Warehouses and industrial units hold a lot of stock, a lot of equipment and, often, a lot of people working shifts in large open spaces. A fire in that kind of building can spread quickly, and the people inside may be spread out, wearing hearing protection or working alone. This guide sets out what managers of warehouses, distribution units and industrial premises should look at in their fire risk assessment, and what to check on the water side too.
Your duty
Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 (section 18(2)), the person in control of a premises must take reasonable measures to guard against outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of people. Employers also have duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. A written fire risk assessment is how you identify the hazards, decide what is needed and show what you have done. See what happens during a fire risk assessment visit and how often to review it.
What to look at in a warehouse or industrial unit
- Storage. Stock stacked too high, too close to lights or against walls feeds a fire and blocks access. Keep aisles and escape routes clear. Where sprinklers are fitted, keep stock clear of the heads, and ask your installer what clearance applies.
- Combustible waste. Pallets, cardboard and packaging build up quickly. Store them away from the building where you can, and empty bins and skips regularly.
- Battery and forklift charging. Charging areas should be separate from stock, ventilated and kept tidy. See also electric vehicle charging at work.
- Hot work. Welding, cutting and grinding start many industrial fires. Use a permit system, clear combustibles from the area and check it again after the work is finished.
- Flammable liquids, chemicals and gas. Store them in the right place in the right quantities. See chemical and cleaning product storage and gas cylinders and LPG at work.
- Electrical equipment. Look for overloaded sockets, damaged cables, dust build-up on machines and heaters left on. Keep equipment maintained.
- Roof-mounted equipment. If you have solar panels, read solar panels on commercial roofs.
- Mezzanines and raised storage. Floors added for storage or offices can change escape routes. See mezzanine floors and fire safety.
- Workshops. Maintenance areas have their own risks: garages and workshops.
- Smoking. Keep a clear smoking policy and safe areas away from storage: smoking and vaping at work.
Getting people out safely
- Exits. Doors must open easily and not be blocked by stock or equipment. See fire exit doors, locks and keypads.
- Alarm coverage. In large, noisy buildings, make sure the alarm can be heard and seen everywhere, including mezzanines, yards and offices. Test and record it: fire alarm testing and servicing.
- Shifts and lone working. Plan for nights, weekends and people working alone: lone workers and out-of-hours fire safety.
- Visitors and drivers. Hauliers and visitors need to know what to do and where to go. See fire assembly points and how to run an evacuation drill.
- Extinguishers. Choose the right type for each area and keep them serviced: choosing the right fire extinguisher.
Shared walls and neighbouring units
On an industrial estate your unit may share walls, roof space or escape routes with neighbours. Ask who is responsible for the shared parts and whether the building has a current fire risk assessment. Our guide to business parks and multi-tenant buildings explains how responsibility is usually split.
Do not forget the water
Staff showers, canteens, welfare facilities and water storage can all be part of a Legionella risk, especially in units that are quiet at weekends or between shifts. Little-used showers and taps should be flushed and recorded: see flushing little-used taps and showers. A Legionella risk assessment reviews your standard hot and cold water system, and Legionella sampling checks whether the controls are working. Irish guidance is in the HPSC National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland and the HSA information on Legionnaires’ disease. Process water and cooling systems are specialised and need their own assessment.
Where we work
Safer Solutions carries out fire risk assessments, Legionella risk assessments and Legionella sampling for businesses, landlords and managing agents across Ireland. That includes business and industrial areas such as Little Island and Ballincollig near Cork, Tallaght, Blanchardstown and Citywest around Dublin, Raheen and Castletroy near Limerick, and Mervue and Oranmore near Galway. See all the areas we cover or go to Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway. Tell us about your premises through our contact page or call 086 275 9728 for a free written quote.
This guide is general information and is not legal advice. Your duties depend on the use and layout of your premises.