HSA regulations 'will force householders to get risk assessments'

The Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance has claimed that many householders will be forced to undertake risk and safety assessments of their homes under new anti-smoking regulations proposed by the Health and Safety Authority.

The HSA’s regulations propose a ban on smoking in private homes that employ people like childminders, au pairs or carers.

The ban would also apply when tradesmen such as plumbers or electricians were carrying out work in a private home.

The IHIA, a lobby group of restaurateurs, publicans and hoteliers opposed to the Government’s proposed ban on smoking in workplaces, claimed householders would have to pay up to €2,000 for risk and safety assessments in order to comply with the HSA regulations.