Fire Risk Assessment

Protecting Your People and Your Property 

What exactly is a Fire Risk Assessment? 

A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is not just a safety recommendation; it is a critical legal obligation for every business owner, employer, and landlord in Ireland.

Our professional assessments provide a systematic evaluation of your premises, ensuring you meet Irish legislative standards while fostering a culture of fire preparedness.

The Legal Landscape: The 2005 Act

Your legal obligations stem from two main pillars of Irish law: 

Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003: This is the "Building Law." It places a statutory "Duty of Care" on the Person in Control (owner, occupier, or landlord) to take all reasonable measures to prevent fires and ensure the safety of everyone on the premises.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005: This is the "Workplace Law." Fire is classified as a major workplace hazard, meaning your FRA must be integrated into your formal Safety Statement.

There is increased legal scrutiny on PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans). You must demonstrate that your FRA specifically accounts for those with mobility or sensory impairments.

The Role of the Competent Person

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, every employer is legally required to appoint one or more "Competent Persons" to assist in undertaking safety measures. For fire safety, this isn't just a title—it requires a specialist with the specific training, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience to navigate complex Irish standards such as I.S. 3218 (Fire Detection and Alarm Systems) and I.S. 3217 (Emergency Lighting).

At Kennedy Group we can act as your dedicated competent resource, bridging the gap between high-level legislation and your daily operations.

Enforcement

The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) monitors how you manage fire as a workplace risk, while your Local Fire Authority (Fire Prevention Officers) has the power to inspect your building, issue "Fire Safety Notices," or even close a premises if the risk assessment is deemed insufficient. 

Summary of Legal Consequences

Non-compliance in 2026 carries heavy penalties under Section 5 of the Fire Services Act:

• Summary Conviction: Fines up to €3,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

• Indictment (Serious Breaches): Fines up to €130,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment.

• Insurance Voidance: Most commercial insurers in Ireland now require proof of an up-to-date FRA (reviewed within the last 12 months) to honor a claim following a fire.

Our Fire Risk Assessment Process

We provide a comprehensive assessment evaluating all aspects of fire safety within your premises, an end-to-end service to ensure your business is fully compliant and your staff are protected.

The main items assessed are:

• Identification of Fire Hazards: Pinpointing sources of ignition (e.g., electrical faults, hot work, smoking) and fuel (e.g., combustible materials, waste).

• Assessment of People at Risk: Identifying all occupants, including those with special needs or who may be more vulnerable in a fire.

• Means of Escape: Evaluating the adequacy and condition of escape routes, emergency lighting, and exit signage.

• Fire Detection & Warning Systems: Assessing the suitability and functionality of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and manual call points.

• Fire Fighting Equipment: Checking the type, location, and maintenance of fire extinguishers and fire blankets.

• Fire Compartmentation & Structural Protection: Reviewing measures that prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

• Emergency Procedures & Training: Examining your fire action plan, evacuation drills, and staff fire safety training.

• Housekeeping & Storage: Assessing general tidiness and safe storage practices for flammable materials.

What You Will Receive

Upon completion of our consultancy, you will be issued a comprehensive Compliance Pack including:

• Your Completed Fire Risk Assessment: A professional, ready-to-use document.

• CAPA Plan: We provide more than just a list of problems; we provide a roadmap for solutions. Your CAPA Plan is a strategic "To-Do" list that:

• Prioritises Actions: Categorizes findings by urgency (High/Medium/Low risk).

• Identifies Root Causes: Helps you understand why a risk exists so it doesn't return.

• Sets Timelines: Gives you a clear framework for scheduling maintenance and upgrades.

• Follow up support: A risk assessment is only as good as the improvements it inspires. We don't just hand you a report and leave; we provide ongoing support to help you resolve the issues identified.

When should you update it?

Annual review

For most standard commercial premises (offices, retail, warehouses), a comprehensive review every 12 months is the industry standard in Ireland. This ensures that:

• Firefighting equipment (extinguishers, hoses) is still in date and correctly positioned.

• Internal layouts haven't changed in a way that creates "dead ends" or traps.

• Staff training and Fire Warden numbers are still sufficient.

Significant Change Occurs 

The law requires an immediate re-assessment if any major changes occur that could impact fire safety. This includes:

• Structural Alterations: Internal remodelling, extensions, or changes to partitions.

• Change of Use: If a storage room becomes an office, or a retail space becomes a café.

• Hazardous Materials: If you begin storing new chemicals, flammable liquids, or large amounts of combustible packaging.

• Occupancy Changes: A significant increase in the number of people on-site, or if you begin employing people with disabilities who may require specialized evacuation plans (PEEPs).

Pricing & Quotations

Because every business is unique, our pricing is dependent on the size and nature of your operations.

Important note