Crèches, playschools, after-school clubs and other childcare settings look after people who cannot get themselves out of a building: babies, toddlers and young children who depend on staff to act quickly. That changes how a fire risk assessment needs to be done. This guide covers the main things for managers of childcare settings in Ireland, and the water checks that are easy to miss when a building is quiet at weekends and over holidays.
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. Early learning and care services must also meet the requirements of their registration with Tusla, so check what applies to your service. 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.
What is different about childcare settings
- Children cannot evacuate themselves. Plan how each room is cleared, who carries or leads which children, and how babies and children who are sleeping are moved. Evacuation cots, buggies or other equipment should be easy to reach and should not block the exit.
- Staff numbers and ratios. Know how many staff are in each room at different times of day and what happens when numbers are low, for example at opening, closing and breaks.
- Exit doors and child safety. Child-resistant handles, gates and locks are necessary, but they must never stop staff getting children out quickly. See fire exit doors, locks and keypads.
- Fire doors. Doors must close properly and never be wedged open. Check seals, closers and gaps, and make sure children’s artwork and furniture are not in the way.
- Wall displays and craft materials. Paper, card and fabric on walls and ceilings burn easily. Keep displays away from exits and heaters and keep craft supplies tidy and stored away.
- Sleep rooms. Check that staff will hear the alarm and can reach every cot quickly, and that nothing blocks the way out.
- Kitchens and heating. Meals, bottle warmers, laminators, heaters and chargers add risk. See staff kitchens and tea rooms.
- Arrivals, pick-ups and visitors. Keep an accurate record of who is in the building at any time, including parents and visitors, so no one is missed. Our fire safety induction for visitors guide explains how.
Alarms, drills and the assembly point
- Alarm. Test it regularly and keep a record: fire alarm testing and servicing.
- Drills. Practise with the children and every member of staff, including part-time and relief staff, and note how long it takes and what you learn. See how to run an evacuation drill.
- Assembly point. Choose a safe place away from the building and away from traffic, and make sure children can be kept together and counted there. See fire assembly points.
- Closing up. A simple end-of-day routine reduces risk overnight: closing-up checklist.
Do not forget the water
Childcare buildings are often closed at weekends and for holiday periods, and some rooms or sinks are used only occasionally. Water that sits still can warm up and stagnate, which is the kind of condition in which Legionella bacteria can grow. Flush little-used taps, sinks and any showers or baths on a regular basis and record it: see flushing little-used taps and showers and Legionella control for part-time premises. Thermostatic mixing valves protect children from scalding but should be part of the routine checks. 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.
Where we work
Safer Solutions carries out fire risk assessments, Legionella risk assessments and Legionella sampling for childcare providers, schools, businesses and landlords across Ireland. That includes areas such as Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Dundrum and Dún Laoghaire around Dublin, Ballincollig near Cork, Castletroy and Raheen near Limerick, and Oranmore near Galway. See all the areas we cover or go to Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway. Tell us about your service 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 and the requirements of your registration.