A packed bar on a Friday night is very different from the same room on a quiet Monday afternoon. Crowds, noise, low lighting and alcohol all affect how quickly people notice and respond to a fire. Good planning makes the difference.
What makes pubs and venues challenging
- Large numbers of people who do not know the building.
- Loud music that can mask the alarm.
- Low lighting, dark finishes and décor that can burn.
- Doors and exits that may be locked, blocked or hard to find at busy times.
- Cooking, smoking areas and equipment behind the bar.
- Staff who change often, especially at weekends or in busy seasons.
What a fire risk assessment typically covers
- Capacity and crowd movement: can people leave quickly from every part of the venue?
- Exits and signs: are exit doors openable from inside without a key and are signs clear and lit?
- Alarm and emergency lighting: can the alarm be heard over music, and does it work when the power fails?
- Décor and furnishings: curtains, drapes, soft furnishings and decorations.
- Kitchens and bar areas: fryers, extraction and electrical equipment.
- Smoking areas and bins: where cigarettes end up.
- Storage: kegs, bottles, packaging and cellar areas.
- Staff arrangements: who raises the alarm, who helps people out, who calls the fire brigade.
Practical steps
- Brief every new staff member on exits, the alarm and what to do before their first shift.
- Check exits are clear at opening time and keep a short opening checklist.
- Make sure music can be switched off automatically or quickly when the alarm sounds.
- Record drills and checks in your fire safety register.
Your duties
Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, a person in control of premises must take reasonable measures to guard against fire and protect people. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 also covers the safety of your staff.
Get in touch
A fire risk assessment gives you a written plan for your venue. We provide fire risk assessments in Dublin for all kinds of businesses. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie for a friendly chat.