Commercial Fire Safety
The Fire Safety Register
This document should be kept on the building premises and be controlled by the Fire Safety Manager as a record of fire safety management. The following information should be recorded in the register:
- The name of the Fire Safety Manager, and those nominated to deputise.
- The details of specific fire duties that have been assigned to staff.
- A record of daily, weekly and quarterly fire safety manager checks carried out.
- The details of instruction and training given to staff, and by whom.
- The date of each fire evacuation drill.
- The type, number and location of fire protection equipment (such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets).
- Details of the Fire Detection and Alarm System along with periodic service certs.
- Details of the Emergency Lighting system along with periodic service certs.
- Details of other fire protection systems (e.g. kitchen fire suppression systems, sprinkler systems, etc) along with periodic service certs.
- Details of all fire incidents and false alarms that occur and the actions taken as a result.
- Any other relevant fire safety items related to the building.
Periodic Checks, Servicing and Maintenance
The following tables provide suggested frequencies for the majority of ongoing checks and servicing required managing fire safety in most buildings. Note that the building itself should be correctly maintained, and all fire safety equipment should be inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions:
| Emergency Lighting | Fire Alarm | Extinguishers & Hose Reels | Fire Exit Doors | Fire Resisting Doors | Upholstery | |
| Daily | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Weekly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Monthly | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| 3 Monthly | ✓ | ✓ 1 | ✓ | |||
| 6 Monthly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Annually | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sprinkler Systems | Kitchen Canopy Cleaning2 | Smoke Curtains/ Shutters | Electrical Installation3 | Gas Installation | |
| Daily | ✓ | ||||
| Weekly | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Monthly | ✓ | ||||
| 3 Monthly | |||||
| 6 Monthly | ✓ | ||||
| Annually | ✓ | ✓2 | ✓ | 3 | ✓4 |
Notes: Red ticks indicate check should be carried out by a competent service provider.
- Service provider to advise if fire detection and alarm system to be serviced quarterly, six monthly or annually.
- Applies to commercial kitchens. Service provider to advise on deep clean frequency needed (i.e. quarterly, 6 monthly, annually). Owner/ occupier to clean baffle filters and hoods frequently (e.g. every 2 days, weekly, etc.)
- Electrical installations to be checked in accordance with HSA guidance.
- See RGII guidance for details on gas installation periodic inspections.
Dept of Housing, Planning & Local Government link
- Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly
- Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Furnishings and Fittings in Places of Assembly
- Fire Safety in Hostels
- Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Nursing Homes and Similar Type Premises
- Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and Apartments
- Guide to Fire Safety in Guest Accommodation
- Code of Practice for Fire Safety in New and Existing Community Dwelling Houses
- Fire Safety in Preschools
- Fire Safety for Farms and Rural Areas
- Fire Safety for the Traveller Community
- Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Traveller Accommodation
