Fire Risk Assessment Ireland
Professional fire risk assessments compliant with PAS 79-1:2020 and BS 8674:2025 competence standards. All Phoenix STS fire risk assessors are registered on the National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR). Fully insured with professional indemnity cover. Expert assessments for commercial, healthcare, and residential care premises nationwide.
Enquire NowFire Risk Assessment Ireland – Service Overview
Fire Risk Assessment Ireland from Phoenix STS provides a comprehensive, legally compliant evaluation of fire risks in your premises using the PAS 79-1:2020 methodology. Our structured approach follows PAS 79-1:2020 Fire Risk Assessment: Part 1 – Premises other than housing, the recognised UK and Irish industry standard developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
A fire risk assessment in Ireland is a critical legal obligation for all businesses and organisations. The Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended in 2003) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 mandate regular fire risk assessments for all commercial properties. For healthcare facilities, HIQA Regulation 28 imposes additional fire precaution requirements for designated centres.
Our fire risk assessors bring extensive experience across multiple sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, education, retail, and commercial premises. Every assessment is conducted by a qualified professional registered on the National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR), ensuring competence verified against the new BS 8674:2025 framework.
PAS 79-1:2020 Fire Risk Assessment – Key Facts
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💡 Healthcare Sector Funding Available
Private healthcare facilities may be eligible for subsidised fire safety services through Leading Healthcare Providers (LHP) Skillnet. Contact us to discuss funding options for your fire risk assessment.
All Our Fire Risk Assessors Are Registered on the NFRAR
Every fire risk assessment conducted by Phoenix STS is completed by a qualified professional registered on the National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR), administered by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM). This registration provides independent verification that our assessors meet the competence standards required under BS 8674:2025.
Why Choose Phoenix STS for Fire Risk Assessment in Ireland
Selecting the right fire risk assessor is essential for protecting lives, ensuring legal compliance, and safeguarding your business. Here’s what sets Phoenix STS apart:
NFRAR Registered Assessors
All our fire risk assessors are registered on the National Fire Risk Assessors Register at Intermediate or Advanced level, providing third-party verification of competence aligned with BS 8674:2025.
BS 8674:2025 Compliant
Our assessors meet the new British Standard framework for fire risk assessor competence, published 15 August 2025, ensuring your assessment is conducted to the highest professional standards.
PAS 79-1:2020 Methodology
We follow the structured nine-step fire risk assessment process set out in PAS 79-1:2020, the industry-recognised code of practice for premises other than housing.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
All assessments are backed by comprehensive professional indemnity insurance covering fire risk assessment activities, protecting both you and your business.
Fire Engineering Expertise
Our lead assessors hold degrees in Fire Engineering (BEng) and are members of professional bodies including IFE, IFSM, NFPA, IOSH, and IIRSM.
Healthcare Specialists
Extensive experience in nursing homes, hospitals, and designated centres. We understand HIQA Regulation 28 requirements and the unique challenges of sleeping accommodation.
Actionable Reports
Clear, prioritised action plans with specific recommendations, timescales, and guidance for implementation, helping you achieve compliance efficiently.
ISO Certified Quality
Phoenix STS maintains ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety) certification, ensuring consistent service delivery.
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment in Ireland
A fire risk assessment in Ireland is required for virtually all non-domestic premises. The duty to ensure adequate fire precautions falls on the person having control of the premises. Organisations that should commission a PAS 79-1:2020 fire risk assessment include:
Healthcare Facilities
- Nursing Homes
- Residential Care Centres
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Disability Services
- Mental Health Facilities
Commercial Premises
- Offices and Business Parks
- Retail Units and Shopping Centres
- Warehouses and Distribution
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Mixed-Use Developments
Hospitality Sector
- Hotels and Guest Houses
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Pubs and Nightclubs
- Event Venues
- Tourist Attractions
Education Sector
- Schools (Primary/Secondary)
- Universities and Colleges
- Creches and Preschools
- Training Centres
- Student Accommodation
Public Buildings
- Community Centres
- Libraries and Museums
- Places of Worship
- Sports Facilities
- Theatres and Cinemas
Property Management
- Landlords (Commercial)
- Managing Agents
- Facilities Managers
- Multi-Tenant Buildings
- Co-Working Spaces
Healthcare Facilities: Additional Requirements
Nursing homes and designated centres for older people must comply with HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions). Our assessors have specialist expertise in healthcare fire safety and understand the unique challenges of facilities with sleeping accommodation and vulnerable residents. See our dedicated Nursing Home PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment service.
