Standards and technical committees
How NSAI committees work, where their work connects with our five specialist disciplines, and how IIESMS members can contribute.
Contributing to standards in Ireland
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) brings stakeholders together to develop and review standards. Its committees provide a route for practical experience from industry, public services, research and other interests to inform technical work.
For indigenous Irish standards, an accepted proposal is assigned to an existing technical body or a new body of voluntary experts. Drafting is consultative and consensus driven. Public enquiry allows interested parties to comment; the committee considers those comments before validation and publication. A consultation draft is not a published standard.
National committees and specialist working groups
Technical committees cover defined subject areas. Working groups undertake more focused technical work within that structure. National committees can also follow European and international activity; NSAI’s committee mapping shows the relevant national, European and international references.
Explore NSAI’s committee mapping and current committee annual reports. These are the starting points for checking committee activity and scope.
Committee work relevant to our five disciplines
The following is a selection from NSAI’s 2025 committee reporting list. These are areas of relevance to IIESMS members; they are not a list of IIESMS appointments.
Fire safety
TC016 Fire Safety, including specialist working groups described below.
Healthcare systems
TC005 Healthcare Standards. The electrotechnical reporting list also includes electrical equipment in medical practice.
Industrial engineering
TC049 Manufacturing and Machinery, with specialist work on additive manufacturing and robots/cobots; TC128 Safety of Machinery.
Safety and health
Safety of Machinery and Fire Safety provide relevant technical routes, alongside other committees according to the member’s expertise.
Facilities management
TC031 Building Services, TC059 Energy Management and Energy Savings, and TC066 Circular Economy are relevant starting points. Fire safety and electrical installations also intersect with facilities responsibilities.
Check the full NSAI annual-report listing for current committee references and published work programmes.
Fire Safety Standards Committee and WG3
NSAI’s Fire Safety Standards Committee (FSSC), identified as TC016 in its reporting list, advises NSAI on standards across fire safety. NSAI’s construction page lists five working groups: WG1 Fire Safety in Building; WG2 Fire Alarms; WG3 Fire Services Equipment; WG4 Fire Safety of Furniture and Textiles; and WG5 Emergency Lighting.
Paddy McDonnell represents IIESMS on the Fire Safety Standards Committee and on WG3, Fire Services Equipment.
See NSAI’s description of the fire committee and working groups.
Extending IIESMS participation
IIESMS is actively seeking wider participation by suitably experienced members across the standards committees relevant to its five specialist disciplines. Members interested in representing the organisation should contact IIESMS with their area of expertise and the committee or subject they wish to contribute to.
IIESMS membership does not automatically confer an NSAI committee place. NSAI reviews applications and committee membership is at its discretion. Participation is voluntary; NSAI states there is no joining fee and does not fund travel or associated meeting costs.
Register an interest with NSAI or read its committee-member FAQs. Anyone can also contribute through public consultations at Your Standards, Your Say.
Taking part responsibly
Committee members are expected to prepare for meetings, contribute technical comments, follow applicable procedures, maintain confidentiality and disclose conflicts of interest. Representatives should consult the organisation they represent. Committee membership does not authorise a person to speak on behalf of NSAI or imply NSAI endorsement of their services.
Read NSAI’s committee-member terms and conditions. Published standards may require purchase. The members’ library links to public guidance and publisher information; members should check the current edition and applicable scope before relying on a standard.
Explore the members’ library or contact IIESMS.
Committee information checked on 19 October 2026. IIESMS representation confirmed by Paddy McDonnell.