Fire Safety in Hotels: A Guide for Irish Hoteliers
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Fire Safety in Hotels:
By David Flood, Managing Director – RFC Security Systems
When it comes to the hospitality sector, guest and staff safety must always come first. In Ireland, hotel owners and managers have clear legal obligations under the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005, and the Building Regulations (TGD-B). Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about protecting lives and ensuring confidence in your establishment.
At RFC Security Systems, we specialise in helping hotels meet their fire safety obligations. Here’s our guide to the key fire safety equipment and measures every hotel in Ireland should have in place, aligned with the latest Irish Standard I.S. 3218:2024.
Smoke & Heat Detectors
Smoke and heat detectors must be strategically installed in:
- Corridors, guest rooms, stairwells, public areas, and storage spaces.
- Service areas such as kitchens, plant rooms, and storerooms.
Under I.S. 3218:2024, larger hotels require a centralised fire detection and alarm system. This integrates detectors and manual call points into a master control panel, allowing staff to quickly identify where an alarm has been triggered and take immediate action.
Modern detectors can now identify unusual heat build-up as well as smoke, giving earlier warning than older devices.
Fire Extinguishers
Every hotel must have the right extinguishers in the right places. At RFC Security Systems, we install and maintain extinguishers in accordance with Irish standards and risk assessments.
Different extinguishers are needed depending on the fire risk:
- Class A – Paper, wood, and general combustibles.
- Class B – Flammable liquids.
- Class C – Electrical equipment.
- Class F – Cooking oils and fats (common in kitchens).
Even if your premises has sprinklers, extinguishers are essential for tackling small fires quickly before they spread. Equally important is staff training — employees must know how to use extinguishers correctly and safely.
Fire Safety Signage
Clear signage is vital in all hotel environments. This includes:
- Fire Action Notices – giving instructions in the event of fire.
- Extinguisher ID Signs – ensuring correct use of equipment.
- Exit & Assembly Point Signs – directing guests and staff to safety.
Signage must comply with Irish regulations and be easy to follow. Confusing or missing signage can put lives at risk.
Fire Regulation Compliance in Ireland
Fire Risk Assessments
All hotels, regardless of size, must carry out a fire risk assessment. This involves:
- Identifying hazards such as faulty wiring or blocked escape routes.
- Ensuring fire doors are in good condition, properly fitted, and never wedged open.
- Reviewing and updating the risk assessment regularly, not just once a year.
Staff Training
Employees must be trained to:
- Recognise and report fire risks.
- Use extinguishers, fire blankets, and other safety equipment.
- Carry out evacuation procedures and know escape routes.
- Participate in regular drills to ensure readiness.
Evacuation Routes
Safe escape routes must be maintained at all times. Hazards such as stored furniture, wedged doors, or locked stairwells can turn an evacuation into a disaster.
Legal Requirements & Responsibilities
Under Irish fire safety law, the “person having control” of the premises (usually the hotel owner or general manager) is legally responsible for compliance.
Failure to comply can result in:
- Enforcement notices from local fire authorities.
- Fines or prosecution under the Fire Services Acts.
- Significant reputational damage — enforcement actions can be published and publicly accessible.
Why Choose RFC Security Systems?
At RFC Security Systems, we design, install, and maintain fire safety systems in line with I.S. 3218:2024. We provide:
- Fire alarm systems tailored to hotel layouts.
- Professional fire extinguisher installation and servicing.
- Staff training and support.
- Ongoing compliance checks to ensure your hotel remains safe and fully compliant.
- Your guests trust you with their safety. Trust us to keep your systems fully compliant and ready when it matters most.
👉 Contact RFC Security Systems today for a consultation on your hotel’s fire safety requirements.