Fire Safety Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Questions (773)

Finian McGrath

Question:

773. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding fire, health and safety regulations. [16350/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings, including emergency escape lighting, is governed by Part B of the 1997 – 2008 Building Regulations, made under the Building Control Act, 1990. Primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the builders and owners of buildings. Guidance on how to comply with Part B is set out in Technical Guidance Document B (TGD B) published by my Department.

Section 18 (Part 3) of the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003 places a duty on persons having control over premises to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire. The Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly, published by my Department, provides guidance to persons in control of places of assembly as to the measures necessary to discharge these statutory obligations. The Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape), Regulations, 1985 require persons in control of premises to ensure that all escape routes to a place of safety are kept unobstructed and immediately available for use.

Section 22 of the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003 empowers fire authorities to inspect any land or building, including leisure complexes, for the purpose of the Act. Under the Act, fire authorities can pursue enforcement of fire safety matters, including the management of fire safety.

Health and Safety legislation and regulations are a matter for the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

I am arranging that your correspondence will be provided to Fingal County Council and the Chief Fire Officer of Dublin Fire Brigade for attention and any necessary action to be undertaken.