service Risers in Common Areas

Fire stopping can be an issue in service risers. Service Riser cupboards are usually

located within the communal areas of buildings and contain pipework and cabling for

the main services provided to the building – such as telephone, satellite television,

broadband, drainage, electricity and water. Figure 21 shows a typical riser door (fire

resisting), opening to the service riser with services. It is important that the service

riser doors are kept locked and secure when access to the riser is not required.

Risers should not be used for storage.

Fire /smoke dampers are active devices used in heating, ventilation, and air

conditioning (HVAC) ducts, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke inside the

ductwork through fire resistant walls and floors (Figure 22). When a rise in

temperature occurs, the fire/smoke damper closes, usually activated by a thermal

element which melts allowing springs to close the damper blades. Fire/smoke

dampers can also close upon receipt of an electrical signal from a fire alarm detector

and alarm system indicating the presence of heat or smoke in the building’s

occupied spaces or in the HVAC duct system.

Fire/smoke dampers should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the

recommendations in Section 8, Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below

Figure 22 Fire/Smoke Dampers

7 Buildings containing Flats/ Apartments

In buildings containing flats/apartments, the Section 18(2) responsibilities of the

person having control are likely to fall on the building owner or the Owners'

Management Company (OMC) or other organisation (see Section 3.0). The guidance

throughout this document will be of assistance in meeting these responsibilities. This

section contains additional information relating to buildings containing

flat/apartments.

In the case of OMCs, in order to have the capacity to meet their Section 18(2)

responsibilities they will require a reliable funding stream from service charges on

individual units. OMCs should set service charges at an appropriate level and

arrange timely collection of same, so that funding is available to maintain fire

protection facilities.

The person having control should review the arrangements for ensuring that

appropriate fire protection facilities are present within buildings containing

flats/apartments and are checked and maintained routinely, and behaviour which

could endanger fire safety or unacceptable practices by residents or others can be

prevented.

There is some additional information in respect fire safety in buildings containing

flats/apartments in “Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and Apartments”

published by Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage. (See other

publications).

Residents of buildings containing flats/apartments should be provided with a copy of

the leaflet “Fire Safety in Flats and Apartments” issued by the Dept. of Housing Local

Government and Heritage, and available at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/4efe2-fire-safety-leaflets

7.1 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

In buildings containing flats/apartments each flat/apartment should be an individual

compartment, and should be provided with early warning to occupants of the

flat/apartment through a domestic fire detection and alarm system. The

removal/disabling/failure to maintain domestic smoke alarms (or other actions or

behaviours which endanger fire safety) may be a breach of Section 18(3) of the Fire

Services Acts 1981 and 2003.

A separate fire detection and alarm system should be provided in common corridors

and stairways, supplemented by a heat detector and sounder inside each individual

flat/apartment entrance door. This fire detection and alarm system is designed to

give warning generally throughout the building (see Figure 23).

As noted above, Section 18(3) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 places a

duty on each occupant to ensure that any person on the premises is not exposed to

danger from fire as a consequence of any act or omission on their part. Reasonable

access should be allowed to each flat/apartment for maintenance of the common fire

detection and alarm system.

Figure 23 Illustrative Fire Detection and Alarm System in a building containing

Flats/Apartments

7.2 Emergency Lighting System in Buildings with Open

Shared Balcony Egress

In buildings containing flats/apartments with open shared egress balconies,

emergency escape lighting should be provided along such routes to a final exit

leading to a place of safety.

7.3 Sprinkler Systems

Where sprinklers systems are provided in buildings containing flats/apartments –

typically in open plan flats- there are maintenance requirements for these systems

(see Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule). Section 18(3) of the Fire Services

Acts 1981and 2003 places a duty on each occupant to ensure that any person on

the premises is not exposed to danger from fire as a consequence of any act or

omission on their part. Reasonable access should be allowed to each flat/apartment

for maintenance of individual sprinkler systems.

7.4 Smoke Control

In buildings containing flats/apartments, there are general provisions to remove or

dilute smoke in common corridors and stairways so as to keep them clear for escape

when required and for fire service intervention. Such smoke control systems can be

either natural openings directly to the outside (a window opening) or mechanically

assisted with motorised fans and smoke shafts.

Ventilation to remove smoke may be provided in either the stair lobbies or corridors

(Figure 24) that form the common access areas in buildings containing

flats/apartments, as well as in the staircase enclosure itself.

Where an automatic smoke control system is in place, and in the event of heat

and/or smoke entering the common areas, the smoke control system is designed to

vent the heat and smoke to allow for means of escape to continue to be safely used

and to facilitate the fire fighting activities.

