In Ireland, the primary legislation governing fire safety in buildings to which the public are admitted is the Fire Services Act (1981 and 2003). In brief, this places a duty of care on every person who has control over a premises to make adequate provision for the safety of everyone on their premises and to provide adequate fire-fighting equipment for extinguishing fires in the building.

The Safety, Health and Welfare Act (2005) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act (2007) also place a general duty of care on employers in respect of workplace Health and Safety. The Health and Safety Authority has the power to monitor risks associated with fire in the workplace, while local fire authorities have the power to give advice, issue recommendations and enforce compliance.

There are also a number of codes of practice and guidance documents relating to fire safety provision depending on the nature of your business, such as hotels, nursing homes and places of assembly (night clubs and concert venues).