Fire doors at one of the country’s main hospitals were left propped open with flammable material while staircases and emergency exits were obstructed by old equipment, bits of broken furniture, and filing cabinets.
A series of damning safety audits at Cork University Hospital found a succession of problems including unsafe storage of chemicals and gases.
The reports were first sought from the hospital nearly a year and a half ago but have only now been released under Freedom of Information laws.
A review of the main hospital building found escape route corridors obstructed by loose furniture, rubbish bins, and cabinets.
In one case, access to fire fighting equipment was compromised because it was right behind a “confidential bin storage”.
Images from the report show how one staircase was blocked by a wheelchair and a trolley while an examination of fire doors also uncovered a litany of problems.
In some cases, the fire doors would not close properly, had broken heat and smoke seals, were wedged open and the wrong fittings had been installed.
A statement from the hospital said: “”The audit referred to was carried out at the request of Cork University Hospital (CUH) management in 2022. CUH takes its responsibility with regards to fire safety very seriously.
“CUH has employed an independent fire consultant to assist in implementing the necessary changes as outlined in this comprehensive audit and to ensure CUH’s compliance in all aspects of Fire and Health and Safety Legislation.”