In the case of a system design that employs a smoke shaft, if smoke is detected in

the common area, a fire/smoke damper (Figure 25) into the smoke shaft on only the

floor affected will open, together with the vent at the top of the shaft. This creates a

chimney effect, allowing the fire gases/ smoke to vent to open air, or may use

mechanical extract to vent the smoke. All other vents opening into the smoke shaft

should remain closed, to maintain the fire separation within the building, prevent

smoke spreading to other floors (Figure 25).

Figure 24 Corridor Automatic Ventilators to Smoke Shaft

7.5 Evacuation procedures

The person having control should ensure that each flat is provided with instructions

for the occupants as to how to react in the event of fire or alarm (see Appendix G). In

general, the appropriate response is to evacuate immediately to a place of safety

outside the building. Persons with disabilities may proceed to a designated refuge (a

place of relative safety within the building) and await assistance if required.

Figure 25 Sample mechanical smoke shaft system

7.6 Flat/Apartment Doors

The entrance door to individual flats/apartments from the common corridor/landing

forms part of the passive fire protection of means of escape in buildings containing

flats/apartments; such entrance doors should not be replaced with non-fire resisting

doors.

Flat/apartment entrance doors should be fire doors and should be inspected,

maintained and repaired on a regular basis to ensure that they operate

effectively.(see Table 2 Programme Maintenance Schedule, below).

7.7 Building Layout

Buildings containing flats/apartments can consist of many variations in size, height

and design, and include mixed uses and various ancillary areas. The mixed uses can

include commercial uses, such as shops, offices and assembly & recreation units.

Figure 26 Indicative Flat/Apartment configuration

The ancillary areas can include upper levels and/or basement carparks and/or plant

and storage areas. Figure 26 illustrates an indicative flat/apartment design with a

range of fire safety measures including active and passive systems. Not all

apartment buildings will include all the systems shown, as the presence of such

system(s) will depend on many factors, such as the height of building, the length of

common corridor and the provision of protected entrance halls (PEHs) inside

individual flats/apartments.

In buildings containing flats/apartments, each flat/apartment unit is a single fire

compartment. For this reason the carrying out of works in a building containing

flat/apartments is normally strictly controlled.

Figure 27 indicates different internal layouts inside a flat/apartment – showing open

plan or entrance hall arrangements

Open Plan Flat/ Apartment Protected Entrance Hall Flat/ Apartment

Figure 27 Flat/Apartment Layouts

8 Recommended Routine Maintenance Schedules

A table of recommended routine maintenance schedules is presented for the typical

fire safety equipment and systems in buildings. The schedules are tabulated into

daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly, bi-annual and annual activities. Many of the

daily, weekly and monthly activities can be carried out without expert knowledge of

the equipment or system and this is indicated by the green columns. The columns for

the quarterly, bi-annually and yearly activities should be carried out by persons who

have competency in their specific areas and can provide certification to the relevant

standard for the work carried out.

If information is required, the definitive maintenance requirements for all fire safety

equipment and systems should be sought from the equipment or system

manufacturers, suppliers, their technical advisers, and or specialised competent

contractors. It is important to restate that care should be taken to ensure competent

skilled contractors are employed to carry out fire safety equipment and systems

maintenance works. The contractor(s) tasked with works should be part of a

registered contractor’s association where relevant for their trade. The schedules

presented are recommended in the relevant guidance or standard appropriate for the

equipment or system.

Systems such as the electrical installation and gas installations should be subject to

periodic inspection and testing by a competent person, as recommended by the

appropriate standard such as Irish Standard I.S. 10101- National Rules for Electrical

Installations and Irish Standard I.S. 820 – Non-domestic gas installations or Irish

Standard I.S. 813- Domestic gas installations.

Table 2; Maintenance Programme Schedule for Buildings

Regular Checks to be carried out by designated person

Planned inspection and maintenance to be carried out by a competent person

Maintenance Schedule for Active and Passive Fire Systems

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Escape

Routes

The following should be checked:

escape routes are not obstructed and

are immediately available for use;

escape routes should not be used for

storage;

electrical appliances for example,

tumble dryers , should not be located in

circulation spaces, common corridors,

lobbies ,stairways or landings .

