What projects need a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and a Disability Access Certificate (DAC)?
All new works except single domestic dwellings since 1st June 1992 require a FSC. All new works except single domestic dwellings since 1st January 2010 require a DAC. All projects except single domestic dwellings, where a material alteration, extension or change of use takes place require a FSC. All projects except single domestic dwellings where a material alteration or extension takes place require a DAC. A DAC is not required where a change of use takes place, providing there are no material alterations or extensions.
How do I get a quote?
E-mail the project drawings, as dwg, dxf, pdf, jpg or png files to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . FiSCA tries to respond within 24hrs of your enquiry, though due to the complexity of some projects this isn’t always possible. Most times though, you’ll have a quote within 24hrs. If you send drawings on a Friday afternoon, you may expect a quote the following Monday afternoon or sooner.
I’m happy with the quote, what do I do now?
FiSCA needs dwg or dxf files of the project in order to adapt your drawings for the Fire Safety Certificate submission. So, if you’ve haven’t sent the project in one of these formats, that is the next step. FiSCA will then prepare the submission, drawings and an accompanying fire safety report. Upon completion these are sent to you for approval, prior to being lodged with the appropriate authority. If changes were made to your designs that you’re not happy with, an alternative solution that suits will be found. When you’re happy, FiSCA makes the submission. In the event of the authority concerned having any issues with the Fire Safety Certificate submission, FiSCA consults you immediately. In such rare instances, the resolution becomes the top priority so that a quick response is given to the matter. FiSCA’s aim in every case is to get the Fire Certificate within the initial application timeframe.
Is it really that simple?
Naturally, there’ll be some information to be provided, in addition to the drawings, but the idea is to make it as simple as possible for you. FiSCA wants your custom and will work hard to secure it and equally as hard to maintain it. You will receive a reliable and dependable service if you choose to use it.
We’ve prepared our tender documentation, does it cover all the relevant fire works?
FiSCA will review your tender documentation for a small fee.
Can FiSCA certify compliance with the Fire Safety Certificate?
Yes, providing all the relevant sub-contractor’s Certificates are made available to FiSCA, we can inspect the completed project and issue a Certificate of Compliance as appropriate.
Is FiSCA insured?
We have full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability cover.
Am I obliged to comply with the Building Regulations?
Yes. Buildings must be built in compliance with the Building Regulations.
Can I get a fire safety certificate without hiring a consultant?
Although you are not legally obliged to hire a consultant unless you have a good background in building construction and fire safety design, it is very unlikely that you will be able to prepare a valid application. Remember, poor applications will not be assessed and will be returned to you.
How much is the application fee?
As part of a valid application you must submit the appropriate fee. It may be calculated as follows.
€2.90 per square metre of actual floor area
Minimum fee €125
Maximum fee €12500
When did the requirement for a fire safety certificate come in?
The fire safety certificate process came into force in June 1992. Only buildings built after that date are required to have applied for a fire safety certificate.
How long will it take my fire safety certificate to be processed?
The statutory period granted to building control authorities to process fire safety certificate application is two months. Factors such the size of the project and the quality of the submission all effect the turn around time of an application.
I want to get started before my FSC or DAC is granted. Can I go ahead?
No. The law is quite clear that you must obtain a FSC before you commence construction.You may commence construction without a DAC, but you may not open or use your building without the DAC.
What can I do with my site while I await the granting of my fire safety certificate?
You are allowed to carry out demolition, clearance and site preparation works only.
What if I don’t bother applying for a fire safety certificate and build anyway?
If you build without a fire safety certificate you will leave yourself open to prosecution under building control legislation. If you decide at some later date to sell your premises the buyers solicitor will in all likelihood look for a copy of the fire safety certificate for the building. If you are unable to produce a fire safety certificate you may find it difficult to sell. If you build or extend a public house without a fire safety certificate you may run into difficulties obtaining a license.
I want to carry out minor works to my premises. Do I need a fire safety certificate?
Minor works such as repairs and renewals are exempted from having to apply for a fire safety certificate. Care should be taken though when deciding on what constitutes minor works. The Planning Act defines what is exempted and what requires permission.
I want to build three separate buildings on my site. Will the one fire safety application cover the three buildings?
No. Building control legislation requires that a fire safety certificate is obtained for a particular building. This applies even if the three buildings to be built are all identical to each other.
Do I have to wait for my planning permission to come through before I can apply for my fire safety certificate?
No. You can apply for both concurrently. Doing this will also save you time. If you wait for your planning permission before applying for your fire safety certificate, you will have to wait for a further two months before you can commence works.
New alternative procedures for Fire Safety Certificate applications.
On the 1 October 2009, sections 5 and 6 of the Building Control Act 2007 came into operation by virtue of the Building Control Act 2007
(Commencement Order) 2009. These new regulations will provide more options for applying for a Fire Safety Certificate.
These options are summarised as follows
Option No 1
Making a Fire Safety Certificate application as per the status quo. In this case work cannot commence until the Fire Safety Certificate is granted and for 14 days after a commencement notice is served. The local authority fee of €2.90/m² up to a maximum of €12,500 still applies.
Option No 2
A revised Fire Safety Certificate Application provides a vehicle to revise a previously granted Fire Safety Certificate, where the design has significantly changed or due to a requirement of planning. The procedure and fee scale is the same as the normal route in option 1.
Option No 3 (1st new alternative) New Fees!
A 7 day notice is a new procedure where an applicant can submit to the local authority their intention to start work in 7 days time. The notice must be accompanied by:-
(a) A valid Fire Safety Certificate Application
(b) An Application form
(c) A 7 Day Statutory Declaration Form. This effectively is a declaration that any works carried out before the grant of the fire cert, will comply with the Building Regulations and an undertaking to carry out any modifications required under the grant.
The local authority fee of increases to €5.80/m² with a maximum fee of €25,000.
Option No 4 (2nd new alternative) New Fees!
A Regularisation Fire Safety Certificate Application
This type of application applies where works have started or completed, without either a normal Fire Safety Certificate Application or a 7 day notice application. Unlike an application for a design, this will need to confirm that the completed building complies with the Building Regulations. The local authority can also inspect the premises.
A statutory declaration is also required stating that the works carried out to date do comply with the Building Regulations and that the applicant will comply with any modifications or
In addition the local authority fee in this case increases to €11.60/m² up to a maximum of €50,000.
