Car dealerships and showrooms combine open-plan sales floors, workshops, valeting bays, staff facilities and often an upstairs office or customer lounge. That mix creates fire and water safety duties that are easy to overlook. This guide sets out what dealership owners and managers in Ireland should have in place, and what a fire risk assessment and a Legionella risk assessment will look at.
Your legal duties as a dealership owner or manager
Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 (section 18(2)), a person in control of premises must take reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire and to protect the safety of people on the premises. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 also requires employers to identify hazards and manage risks to employees and others, which includes water systems where Legionella bacteria could grow. In practice that means a documented fire risk assessment and a Legionella risk assessment that are kept up to date.
Fire safety points that matter in a dealership
- Escape routes and vehicles. Cars parked close to exit doors, fire exits and assembly routes can block escape. Keep exit routes clear on the showroom floor, in the workshop and in the yard.
- Workshop and storage areas. Oils, solvents, paints, tyres, batteries and cleaning products all need sensible storage, away from ignition sources and escape routes.
- Electric vehicles and charging. Charging points need correct installation and servicing, and staff should know what to do if a charging vehicle shows a fault. Ask your electrician and your insurer about their requirements.
- Electrical equipment. Showroom lighting, display screens, workshop tools and chargers all add to the electrical load. Regular checks and avoiding overloaded sockets reduce the risk.
- Alarms, emergency lighting and extinguishers. These need servicing at suitable intervals, with records kept. Make sure the right extinguisher types are placed in the workshop, office and showroom.
- Staff and visitors. Customers come and go, often unfamiliar with the building. Clear signage, a known assembly point and staff who know the evacuation plan are all important.
Legionella and water safety in a dealership
Many dealership owners assume Legionella is only a concern for hotels or care homes. In fact, any premises with a water system can have a risk if water is allowed to stagnate or sit at the wrong temperatures. Points to consider include:
- Staff washrooms, showers and kitchenettes that are used only occasionally.
- Customer toilets and lounge water points that are quiet outside peak times.
- Hot water cylinders and cold water storage tanks serving the building.
- Valeting, car wash or pressure-washer areas, where spray or mist can be created.
- Outlets in unused parts of the building, such as a closed-off upstairs office.
A Legionella risk assessment identifies these points, records the findings and sets out simple control measures, such as regular flushing of little-used outlets, temperature checks and a review schedule. Our guide to fire and Legionella guides for Irish businesses covers more.
Records worth keeping for insurers and franchise audits
Insurers, landlords and franchise or manufacturer audits may ask to see proof that safety is being managed. A simple file with your current fire risk assessment and action list, alarm and extinguisher service records, emergency lighting tests, your Legionella risk assessment and flushing or temperature logs will answer most questions quickly. See also our guide on what your insurer may ask for.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small showroom need a fire risk assessment?
Yes. The duties apply to premises of every size. The assessment should match the size and risk of your building, but a written record is expected.
How often should the assessments be reviewed?
Review them whenever something significant changes, such as a layout change, new workshop equipment, a new charging installation or a change in how many people use the building, and at regular intervals set by your assessor.
Do we need a Legionella risk assessment if we only have a few staff?
If your building has a water system, the risk should be considered. The level of control needed will usually be simple for a small premises, but it should be assessed and recorded.
How Safer Solutions can help
We carry out fire risk assessments, Legionella risk assessments, Legionella sampling and water tank cleaning for businesses across Ireland, including dealerships and showrooms. You receive a clear written report with practical actions. For a free quote, contact us on 086 275 9728 or at info@safersolutions.ie.