asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that the 1981 Fire Services Act, 1981 Regulations do not apply to single unit dwellings; if he will indicate the protection the public has where a fire hazard exists in such a dwelling; if he intends to amend the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fire Safety.
21.
The Fire Safety Regulations made in July 1985 under section 37 of the Fire Services Act, 1981, set out the precautions regarding means of escape to be observed by persons having control over places of public assembly such as cinemas, dancehalls, etc. As such they would not be appropriate to single unit dwellings.
With regard to eliminating the hazard of fire from private houses, fire safety standards applicable to the structural aspect of new houses including the construction of chimneys, flues and hearths are contained in existing local authority building by-laws and in the proposed building regulations. Fire safety requirements also exist for upholstered furniture and for domestic electrical appliances, as well as plugs and sockets. In addition, the Fire Prevention Council is actively engaged in publicity campaigns to alert householders to the dangers of fire in the home and to the precautions which should be taken.