What Our Fire Risk Assessment Covers
Our fire risk assessment in Ireland follows the comprehensive methodology set out in PAS 79-1:2020, examining all aspects of fire safety in your premises:
Fire Hazard Identification
- Sources of ignition (electrical, heating, cooking, smoking, arson)
- Sources of fuel (combustible materials, flammable liquids, waste accumulation)
- Sources of oxygen (ventilation, oxidising materials)
- Work processes and activities that could cause fire
- External fire hazards (neighbouring premises, vegetation)
Fire Protection Measures
- Means of escape (routes, travel distances, exits, signage)
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Emergency lighting
- Firefighting equipment (extinguishers, hose reels)
- Compartmentation and fire-resisting construction
- Fire doors and their condition
- Fire stopping and penetration sealing
- Automatic suppression systems (where fitted)
Fire Safety Management
- Emergency plans and fire procedures
- Staff fire safety training records
- Fire drill frequency and documentation
- Maintenance of fire safety systems
- Fire safety policy and responsibilities
- Arrangements for persons especially at risk
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Building and Occupancy Factors
- Building construction and layout
- Occupancy type and use
- Number of occupants and peak occupancy
- Vulnerable persons (elderly, disabled, children)
- Hours of operation
- Sleeping accommodation (where applicable)
Our Fire Risk Assessment Process
We follow a structured approach based on the nine steps of fire risk assessment in Ireland set out in PAS 79-1:2020:
Pre-Assessment Briefing (Up to 1.5 hours)
Upon arrival, our assessor explains the assessment process, objectives, and expected outcomes. We request participation from key personnel:
- Facilities Manager or Building Manager
- Fire Safety Manager (if appointed)
- Person in Control of the premises
We review fire compliance documentation, existing fire safety policies, training records, maintenance certificates, and any previous fire risk assessments.
Building Inspection (Duration Varies by Size)
A systematic visual and non-intrusive inspection of all accessible areas to identify fire hazards and assess existing fire precautions. Our assessor examines:
- All escape routes, exits, and evacuation signage
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Firefighting equipment location and condition
- Fire doors and compartmentation
- Electrical installations and equipment
- Storage areas and housekeeping
- External areas and access for fire services
Post-Inspection Review (Up to 1 hour)
Following the inspection, we convene a meeting with relevant management to discuss preliminary findings. This provides an opportunity to:
- Highlight any issues requiring immediate attention
- Clarify observations and gather additional information
- Discuss potential remedial measures
- Answer questions about the assessment process
Report Generation (Within 10 Business Days)
We produce a comprehensive written report documenting all findings, including:
- Executive summary of key findings
- Assessment of current fire risk level
- Identified fire hazards and concerns
- Non-compliance with legislation or guidance
- Prioritised action plan with recommendations
- Suggested timescales for remedial actions
- Photographic evidence (where appropriate)
Follow-Up Support
We schedule a follow-up discussion to review the report and provide guidance on implementing recommendations. Our ongoing support includes:
- Clarification of recommendations
- Guidance on prioritisation and timescales
- Advice on sourcing contractors for remedial works
- Re-assessment service following remediation
Our Fire Risk Assessors
The competence of your fire risk assessor is critically important. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the subsequent Hackitt Review, new standards have been introduced to ensure fire risk assessors are properly qualified and competent for the buildings they assess.
BS 8674:2025 Competence Framework
BS 8674:2025 Built Environment: Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors was published on 15 August 2025. This British Standard establishes three competence levels:
- Foundation Level: Simple, low-risk buildings (small offices, retail units)
- Intermediate Level: Medium-complexity buildings (hotels, schools, larger offices)
- Advanced Level: High-risk and complex premises (hospitals, care homes, high-rise buildings)
All Phoenix STS fire risk assessors operate at Intermediate or Advanced level, ensuring competence for all building types including healthcare facilities with sleeping accommodation.
NFRAR Registration
The National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR) is administered by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) and provides a publicly searchable database of competent fire risk assessors. Registration requires:
- Evidence of relevant qualifications and experience
- Submission of sample fire risk assessments for review
- Verified Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Valid professional indemnity insurance
- Annual renewal and audit
Verify Our Assessors
You can verify the registration status of any Phoenix STS fire risk assessor by searching the NFRAR Find an Assessor directory. This provides independent assurance that our assessors meet recognised industry standards.
Professional Body Memberships
Our fire risk assessors hold memberships with leading professional bodies:
Qualifications
Our assessors hold qualifications including:
- BEng Fire Engineering
- BSc Environmental Health and Safety Management
- Higher Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
- NEBOSH National Diploma in Fire Safety
- IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science
Professional Indemnity Insurance
⚠️ Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Matters
When commissioning a fire risk assessment, it is essential to verify that your assessor carries professional indemnity (PI) insurance specifically covering fire risk assessment activities. An assessor without adequate PI insurance could leave you exposed to significant financial and legal risks if errors or omissions in their assessment lead to non-compliance, regulatory action, or loss.
