Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance
Nursing home fire safety compliance is essential for protecting residents and meeting HIQA Regulation 28 requirements in Ireland. Phoenix STS provides comprehensive Emergency Management System (EMS) packages combining fire risk assessments, documentation, staff training, and ongoing support. Choose from Essential, Advanced, or Complete Care contracts tailored to your facility’s needs. Professional indemnity insured.
Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance Ireland
Ensure HIQA Regulation 28 compliance and peace of mind with Phoenix STS’s Nursing Home Fire Safety & Emergency Management System (EMS) contracts. Our three-tier Essential, Advanced, and Complete packages provide everything Irish nursing homes need to meet fire safety regulations, protect residents, and demonstrate compliance during inspections.
Essential offers core documentation support, Advanced builds on this with CPD-certified staff training and annual on-site support, and Complete delivers an all-inclusive solution covering both fire safety and health & safety compliance. At every package level, we handle the crucial compliance tasks so you can focus on providing quality care.
⚕️ HIQA Regulation 28: Fire Safety Compliance Challenge
Keeping up with HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions) is a legal requirement and a major challenge. According to HIQA’s 2022 Overview Report, fire safety in nursing homes remained a key issue of concern for inspectors with a reported level of non-compliance at the end of the year of 32%.
Phoenix STS makes compliance simple. We were the first company in Ireland to achieve 3rd party CPD certification for our Nursing Home Fire Safety Training course.
HIQA
Regulation 28 Compliant
CPD
Certified Training
BEng
Fire Engineers
PI Insurance
Full Cover
Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance Enquiries
Why Nursing Homes Need Fire Safety Compliance Support
📋 HIQA Regulation 28 Requirements
HIQA explicitly requires nursing homes to have robust fire safety measures including regular staff training, documented procedures, and fire risk assessments by competent persons. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action or facility closure.
🛡️ Vulnerable Resident Protection
Residents with limited mobility, cognitive impairments, or complex care needs require specialised fire safety strategies. Our EMS packages address progressive horizontal evacuation, PEEPs, and staffing adequacy for safe evacuation.
📊 Documentation Management
HIQA inspectors expect comprehensive documentation including fire safety policies, risk assessments, training records, drill logs, and maintenance certificates. Our packages keep all documentation current and inspection-ready.
👥 Staff Training Compliance
HIQA Regulation 28 requires ongoing staff fire safety training. Our CPD-certified training courses meet regulatory requirements and provide certificates valid for HIQA inspections and Regulation 16 (Staff Training) compliance.
⚖️ Legislative Compliance
Nursing homes must comply with multiple regulations including the Fire Services Act 1981, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and Building Control Regulations Part B.
💰 Cost-Effective Compliance
The cost of prevention and preparedness is far less than the cost of an incident, enforcement action, or insurance claim. Our multi-year contracts provide predictable budgeting and best value for comprehensive compliance.
Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance Packages
Choose the EMS package that matches your facility’s needs and budget. All packages include free updates when regulations change, ensuring continuous compliance.
📘 Essential Package: Documentation & Remote Support
The Essential package provides core fire safety documentation with remote guidance for required risk assessments. Ideal for nursing homes seeking a compliance foundation with budget constraints.
Included:
- Fire Safety Management Documents (policies, procedures, checklists)
- Emergency Response Plan with Procedures
- Remote guidance for fire risk assessment requirements
- Free updates for regulation changes (1 year)
- Price match guarantee
Optional Add-ons: PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment, Evacuation Plan Drawings, Evacuation Planning, Fire Door Inspections, Health & Safety Documents, Safety Statement, H&S Risk Assessments
📙 Advanced Package: Documentation + Training
The Advanced package builds on Essential with CPD-certified staff training and annual on-site support. Ideal for nursing homes wanting comprehensive fire safety with professional training delivery.