Batteries or battery powered devices

should not be charged in circulation

spaces, common corridors, lobbies

stairways or landings

escape routes are clearly indicated,

sign-posted and adequately illuminated

the emergency lighting indicator in each

emergency light fitting is operative

final exit doors are capable of being

readily opened;

doors and gates across escape routes

should be easily and immediately

openable

curtains, drapes or hangings are not

placed across or along an escape route

in a manner which would impede or

obstruct escape;

mirrors are not placed across or along

an escape route or adjacent to an exit in

such a way as to confuse the direction

of escape;

floor coverings, rugs and mats are fixed

or laid so that they do not present a trip

or slip hazard during an evacuation, and

are not used to prop open doors;

fire resisting doors along escape routes

are kept closed at all times, unless they

are permitted to be fitted with hold-open

devices (for example, electro-magnetic)

designed to allow the door to close

upon activation of the fire detection and

alarm system

external areas at or near final exits are

kept free of obstructions, so as to allow

unimpeded escape to a place of safety

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Fire Detection

and Fire Alarm

Systems

I.S. 3218

All fire detection and fire

alarm systems should be

checked daily. In particular,

it should be ensured that:

a) the control and

indication panel

indicates normal

operation or, if any fault

is indicated, that it has

been logged and the

appropriate action(s)

taken;

b) any fault recorded the

previous day has

received attention.

All fire detection and fire alarm

systems should be checked weekly.

In particular, it should be ensured

that:

a) the control equipment is able to

receive a fire signal and to

initiate the evacuation procedure,

recording which trigger device

has been used, in accordance

with I.S 3218.

b) any standby batteries are in

good condition and the fuel, oil

and coolant levels of any

standby generators are correct,

topp

ing up as necessary.

See section

9.2.2.5 of IS

3218. A

Test/Servicing

certificate

should be

issued by the

competent

person upon

completion.

See section

9.2.2.6 of IS

3218. A

Test/Servicin

g certificate

should be

issued by the

‘competent

person’ upon

completion.

Emergency

and escape

lighting

systems

I.S. 3217

The minimum operational

requirements shall be

checked as set out in

section 16.2.1 of I.S. 3217

Additional checks to those

listed above may be

necessary, due to either the

type of system installed or

as a result of other factors.

In addition to the daily inspection

methodology, schedule and checklist

as detailed in 16.2.1, the following as

detailed in 16.2.2 of I.S. 3217 shall

be carried out on at least 25 % of the

emergency lighting system so that

100 % of the system is check at least

every 4 weeks.

a) visually check that each

emergency lighting lamp, in all

maintained type and or combined

(sustained) type emergency

luminaires, are operational and

illuminated.

b) in the case of all self-contained

and ATS (Type S) emergency

See 16.2.3 of

I.S. 3217 - In

addition to the

weekly

inspection

methodology,

schedule and

checklist

(16.2.2).

See section

16.2.4 of I.S.

3217.

Upon

completion of

the quarterly

inspection and

test, a report

for inspection,

testing and

servicing, as

detailed in

Annex Cl and

Annex C7 shall

be issued to

See

section

16.2.5 of

I.S. 3217.

Inspection

and testing

is carried

out once in

every 1

year

period

subsequen

t to the

completion

of 3 three

luminaires check that their LED

status indicators are illuminated

and showing healthy

condition/status,

c) ensure that all non-illuminating

lamps are replaced.

the owner or

occupier.

A copy of the

report shall be

placed in the

emergency

lighting

logbook.

The schedule

for periodic

inspections and

tests due dates

shall be

updated with

the required

information

(see Annex F

for model

schedule)

monthly

(quarterly)

inspection

s and

tests.

All

emergenc

y lighting

systems

shall be

tested to

their rated

duration.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Sprinkler

systems

Commercial

Systems and

Residential

(Inside

apartments)

Systems

I.S. EN

12845

I.S. EN

16925

B.S. 8458

Domestic

Sprinkler

System

Maintenance

requirement

s in

accordance

with BS

9251: 2014 &

2021

Commercial Sprinklers

refer to Section 20 of I.S.

EN 12845 for

maintenance

Requirements

The installer shall provide

the user with a

documented inspection

and checking procedure for

the system. The

programme shall include

instruction on the action to

be taken in respect of

faults, operation of the

system, with particular

mention of the procedure

for emergency manual

starting of pumps, and

details of the maintenance

routines.

Residential Sprinklers

refer to Section 18 of I.S.

EN 16925 for

maintenance

Requirements

The Commercial sprinkler

system should be subject to a

weekly inspection and test as

detailed in Section 20.2.2 of

I.S. EN 12845: 2015+A1:

2019 by a competent person.

The Commercial

sprinkler system

should be subject

to a monthly

inspection and

test as detailed in

Section 20.2.3 of

I.S. EN 12845 by

a competent

person.

The

Commercial

sprinkler

system should

be subject to a

quarterly

inspection and

test as detailed

in Section

20.3.2 of I.S.

EN 12845 by a

competent

person.

The Commercial

sprinkler system

should be

subject to a half

annual

inspection and

test as detailed

in Section

20.3.3 of I.S. EN

12845 by a

competent

person.

The

Commercial

sprinkler

system should

be subject to a

half annual

inspection and

test as detailed

in Section

20.3.4 of I.S.

