The Irish Ispat steel-making plant has been ordered to close the upper floors of the company's main office building on Cork Harbour following an inspection by Judge Michael Patwell yesterday.
Ispat will have to upgrade its fire escape and install fire-resistant doors before members of staff will be permitted to resume work on the upper floors of the building.
However, the main staff in the company's computer department will be allowed to occupy a section of the top floor from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. providing the fire escape is upgraded immediately and handrails are installed on the open area of the landing.
Judge Patwell told Ispat representatives at Cobh District Court that the completion of rewiring and the installation of emergency alarms and lighting should also be made a priority.
His decision was made on the second day of an appeal by Irish Ispat against safety orders issued by Cork County Council which require immediate remedial works by the company to comply with fire regulations. The plant was inspected last January following a fire which killed one Ispat employee.