Included:
- Everything in Essential (available as optional add-on)
- Annual CPD-Certified Staff Fire Safety Training (on-site)
- Discount on Public Courses
- Discount on additional On-Site Courses
- Discount on CPD Online Courses
- Phone & Email Support
- Free updates for regulation changes (multi-year)
- Multi-year contract discount
- Price match guarantee
Optional Add-ons: Fire Safety Management Documents, PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment, Supervised Fire Compartment Evacuation Drill, Evacuation Plan Drawings, Evacuation Planning, Emergency Response Plan, Health & Safety Documents, Safety Statement, H&S Risk Assessments
📗 Complete Care Package: All-Inclusive Compliance
The Complete Care package delivers an all-inclusive solution covering both fire safety AND health & safety compliance. Ideal for nursing homes wanting total peace of mind with a dedicated account manager.
Included:
- Fire Safety Management Documents
- Annual Nursing Home PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment
- Annual Supervised Fire Compartment Evacuation Drill
- Evacuation Planning
- Emergency Response Plan with Procedures
- Health & Safety Management Documents
- Safety Statement
- Annual Health & Safety Risk Assessments
- Annual CPD-Certified Staff Fire Safety Training
- Discount on Public Courses, On-Site Courses, and Online Courses
- Priority Phone & Email Support
- Dedicated Account Manager
- Free updates for regulation changes (multi-year)
- Best value multi-year contract discount
- Price match guarantee
Optional Add-ons: Evacuation Plan Drawings, Fire Door Inspections
Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance Package Comparison
Compare all three packages to find the right fit for your nursing home:
| Features | Essential | Advanced | Complete ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Safety Management Documents | ✅ Included | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| Annual PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| Annual Supervised Evacuation Drill | 📋 Guidance | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| Evacuation Plan Drawings | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on |
| Evacuation Planning | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| Fire Door Inspections | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on |
| Emergency Response Plan | ✅ Included | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| Health & Safety Management Documents | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| Safety Statement | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| Annual H&S Risk Assessments | ➕ Add-on | ➕ Add-on | ✅ Included |
| CPD Staff Fire Safety Training | ❌ | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Discounts on Courses | ❌ | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Phone & Email Support | ❌ | ✅ Included | ✅ Priority |
| Dedicated Account Manager | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Included |
| Free Regulation Updates | ✅ 1 Year | ✅ Multi-Year | ✅ Multi-Year |
| Multi-Year Contract Discount | ❌ | ✅ Included | ✅ Best Value |
| Price Match Guarantee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Not sure which package suits your needs? Talk to our experts for a free consultation.
Multi-Year Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance Benefits
Phoenix STS offers multi-year EMS contracts designed to provide sustained support and maximum value. While single-year plans are available, most clients choose 2 or 3-year agreements for these benefits:
💰 Cost Predictability
Lock in your rate for the duration with interest-free fixed pricing for up to 3 years. Predictable budgeting protects you from inflation and annual price increases.
📈 Best Value Discounts
Our Complete Care package delivers the best value per year. Multi-year discounts and added services make higher-tier packages extremely cost-effective over time.
⭐ Priority Service
Longer-term partners receive priority scheduling for training and consultancy visits. Complete Care clients get a dedicated account manager who knows your facility.
🔄 Continuous Compliance
Regulations change rapidly. We continuously update your documentation and practices, including free updates for new legislation and regular compliance audits.
📅 Flexible Payment Plans
Simple payment plans with costs spread monthly or quarterly. Equipment financing options available for safety equipment upgrades.
🏆 Price Match Guarantee
You won’t find the same level of service for a better price. We’re committed to delivering premium value affordably with our price match guarantee.