EN 12845 by a

competent

person.

The Domestic/

residential

sprinkler

system should

be subject to

an annual

inspection and

test as detailed

in Section 7.1.2

of BS 9251. by

a competent

person.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Fire door

automatic

release

mechanism

EN 1155

All doors that are held

open by automatic

release mechanisms

should be released daily.

The operation of

hold-open

devices should

be tested once a

month by

simulating failure

of the mains

power supply or

operation of the

fire detection and

fire alarm

system.

The results of the

test should be

recorded.

Any doors that

are found to be

faulty should be

repaired or

replaced.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Portable fire

extinguisher

s and fire

hose reels

I.S. EN 291

I.S. EN 671

Part 1

I.S. EN 671

Part 2

I.S. EN 671

Part 3,

I.S. EN 3

All gaseous, foam water and powder

extinguishing systems should be

checked weekly. In particular, it

should be ensured that:

a) any pressure gauges are

functioning correctly;

b) all operating controls are both

properly set and accessible;

c) all indicators are functioning

correctly;

d) the equipment, particularly

pipework and nozzles, is free

from dust and dirt, is not

physically damaged nor leaking,

and remains in its designed

position;

e) the fire risk and its enclosure

have not changed;

f) the quantity of extinguishing

medium is correct and for foam

systems, the water supply is

available and at the correct

pressure.

All points at which

portable fire

extinguishers or

hose reels are

usually located.

should be

checked monthly

Missing fire

extinguishers or

hose reels should

be replaced

immediately.(a

risk assessment

may recommend

more frequent

checks)

Fire Hose reels

should be visually

inspected once a

month.

In particular, it

should be ensured

that there are no

leaks and that

drum assemblies

are free to rotate

on their spindles

All portable fire

equipment

(PFEs) shall be

maintained in

accordance with

Clause 9 of I.S.

291 at intervals

not exceeding

12+/- 1 month.

All fire Hose

Reel equipment

shall be

maintained in

accordance with

Clause 6 of I.S.

EN 671 Part 3

annually.

Every 5 years all

fire hose reels

shall be

pressurized to

maximum

working

pressure

according to EN

671-1 and/or EN

671-2.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Smoke

control

systems for

means of

escape and

fire-fighting

BS 7346-

8:2013

Smoke

Control

Association

– Guidance

on Smoke

Control to

Common

Escape

Routes in

Apartments

Actuation of the system should be

simulated once a week. It should be

ensured that any fans and powered

exhaust ventilators operate

correctly, smoke dampers close (or

open in some systems), natural

exhaust ventilators open, automatic

smoke curtains move into position,

etc.

NOTE On large multi-zone

installations it might be

acceptable, with agreement from

the relevant authorities, to rotate

the equipment tested so that a

system is tested every week and

individual items are operated at

intervals of no more than three

months.

The actuation of

all smoke

control systems

should be

simulated once

every three

months.

All zones should

be separately

tested and it

should be

ensured that

any fans and

powered

exhaust

ventilators

operate

correctly, smoke

dampers close

(or open in

some systems),

etc.

Every 12

months, in

addition to

the

manufacture

r’s

recommend

ation and

weekly

tests, the

entire

system

should be

tested by

following the

original

acceptance

test

procedure.

A test

certificate

should be

issued.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Fire hydrants/

Mains

IS 391

Arrangements

should be made

by the owners or

the occupiers to

ensure that, at

least twice a year,

maintenance is

carried out on all

private fire

hydrants by a

competent

person.

Periodic

inspections should

be made to

ensure that flow

and pressure

supplies have not

deteriorated.

Note: Periodic checks of the vicinity of all hydrants should be made to ensure that

there is no obstruction impeding accessibility (for example, shrubbery) and that

hydrant indicator plates are in position and clearly visible.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Standby

Generators

B.S. 9991

Any standby generator

should be started up

once a month by

simulating failure of the

normal power supply,

and allowed to energize

the system for at least

1 h, while the system is

monitored for any

malfunctioning caused

by the use of the

generator.

After restoring the

normal supply, the

charging arrangements

for the generator

starting battery should

be tested, and the

appropriate action

should be taken if they

are found not to be

functioning correctly.

In addition, the oil and

coolant levels should

be topped up and the

fuel tanks filled.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Fire Doors

BS 8214

6 Monthly(biennially in the case of flat/apartment

entrance doors)

Door Leaf

Does the door leaf sit against the door stop and is it free

from distortion? If the door is veneered or lipped, is the

glue still holding these products firmly in place? Is the door

free from damage including dents and holes? Door Frame

Is the door frame firmly attached to the wall? If a planted

door stop is present, is it firmly attached? Is the frame to

door leaf gap consistently 3mm? (tolerance of +/– 1mm)

Door Closers

Open the door to 5 degrees or 75mm. Does it close and

engage with the latch? Is the closer correctly attached to

the door and frame? Is the closer free from damage and

not leaking? If unlatched, does the closer hold the door in

line with the frame and intumescent seal? If hung in pairs,

do they close in line if both opened and released together?

