Many Galway businesses combine office space with labs, clean rooms, workshops or small-scale assembly. These mixed-use workplaces have fire risks beyond a standard office, and the assessment has to reflect how the building is really used.
Typical fire risks in tech and medtech workplaces
- Large amounts of electrical equipment, including chargers, test rigs and power supplies.
- Lithium batteries in devices, test samples and storage. See our guide on lithium batteries and e-bike charging.
- Chemicals and solvents in labs and cleaning areas.
- Packaging and stock in stores and loading bays.
- Server and comms rooms with cabling and cooling equipment.
- Visitors and contractors who need briefing on exits and procedures.
- Controlled-access areas, where doors are locked or secured for good reasons but must still work for escape.
What a fire risk assessment typically looks at
- Escape routes, especially from secure or controlled rooms.
- Door access systems, and whether doors release when the alarm sounds.
- Detection and alarm, suitable for each area, including clean rooms and labs.
- Storage and handling of chemicals and batteries.
- Electrical equipment and housekeeping.
- Fire doors and compartmentation between office, lab and store areas.
- Fire wardens and drills, including shift workers.
- Visitor and contractor arrangements.
- Records.
Practical steps
- Keep a list of hazardous materials and where they are stored.
- Check that access-control doors unlock on alarm and during power loss, and write down the test.
- Charge batteries in a designated, supervised space, not in escape routes or stores.
- Review the assessment whenever you add equipment, expand or change processes.
Your duties
Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, those in control of premises and employers must manage fire risk, including from processes and materials on site.
Talk to Safer Solutions
We carry out fire risk assessments in Galway for offices and technical workplaces. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie for a friendly conversation.