Phoenix STS maintains comprehensive professional indemnity insurance that specifically covers fire risk assessment services. This insurance protects:
- You (the client): Financial protection if our assessment contains errors or omissions that result in loss
- Your business: Coverage for potential regulatory fines or remediation costs arising from assessment deficiencies
- Third parties: Protection for claims arising from fire safety incidents where assessment was a contributing factor
We recommend always requesting evidence of PI insurance from any fire safety consultant before engaging their services. A competent, professional assessor will readily provide this documentation.
Report and Documentation
Following completion of your fire risk assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report that serves as the formal record of the significant findings. The report includes:
Report Contents
- Executive Summary: Key findings and overall risk rating
- Premises Description: Building details, use, and occupancy
- Fire Hazard Analysis: Identified ignition sources, fuel sources, and persons at risk
- Fire Protection Assessment: Evaluation of all fire safety measures
- Management Review: Assessment of fire safety management systems
- Action Plan: Prioritised recommendations with suggested timescales
- Photographic Evidence: Supporting images of significant findings
- Assessment Date and Assessor Details: Including NFRAR registration number
Review Frequency
Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to the premises, occupancy, or use. As a general guide:
Your fire risk assessment is a living document. It should be reviewed and updated whenever:
- There are changes to the building layout or structure
- The use or occupancy of the premises changes
- New fire hazards are introduced
- Changes are made to fire safety systems
- A fire or near-miss occurs
- Changes to legislation or guidance occur
- The enforcing authority requests a review
Frequently Asked Questions
PAS 79-1:2020 is a Publicly Available Specification published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It provides a code of practice for fire risk assessment in premises other than housing. The document sets out a structured methodology for identifying fire hazards, evaluating risks, and determining appropriate fire precautions. It is widely recognised as the industry standard in the UK and Ireland for conducting and documenting fire risk assessments.
BS 8674:2025 is a British Standard published on 15 August 2025 that establishes a framework for assessing the competence of individual fire risk assessors. It defines three competence levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced) matched to building complexity and risk. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Government indicated its intention to mandate competence requirements for fire risk assessors. BS 8674:2025 provides the benchmark standard for demonstrating competence. All Phoenix STS assessors operate at Intermediate or Advanced level under this framework.
The National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR) is administered by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) and provides a publicly searchable database of fire risk assessors who have demonstrated competence through a structured assessment process. Registration requires evidence of qualifications, experience, sample assessments, CPD records, and valid professional indemnity insurance. Choosing an NFRAR-registered assessor gives you independent verification that your assessor meets recognised industry standards and is competent to assess your type of building.
Yes. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to identify hazards and assess risks, including fire risks. The Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended) places duties on persons having control of premises to take reasonable measures for fire safety. For healthcare facilities, HIQA Regulation 28 specifically requires adequate fire precautions in designated centres for older people.
There is no fixed legal interval, but best practice recommends annual review. PAS 79-1:2020 advises that fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to the premises, occupancy, processes, or fire safety measures. For healthcare facilities subject to HIQA inspection, maintaining current assessments is essential for demonstrating compliance.
The duration depends on the size and complexity of your premises. A small office might require 2-3 hours on site, while a large nursing home or hospital could require a full day or more. We provide an estimate of duration when quoting for your assessment. The written report is delivered within 10 business days of the site visit.
Professional indemnity (PI) insurance protects you if errors or omissions in the fire risk assessment lead to loss, regulatory action, or claims. An assessor without adequate PI insurance could leave you bearing the financial burden of any consequences arising from deficiencies in their work. Always verify that your assessor carries PI insurance specifically covering fire risk assessment activities before engaging their services.
A fire risk assessment is not a pass/fail inspection. It is an evaluation of fire risks and the adequacy of existing fire precautions. If we identify deficiencies or areas of non-compliance, these are documented in the action plan with prioritised recommendations. Our role is to help you understand your fire risks and provide clear guidance on achieving compliance, not to create problems without solutions.
Yes. Healthcare facilities are a specialist area for Phoenix STS. Our assessors have extensive experience in nursing homes, hospitals, and designated centres, and understand the specific requirements of HIQA Regulation 28. We offer a dedicated Nursing Home PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment service tailored to the healthcare sector.
Yes. Phoenix STS offers a full range of fire safety consultancy services to support implementation of assessment recommendations. This includes evacuation planning, fire warden training, fire door inspections, and ongoing fire safety management support. We can also recommend trusted contractors for any remedial works required.