Hold Open Devices

(only electronically powered allowed) Does the hold open

device release the door when required?

Lock and Latch Does the latch hold the door firmly in place

without rattling? Glazing and Glass Is the intumescent seal

continuous and attached to the glass and bead? Are the

glazing beads well attached to the frame and free from

damage? Is the glass free from damage and cracking? If

the glass has been replaced, is it fire rated glass? If glazing

Fire Doors

(continued)

panels are below 1500mm from the bottom of the door, is

the glass safety glass?

Threshold Gap

Is there a consistent gap under the door that allows it to

swing without touching the floor covering? Is the door to

floor covering gap consistently 10mm or less when the

door is closed?

Intumescent/Smoke/Acoustic Seals

Are intumescent seals in place?

Are the seals well attached inside the groove in the frame or

door leaf?

Are the seals continuous around the frame?

Are the seals free from damage?

If you have a brush or fin type seal, is it free from damage?

Hinges

Are there a minimum of 3 hinges with all the screws fitted?

Are all the screws the correct size? Are the hinges free from

metal fragments and oil leakage, which are signs of wear?

Are the hinges free from packing?

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Emergenc

y and

panic

escape

doors

I.S. EN

1125

Note: The operation of all emergency

and panic escape devices, especially

on external doors not used for other

purposes, should be checked

regularly for ease of operation and

opening of the door. Weather

conditions can affect the door and

frame relationship, and therefore the

ease of operation of escape devices.

To ensure performance the following

routine checks should be undertaken at

intervals of not more than one month (or

the period recommended by the producer;

a) Inspect and operate the panic exit

device to ensure that all components are

in a satisfactory working condition; using

a force gauge, measure and record the

operating forces to release the exit

device.

b) Ensure that the keeper(s) is (are) free

from obstruction.

c) Check that the panic exit device is

lubricated in accordance with the

producer’s instructions.

d) Check that no additional locking devices

have been added to the door since its

original installation.

e) Check periodically that all components

of the system are still correct in

accordance with the list of approved

components originally supplied with the

system.

f) Check periodically that the operating

element is correctly tightened and, using

a force gauge, measure the operating

forces to release the exit device. Check

that the operating forces have not

changed significantly from the operating

forces recorded when originally installed.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Dry/Wet

Risers

I.S 391 2020

All fire mains should be

inspected every six months.

It should be ensured that:

a) for wet mains:

1) booster pumps and their

associated mechanical

and electrical apparatus

are functioning correctly;

storage tanks are full of

clean water

For dry fire mains, the tests

in 7.3.1 to 7.3.2 and 7.3.5.1.

of IS 391 should be carried

out annually.

For wet fire mains, the tests

in 7.4.2.1 and 7.5.3.1.1 of

IS 391

In addition the following

checks, should be carried

out

a) internal cleanliness,

condition and water level

of storage tanks,

including the operation

of float valves and any

water level alarms;

b) booster pumps and their

associated mechanical

and electrical equipment;

c) electrical supplies and

equipment to prevent

freezing;

d) operation of system

monitoring and alarms.

Where pressure

regulating valves are

installed

Note: Routine periodic visual checks of all fire main inlet and

landing valves should be carried out to deal with any

damage, and to ensure that all inlet and landing valve boxes

and/or riser cupboards are suitably secure and clear of

storage or debris. The person having control should consider

the frequency of these visual checks.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Firefighti

ng Lift

I.S. EN

81-72

Operation of

the firefighters

lift switch to

check the lift

returns to the

fire service

access level,

parks with its

doors open

and that the lift

does not

respond to

landing calls.

The lift should

be connected

to the fire

detection

system.

Check to

ensure that the

lift responds to

the instruction

from the

detection

system.

Simulation

of a failure

of the

primary

power

supply to

check

changeover

to the

secondary

supply and

operation

from the

secondary

supply.

A full test of the firefighters lift operation

from the firefighters lift switch and the

fire detection system operation from the

secondary power supply to check the

full firefighting facilities including

communication systems. This should

check to ensure the lift can be driven to

any required floor and that on arrival at

a floor it only opens its door when

instructed to do so and then stays at the

floor with its doors open

Checks of building related issues

including measures to prevent water

ingress into the lift well and/ or

measures to address water ingress into

the lift well and the operation of any

pumps used to control the level of water

in the lift pit.