What’s Included in Your Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance Package
📋 Fire Safety Documentation
We develop a complete suite of fire safety policies, risk assessments, and emergency response plans tailored to your facility. All documentation is kept up-to-date with Irish fire regulations and HIQA standards, including:
- Fire Safety Management Policy and Strategy
- Fire Safety Plan (for employee induction packs)
- Emergency Response Plan covering fire, power loss, flooding, and other emergencies
- Maintenance schedules for fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting
- Staff inspection routines and checklists
- Fire drill procedures and record templates
🔥 Fire Risk Assessments
Our PAS 79-1:2020 fire risk assessments are conducted by NFRAR registered competent persons at Advanced level, meeting HIQA Regulation 28 requirements. Assessments include:
- Comprehensive site inspection by qualified fire engineer
- Evaluation of fire detection, compartmentation, and means of escape
- Assessment of evacuation strategy for your resident profile
- Prioritised action plan with realistic timescales
- Documentation formatted for HIQA inspection requirements
🚪 Evacuation Planning
Our evacuation planning service develops bespoke strategies for your facility:
- Progressive horizontal evacuation procedures
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) framework
- ISO 23601:2009 evacuation plan drawings (optional add-on)
- Staff role assignments and communication protocols
- Coordination with Fire and Rescue Services
🎓 CPD-Certified Staff Training
Our Nursing Home Fire Safety Training is Ireland’s first 3rd party CPD-certified course for residential care. Training includes:
- Fire prevention and awareness
- Use of firefighting equipment
- Evacuation techniques for dependent residents
- Use of evacuation aids (evacuation chairs, ski sheets)
- Emergency response planning
- Certificates valid for HIQA inspections
🏥 Health & Safety Integration (Complete Care)
The Complete Care package also covers broader health & safety management:
- Full Safety Statement meeting HSA requirements
- Health & Safety Management Documents
- Annual Health & Safety Risk Assessments
- Integration of fire safety and H&S policies
- One-stop compliance for all safety requirements
Our Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance Process
Free Consultation and Needs Assessment
We assess your current compliance status, discuss your facility’s specific requirements, and recommend the ideal EMS package. No obligation, no pressure.
Quotation and Contract Agreement
You receive a detailed quotation based on your chosen package. Once agreed, we establish your contract terms including payment schedule and service delivery timeline.
Site Visit and Documentation Development
Our fire engineer visits your premises to conduct assessments and gather information for bespoke documentation. We develop all policies, procedures, and plans tailored to your facility.
Staff Training Delivery (Advanced & Complete)
We deliver CPD-certified fire safety training to your team, ensuring all staff understand their roles in fire prevention and emergency response. Certificates provided for records.
Ongoing Support and Annual Reviews
We provide continuous support throughout your contract, including regulation updates, annual reviews, and preparation for HIQA inspections. Your compliance partner for the long term.
Legislative Framework for Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance
- HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions): Requires designated centres to maintain adequate arrangements for detecting, containing, and extinguishing fires, and for evacuating residents safely. Fire risk assessments must be conducted by a competent person.
- Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended): The person in control must take all necessary fire safety measures including documented evacuation arrangements and adequate fire precautions.
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005: Requires employers to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of employees and others affected by work activities, including comprehensive safety management systems.
- General Application Regulations 2007: Provides detailed requirements for emergency planning, evacuation procedures, and fire safety measures in workplaces.
- Building Control Regulations Part B: Fire safety design requirements affecting means of escape, compartmentation, and fire service access.
- HIQA Regulation 16 (Staff Training): Requires appropriate training for staff including fire safety training, with records maintained.
⚠️ Professional Indemnity Insurance
Given the critical nature of fire safety compliance in nursing homes, it is essential that your provider carries comprehensive professional indemnity insurance. Phoenix STS maintains comprehensive PI insurance specifically covering fire safety and health & safety consultancy services for healthcare facilities, protecting your organisation should any deficiency in our work contribute to loss or regulatory action.
All documentation is delivered in secure, tamper-proof digital format (256-bit encrypted PDFs with digital signatures) to meet legal standards and ensure authenticity.
