Fire & DAC

FAQ

What developments require a Fire Safety Certificate?

At OMC, our team of professional engineers are happy to advise on your developments Fire Safety Certificate requirements, and can provide further information on building exemptions, where applicable.

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 provided within the existing building or where the building is being sub-divided into a number of units for separate occupancy.
Works in connection with the extension of a building by more than 25 square metres.
A building as regards which a material change of use takes place.

When is a Disability Access Certificate (DAC) required?

At OMC, our team of engineers can advise on your developments Disability Access Certificate requirements, and can provide further information on buildingexemptions, where applicable.

Under the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2018, a Disability Access Certificate is required for most new non-domestic buildings, as well as for certain alterations, extensions, and changes of use. Specifically, a DAC is neededfor:

New buildings – the construction of any new building (other than a dwelling house).
Material alterations (other than minor works) to:
- Day centres
- Hotels, hostels, or guest accommodation
- Institutional buildings (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes)
- Places of assembly (e.g., theatres, nightclubs, community halls)
- Shopping centres
Material alterations to shops, offices, or industrial buildings where:
- The building is subdivided into separate units, or
- Additional floor area is created within the building.
Extensions greater than 25 m² to an existing building.
Material changes of use where a building is converted to become:
- A day centre
- A hotel, hostel, or guest accommodation
- An institutional building
- A place of assembly
- A shop (not ancillary to the main use of the building)
- A shopping centre

In many cases, a project will require both a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and a Disability Access Certificate (DAC). These applications are usually prepared and submitted together.

When is a Disability Access Certificate not required?

A Disability Access Certificate is not required for:

An agricultural building,
A dwelling (other than a flat),
A garage ancillary to a dwelling,
Certain other buildings ancillary to a dwelling,
Article 20D (2)(e) of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations, clarifies that a DAC is not required for a building used solely to enable inspection, repair or maintenance of fixed plant, building services, or machinery, such as access to roof top air handling units or electric substations.

A DAC is also not required for material alterations to a building containing a flat.However, this does not remove the obligation to comply with Part M (Access and Use) of the Building Regulations.

How does the Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate process work?

Applications for both a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and a Disability Access Certificate (DAC) are submitted online through the Building Control Management System (BCMS). The process follows several key steps:

Submission & Validation
- Once submitted, the application is date-stamped and acknowledged. If required information or fees are missing, the Building Control Authority will request these before the application can be validated. Invalid applications are returned, and the fee refunded.
Technical Assessment
- A Fire Safety Certificate application is assessed for compliance with Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations.
- A Disability Access Certificate application is assessed for compliance with Part M (Access and Use) of the Building Regulations.
Requests for Further Information
- If additional details, design changes, or clarifications are required, the Building Control/Fire Prevention Officer will issue arequest to the applicant.
Decision Period
- The Building Control Authority must issue a decision within two months of the application date, unless a longer timeframe is formally agreed with the applicant.
Outcome
- If the application is satisfactory, the FSC and/or DAC will be granted (sometimes with conditions).
- If the application does not demonstrate compliance, the Authority may refuse the application, giving clear reasons for refusal.

Can I change the approved design after a Fire Safety Certificate or Disability Access Certificate has been granted?

Both a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and a Disability Access Certificate (DAC) aregranted based on the approved building design. If the design is altered during construction, the validity of one or both certificates may be affected.

Minor changes: Always seek clarification from the Building Control Authority or a competent Engineering Professional to confirm whether theexisting FSC and DAC remain valid.
Significant design changes occur, a Revised Fire Safety Certificate and/or a Revised Disability Access Certificate will be required before proceeding.

Will the Building Control Authority certify my development on completion

No. The Building Control Authority does not certify a building on completion. Instead, all required certification must be provided in line with Article 20 of the Building Control Regulations and the Code of Practice for Inspecting & Certifying Building Works.

At OMC, we provide a full service to support clients through this stage. Our team of engineers can:

Carry out onsite inspections during construction to ensure compliance with the granted Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and Disability Access Certificate (DAC).
Provide the necessary certification and documentation for completion under the Building Control Regulations.
This gives you the assurance that your development is fully compliant, and avoids delays at handover or occupation.

Fire Safety & DAC

WHAT WE DO

Regulatory Compliance with Confidence

Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) Services

Disability Access Certificate (DAC) Services

Why Choose OMC for FSC & DAC Services?

Typical Projects We Support:

Need an FSC or DAC? Let's Get It Done Right.

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