The lift maintenance contractor should

also advise of any need to change

components or parts of the lift to ensure

the availability and reliability of the lift in

the event of fire.

Advise of any change in standards

relating to lifts in service; particularly to

lifts for operation in the event of fire.

System

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Quarterly

6 Monthly

Yearly

Fire /Smoke

Dampers

I.S. EN 15650

I.S. EN 15650 – Ventilation for buildings –

Fire & motorised Smoke/Fire dampers

Section 8.3 Note states: Regular testing

/inspection should be undertaken to meet

regulatory requirements, or at intervals not

exceeding six months. A comprehensive

example of the maintenance procedure is

given in Annex D of the standard. Some

automatic systems may allow more frequent

testing (48 h or less) and this may be required

by a national standard.

Appendix A. Referenced Standards

I.S. 3217 Emergency and escape lighting systems

I.S.3218:2013 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings-

System

+A1:2019 Design Installation Commissioning, Servicing And

Maintenance

I.S.EN 3 Portable Fire Extinguishers

I.S.EN 81-72 Safety Rules for the construction and maintenance of

Passenger lifts .Particular applications for passenger and

Goods lifts

I.S 391 2020 Fire mains for buildings - Installation, commissioning,

maintenance and testing

I.S.EN 1125:2008 Building Hardware - Panic Exit Devices Operated by a

Horizontal Bar, for Use on Escape Routes - Requirements

and Test Methods

I.S.EN 291:2015 Selection, commissioning, installation, inspection and

+A1:2022 maintenance of portable fire extinguishers and

Amendment 1

I.S.EN 671-1:2012 Fixed firefighting systems-Hose systems-Part 1: Hose

reels with semi rigid hose

I.S.EN 671 Part 2 Fixed firefighting systems-Hose systems-Part 2: Hose

systems with lay flat hose

I.S.EN 671 Part 3, Fixed firefighting systems-Hose systems-Part 3:

Maintenance of Hose systems with semi rigid hose and

hose systems with lay flat hose

I.S.EN 1155:1998/ Building Hardware - Electrically Powered Hold-Open

A1:2002 /AC: 2006 Devices for Swing Doors - Requirements and Test

Methods

I.S.EN 12845:2015 Fixed Firefighting Systems - Automatic Sprinkler

+AC: 2016+A1:2019 ,Systems - Design, Installation and Maintenance

(+AC: 2016) (+A1:2019)

I.S.EN 16282-7:2017 Equipment for commercial kitchens - Components for

+A1:2021 ventilation in commercial kitchens - Part 7: Installation and

use of fixed fire suppression systems.

I.S. EN 16925:2018 Fixed Firefighting Systems - Automatic Residential

& LC: 2018&AC: 2020 Sprinkler Systems - Design, Installation and Maintenance

BS 8214:2016 TC Timber based fire door assemblies. Code of Practice.

BS 9991:2015 Fire safety in the design, management and use of

residential

Buildings. Code of Practice.

BS 7346-8:2013 Components for Smoke and Heat Control Systems –

Functional Recommendations and Calculation Methods

for Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation Systems,

Employing

Steady-State Design Fires. Code of Practice

BS 9251:2021 Fire Sprinkler Systems for Domestic and Residential

Occupancies. Code of Practice

I.S. 3213:2020, Code of Practice for the storage of Liquid Petroleum Gas

Cylinders and cartridges.

British Compressed The storage of gas cylinders.Revision1:2022

Gases Association: CP44.

 
78 
 
Appendix B.  Legislation  
  Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 
  Fire Services Act, 1981, Number 30 of 1981 
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1981/act/30/enacted/en/html 
  Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003, Number 15 of 2003 
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2003/act/15/enacted/en/html 
  Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape), Regulations, 1985, 
S.I. No. 249 of 1985 
  http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1985/si/249/made/en/print 
  Public Dance Halls Act 1935 to 2003  
  Building Regulations, 1997, S.I. No. 497 of 1997 
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1997/si/497/made/en/print?q=Building+Regul
a tions+1997 
  Building Control Act, 1990, Number 3 of 1990 
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1990/act/3/enacted/en/html?q=building+contr
ol+act 
  Building Control Act 1990 Revised – Consolidated Law Reform Commission - 
Updated to 1 November 2019 
http://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/1990/act/3/front/revised/en/html 
  Building Control Act, 2007, Number 21 of 2007 
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2007/act/21/enacted/en/html?q=building+cont
rol+act 
  Building Control Act 2007 Revised – Consolidated Law Reform Commission - 
Updated to 31 January 2019 - Consolidated 
http://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2007/act/21/front/revised/en/html 
   

Appendix C. Other Publications

Smoke Control Association - Guidance on Smoke Control to Common Escape

Routes in Apartment Buildings (flats and maisonettes). Revision 3.1 July 2020

The British Compressed Gases Association - CP44. The storage of gas

cylinders.Revision1:2022

Appendix D. Technical Guidance Documents

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/building-standards/tgd-part-d-materials-and-

workmanship/Technical-guidance-documents

Guides for fire safety, made under Section 18A of Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003,

DoEHLG (DHLGH) – NDFEM from 1989 to 2019.