Why Choose Phoenix STS for Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance
- Irish Nursing Home Expertise: We specialise in the nursing home sector, understanding the unique challenges of protecting vulnerable elderly residents. Our solutions are designed around HIQA’s standards for designated centres.
- Proven Track Record: Phoenix STS has helped numerous nursing homes across Ireland attain full compliance with HIQA Regulation 28. Our clients achieve excellent inspection results and improved safety records.
- First CPD-Certified Provider: We were the first company in Ireland to achieve 3rd party CPD certification for nursing home fire safety training.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial assessment through to training, documentation, and annual reviews, we handle every aspect of fire safety compliance.
- Qualified Fire Engineers: All consultancy delivered by engineers with degrees in Fire Engineering (BEng) and extensive healthcare experience.
- Quality Assurance: ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified. Training courses certified and updated regularly.
- One-Stop Compliance: Fire safety, health & safety, training, and equipment supply all under one roof. We’re your complete compliance partner.
- Insurance Premium Benefits: Many clients report lower insurance premiums after implementing our comprehensive safety system, as insurers recognise the reduced risk.
Nursing Home Fire Safety Compliance FAQs
What is HIQA Regulation 28 and why is it important?
HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions) applies to designated centres for older people in Ireland. It requires registered providers to ensure adequate fire precautions including fire detection systems, compartmentation, firefighting equipment, staff training, and fire risk assessments by competent persons. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action, operational restrictions, or facility closure. In 2022, 32% of nursing homes were non-compliant with Regulation 28.
Which EMS package is right for my nursing home?
Essential suits nursing homes needing core documentation with budget constraints. Advanced is ideal for facilities wanting professional CPD-certified staff training alongside documentation. Complete Care is best for nursing homes wanting total peace of mind with all-inclusive fire safety AND health & safety compliance, plus a dedicated account manager. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs.
How much do the EMS packages cost?
Pricing depends on your facility size, resident numbers, and chosen package. We offer competitive rates with multi-year discounts and flexible payment plans. Our price match guarantee ensures you won’t find the same level of service for a better price. Contact us for a detailed quotation.
Can we upgrade from Essential to Advanced or Complete?
Yes. You can upgrade your package at any time. Many clients start with Essential to establish their compliance foundation, then upgrade to Advanced or Complete as they see the value of staff training and comprehensive support. We’ll credit your existing contract value toward the upgraded package.
Do you provide services for nursing home groups?
Yes. For nursing home groups, we develop group-level policies and systems providing consistency across your organisation, alongside site-specific assessments and documentation for each facility. Group contracts offer additional discounts and centralised account management. Contact us to discuss your group’s requirements.
How quickly can you help us prepare for a HIQA inspection?
We can mobilise quickly when needed. For urgent inspection preparation, we prioritise documentation review, gap analysis, and immediate remediation of critical issues. However, we recommend engaging our services proactively rather than reactively. Ongoing EMS contracts ensure you’re always inspection-ready rather than scrambling before an inspection.
What happens if regulations change during our contract?
We include free updates for regulation changes in all packages (1 year for Essential, multi-year for Advanced and Complete). When HIQA standards, fire safety legislation, or HSA requirements change, we update your documentation at no additional cost and notify you of any procedural changes needed. You’ll always be compliant with current requirements.
What areas of Ireland do you cover?
Phoenix STS provides nursing home fire safety compliance services nationwide across Ireland. We are based in Longford with easy access to all regions. Our consultants regularly work with nursing homes throughout Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster.
Healthcare Consultancy Services
Our EMS packages incorporate many individual consultancy services. You can also access these services separately:
Protect Your Residents. Achieve HIQA Compliance. Gain Peace of Mind.
The cost of prevention and preparedness is far less than the cost of an incident or enforcement action. With our flexible plans, nursing home fire safety compliance has never been more attainable.
Let us handle the paperwork, training, and compliance requirements while you focus on providing excellent care. Secure your facility’s future with Phoenix STS.
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