Fire Risk Assessment Ireland

Fire Risk Assessment Ireland – Service Overview

Fire Risk Assessment Irelandfrom Phoenix STS provides a comprehensive, legally compliant evaluation of fire risks in your premises using the PAS 79-1:2020 methodology. Our structured approach followsPAS 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. TheFire Services Act 1981(as amended in2003) and theSafety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005mandate regular fire risk assessments for all commercial properties. For healthcare facilities,HIQA Regulation 28imposes 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 theNational Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR), ensuring competence verified against the newBS 8674:2025framework.

PAS 79-1:2020 Compliant BS 8674:2025 Assessors NFRAR Registered PI Insurance Cover

Healthcare Sector Funding Available

Private healthcare facilities may be eligible for subsidised fire safety services throughLeading Healthcare Providers (LHP) Skillnet. Contact us to discuss funding options for your fire risk assessment.

Every fire risk assessment conducted by Phoenix STS is completed by a qualified professional registered on theNational 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 underBS 8674:2025.

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 Assessorswas 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 atIntermediate or Advanced level, ensuring competence for all building types including healthcare facilities with sleeping accommodation.

NFRAR Registration

TheNational 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 theNFRAR Find an Assessordirectory. This provides independent assurance that our assessors meet recognised industry standards.

Professional Body Memberships

Our fire risk assessors hold memberships with leading professional bodies:

IFEIFSMNFPAIOSHIIRSMIHEEMIIESMS

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:

Annual Review RecommendedOr upon significant change to premises/use

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

What is PAS 79-1:2020?

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.

What is BS 8674:2025 and why does it matter?

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.

What is the NFRAR and why should I choose a registered assessor?

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.

Is a fire risk assessment legally required in Ireland?

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.

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

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.

How long does a fire risk assessment take?

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.

Why is professional indemnity insurance important?

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.

What happens if my premises fail the assessment?

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.

Do you offer fire risk assessments for nursing homes?

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.

Can you help implement the recommendations from the assessment?

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.