 
81 
 
1989  Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly 
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated- 
files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad,8 
15,en.pdf 
1989  Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Hotels, Guesthouses and Similar 
Premises 
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated- 
files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad, 1 
4964,en.pdf 
1994  Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and Apartments (Existing) 
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated- 
files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad% 
2C1024%2Cen.pdf 
1996  Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Nursing Homes and Similar Type Premises 
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated- 
files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad,8 
20,en.pdf 
1998  Code of Practice for Fire Safety and Indoor Concerts 
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated- 
files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad% 
2C18105%2Cen.pdf 
1998  Guide to Fire Safety in Fire Safety in Hostels 
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated- 
files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad,1 
026,en.pdf 
1999  Guide to Fire Safety in Fire Safety in Preschools 
https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Fire-Safety- 
In-Preschools.pdf 
1999  Guide to Fire Safety in Guest Accommodation 
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated- 
files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad,2 
072,en.pdf 
2008.  Guidance document on fire safety in stores for explosives published by 
Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.   
2017  Code of Practice for Fire Safety in New and Existing Community Dwelling 
Houses 

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/code_of_practic

e_for_fire_safety_in_community_dwelling_houses_2017_0.pdf

2019 Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Traveller Accommodation

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/guide_to_fire_

safety_in_existing_traveller_accommodation_final_november.pdf

Guidance-Note on Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations

required by the 2007 Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)

Regulations

2022 Code of Practice for fire Safety Assessment of Premises and buildings

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/354c8-code-of-practice-for-fire-safety-

assessment-of-premises-and-buildings

Appendix E. Management Responsibilities - Exemplar

Premise (Informative)

Appendix F. Requirements for Landlords

Requirements for Landlords (Continued)

Appendix G. Instructions for Residents

Instructions for escape in the event of fire should be posted on the back of each

apartment entrance door. The instructions should also include a floor plan and the

following information

 the action to be taken in the event of fire

 the action to be taken on discovering a fire or hearing the fire alarm

 the procedure for calling the fire service

 the location of all relevant escape routes from the building (on the floor plan)

 the location of fire alarm call points and the fire alarm control panel(s)

 the location of firefighting equipment

Firefighting equipment should never be mishandled or tampered with. Fire doors

should not be modified, tampered with, or propped open within the common areas of

accommodation blocks. Fire alarm sounders, heat sensors as parts of the common

alarm system are installed in each residential unit, typically just inside the flats

entrance door. These systems are tested on a quarterly basis and access is required

for this purpose. Residents should allow the t contractors acting for the Owners’

Management Company reasonable access to the accommodation to carry out fire

safety preventive maintenance.

Residents must not interfere with the fire protection system and equipment, for

example, by; removing safety equipment propping fire doors open, covering or

removing smoke detectors, blocking escape routes with furniture, bicycles or rubbish

etc.

The most important steps that the Residents can take to minimise the risk of a fire are:

1. Make sure that heaters are located where they will not set fire to

curtains, bedding or furnishings.

2. Do not use portable gas or paraffin heaters in the apartments.

3. Do not store highly flammable materials in the apartment (such as

paint, thinners, LPG cylinders, paraffin or petrol).

4. Do not store large quantities of combustible materials.

5. Residents should understand the dangers of:

 smoking in bed or when drowsy

 careless use of candles or incense sticks

 overloading electrical sockets

 having trailing cables

 leaving a chip pan or frying pan unattended, or over-full of oil

 placing clothes to dry on or too close to heaters

Residents should practice ‘the bedtime fire safety routine’, which should include

the following actions;

 ensuring the cooker is turned off

 unplugging electrical appliances

 making sure that no cigarettes or candles are left burning

 closing all doors

In the event of an outbreak of a fire, residents should;

 Not attempt to fight fires that have already taken hold: evacuate from the

dwelling. Sound the common alarm as you make your escape

 Telephone the Fire Service on 999 or 112 immediately from a place of

safety

 Not try to rescue belongings or pets

Appendix H. Instructions for Occupants

Appendix J. Check Sheets/Log Sheets/Certification of

Equipment and Systems

Every apartment building, relies on the health of its fire safety equipment and systems.

