What is a Fire Safety Design Certificate?

What is a Fire Safety Design Certificate?

A Fire Safety Design Certificate (FSDC) is the new name for a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC), and it demonstrates compliance with Part B (Fire) of the Building Regulations 1997 – 2025.

The name came into effect with the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025.   

It is noted that all buildings must comply with Part B (Fire) of the Building Regulations 1997 – 2025, however, not all buildings need a FSDC, for example, houses and certain agricultural buildings. 

Drawings and various technical information about the building are required when applying for a FSDC. When the application has been submitted, the authorities have two months to reach a decision or must request an extension of time.  An extension of time is not unusual for large or complex buildings. 

The ORS Fire Safety Team handle multiple applications for clients on an ongoing basis. They are experienced in managing the process on your behalf and guide you through implementing the actions required to ensure your building is compliant with Building Control Regulations. 

When do you require a FSDC?

The following developments require a Fire Safety Certificate;

• Works in connection with the design and construction of a new building
• Works in connection with the Material Alteration of:
  • a day centre
  • a building containing a flat
  • a hotel, hostel or guest building
  • an institutional building
  • a place of assembly
  • a shopping centre
• Works in connection with the Material Alteration of a shop, office or industrial building where additional floor area is being provided within the existing building or where the building is subdivided into a number of units for separate occupancy 
• Works in connection with the Material Change of Use (i.e. a building which was not being used as any of the following and then becomes so used): 
  • a day centre 
  • a hotel, hostel or guest building 
  • a care facility building  
  • an office (which is not ancillary to the primary use of the building) 
  • a place of assembly 
  • a shop (which is not ancillary to the primary use of the building) 
  • a shopping centre 
  • an industrial building – high hazard 
  • an industrial building – normal hazard 
  • a storage building – high hazard 
  • a storage building – normal hazard 

It is noted that the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2025, published 4th March 2025, amended the definition of a Material Change of Use to include industrial and storage buildings.  It also differentiates between normal and high hazard in these building types. Therefore, for example, where an industrial or storage building changes from normal to high hazard a FSDC is now needed.   

The implications of not having a FSDC are extremely serious. If the building is inspected by a member of the Building Control Authority and, on finding proof that no Fire Safety Certificate is in place, the building could be subject to closure.  

Make sure to send in your commencement notice or 7-day notice before you start work on your development. 

What is an Access and Use Certificate?

When considering the requirements for FSDC, consideration should also be given to whether or not an Access and Use Certificate is needed. 

An Access and Use Certificate (AUC) is the new name for a Disability Access Certificate (DAC), and it demonstrates compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations 1997 – 2025. 

The name came into effect with the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025.   

At ORS, our core business in fire safety engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to the protection of people, property and the environment from fire. We strive to deliver the highest standard of fire engineering to all our clients, meeting individual project challenges and requirements. 

Our Fire Safety team is comprised of dynamic individuals, dedicated to providing the best fire safety service for our clients.  We use state-of-the-art fire engineering tools in our fire safety design and consultancy work. 

If you would like to discuss Fire Safety requirements for your project, please get in touch with the ORS Fire Safety team, contact us at  info@ors.ie  or call +353 1524 2060.