Cigarette ends, lighters and charging vapes are everyday items, but they can start fires if they end up in the wrong place. A few clear rules go a long way.
Where the risk comes from
- Cigarettes put out in bins, planters or against walls.
- Smoking areas close to waste stores, doors or combustible materials.
- Lighters and matches left in pockets, bins or laundry.
- Vapes and chargers used or charged on soft surfaces or in stock rooms. See our guide on lithium batteries and charging.
Practical steps
- Agree a designated smoking area away from the building, bins and stored materials.
- Provide proper metal bins or stubbing points and empty them daily.
- Make sure staff and visitors know the rules.
- Include smoking areas in your closing walk-round.
- Check that vape and phone charging is done in a sensible, supervised place.
- Look for burn marks, ash and butts as signs that rules are not being followed.
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 to protect people if one occurs. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 places wider duties on employers to manage workplace risks.
Talk to Safer Solutions
A fire risk assessment looks at your premises, your people and the way you work, and gives you a clear written action list. Call us on 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie for a friendly, no-obligation chat. See our fire risk assessments in Ireland and our fire and legionella guides.