The use of check sheets, log sheets are important tools to help in the maintenance

process. There are also useful records and demonstrate work carried out on

equipment and systems

Appendix J 1 Emergency Lighting Log Sheet

Appendix J 2 Emergency Lighting Check List

Appendix J.3 Certification of Smoke Control System

Appendix J.4 Certification of Fire Detection and Alarm System

Certification of Fire Detection and Alarm System (continued)

Appendix J 5 Portable Fire Extinguisher Check Sheet

Portable Fire Extinguisher Check Sheet (Continued)

Appendix J.6 Registered Gas Installers Ireland (RGII) Certificate

Registered Gas Installers Ireland (RGII) Certificate (Continued)

Appendix K. Nomenclature / Abbreviations/ Definitions

- PHC- Person Having Control

- FSA – Fire Services Act

- DHLGH - Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

AOV (automatically opening vent): A vent provided for smoke control in common

parts, which opens automatically when smoke is detected by smoke detectors.

Active Protection: Active protection are those systems which come into action on

detection of fire e.g. fire detection and alarm system, automatically opening vent.

Circulation Space: A space (including a stairway) mainly used as a means of

access between a room and an exit from the building.

Compartmentation: Sub-division of a building by fire-resisting walls or floors

normally for the purpose of limiting fire-spread within the building.

Dry Riser: A dry riser is a normally empty pipe that can be externally connected to a

pressurised water source by firefighters. It is primarily a vertical pipe, although there

can be horizontal sections, intended to distribute water to multiple levels of a building

or structure

Emergency Escape Lighting: Lighting that provides illumination for the safety of

people leaving the building when the normal lighting fails.

Escape Route: Route forming part of the means of escape from any point in a

building to the final exit. .

Apartment, "flat": means separate and self-contained premises constructed or

adapted for residential use and forming part of a building from some other part of

which it is divided horizontally - quoted from BUILDING CONTROL REGULATIONS

1997 - SI 497 of 1997.

Final Exit: The termination of an escape route from a building giving direct access to

a street, passageway, walkway or open space and sited to ensure the rapid

dispersal of persons from the vicinity of a building so that they are no longer in

danger from fire and/or smoke.

100

Fire Compartment: A part of a building constructed to prevent the spread of fire to or

from another part of the building.

Fire Damper: Mechanical or intumescent device within a duct or ventilation opening,

which is operated automatically in the event of fire, to prevent the passage of fire.

(Where there is a need to prevent the passage of smoke, the fire damper needs to

satisfy additional criteria.)

Fire Main: Water supply pipe installed in a block of flats for fire-fighting purposes,

fitted with landing valves at specific points. The main may be ‘dry’, in which case it is

fitted with inlet connections at fire and rescue service access level, so that it can be

charged with water from pumping appliances. In tall blocks, the main is ‘wet’ and is

permanently charged with water from a pressurised supply.

Fire Stopping: A seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or design tolerance

between elements or components, to restrict the passage of fire and smoke.

Fire Door: A door, together with its frame, hinges, latches, hardware, glazing,

automatic self-closing device provided for the passage of people, which, when

closed, is intended to restrict the passage of fire and smoke to a predictable level of

performance.

Intumescent strip/seal: This is a piece of material fitted around a doorway that

when exposed to heat, expands closing any gaps around the door to stop the fire

spreading for a period of time. Intumescent strips usually come with either 30 or 60

minutes of resistance to fire.

Means of Escape: A route(s) provided to ensure safe egress from the premises or

other locations to a place of total safety.

Multi-Unit Building: A building containing 2 or more dwellings and using a common

entrance.

Owners’ Management Company (OMC): A not-for-profit company established for

the management of a Multi-Unit Development. It owns the common areas of the

estate. It is collectively owned and controlled by all the owners of the properties

within the estate. The directors are elected by the OMC members, and are typically

unpaid volunteers.

101

Passive Protection: Passive protection relates to the defence against fire provided

by the fabric and construction of a building.

Protected Stairway: A stairway that is adequately protected from the rest of the

building by fire-resisting construction.

Riser: A cupboard located within the communal areas of apartment buildings which

contain cabling for the main services provided to the individual apartments. For

example: telephones satellite television, electricity etc.

Smoke Alarm: Device containing within one housing all the components, except

possibly the energy source, for detecting smoke and giving an audible alarm.

Smoke Control System: This is a system that is used to limit the migration of

smoke within a building due to a fire. There are several methods to limit this

migration, and some are designed to provide a tenable environment for occupants to

egress the building.

Storey: Any of the parts into which a building is divided horizontally above or below

ground level.

Wet Riser: A Wet riser is a supply system intended to distribute water to multiple

levels or compartments of a building, as a component of its firefighting

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Housing, Local Government and Heritage