There have been some recent technical changes to fire regulations in Northern Ireland that will impact work on multi dwelling or high-rise properties. Some of the changes will also apply to self builds or smaller projects. It’s now important to comply with these changes – you can find full guidance in fire regulations in Technical Booklet E - Fire Safety, produced by the Department of Finance, and the department have also set out a detailed breakdown of the specific changes in a downloadable guide to the amendments.
Ultimately the adjustments in the regs have been driven by fire safety and detection – to give more protection for those within the home, as well as improving access for fire services.
Why it matters to builders
These updates put a stronger emphasis on designing projects that protect both residents and emergency responders.
To get building control sign off, this now means you need to:
- Check detection systems: Simple smoke or heat alarms might no longer suffice — some projects will require upgraded systems that meet higher standards.
- Consider sprinklers or suppression systems: Especially for any building over 11m or purpose-built for students/residential care.
- Plan for fire safety handover: You'll now need to prepare and deliver full safety information to building users and local authorities right at handover, rather than later.
- Add additional fire safety devices: The addition now of smoke alarms in all habitable rooms is an important change to the legislation. Added to this is the direction that each kitchen area requires a heat alarm to be put in place.
- Enabling access and guidance: Ensure your design includes features that support effective fire service response — smoke control, signage, and access arrangements.
Guidance and next steps
- Review Technical Booklet E (2025) and the AMD 9 amendments to understand exactly how they apply to your projects. The Department of Finance have also produced a set of useful FAQ about the fire safety changes to help troubleshoot some common questions they have received from builders.
- Talk to your local building control authority. If you're unsure of your specific responsibilities, especially for high-rise or multi-occupancy projects communication at an early stage is important.
- Remember to pay consideration to access for fire service vehicles, particularly for new build properties.
At the heart of all of this we appreciate that the changes reflect a desire to protect both the clients or homeowners and those who may need to act in the case of emergency.
We appreciate all involved want to deliver projects that keep both clients and contractors safe. Working with the new guidelines will hopefully help do this.
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