Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course
CPD-certified fire safety management training designed specifically for nursing homes and designated centres. Ensure HIQA Regulation 28 compliance, develop effective evacuation plans for vulnerable residents, and build a robust fire safety management system.

1 Day (7 Hours)
Full-day programme with morning theory and afternoon practical management sessions
20 Learners Max
Small group sizes for interactive workshops, case studies, and group discussion
5-Year Certificate
CPD-certified qualification valid for five years with refresher course for renewal
HIQA Compliant
Specifically designed to meet HIQA Regulation 28 fire precautions requirements

Fire Safety Management for Designated Centres
This CPD-certified course is designed specifically for Fire Safety Managers in nursing homes and designated centres. It provides a comprehensive understanding of fire safety legislation, HIQA Regulation 28 compliance, fire risk assessment interpretation, and emergency evacuation planning for vulnerable residents. Unlike general fire safety management courses, this programme addresses the unique challenges of designated centres — including progressive horizontal evacuation, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), night-time evacuation with minimal staffing, and the critical role of clinical leadership during emergencies. The course uses the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology for continuous improvement in fire safety management, ensuring your designated centre maintains the highest standards of fire safety preparedness.
Why Choose This Course
HIQA Regulation 28
Specifically designed to demonstrate compliance with HIQA Regulation 28 fire precautions for designated centres.
Vulnerable Populations
Specialised focus on evacuating residents with reduced mobility, including PEEPs and progressive horizontal evacuation.
Case Study Learning
Analysis of real nursing home fire incidents to understand lessons learned and apply them to your facility.
Expert Healthcare Instructors
Delivered by certified fire engineers and healthcare fire safety specialists who are members of NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, and IHEEM.
PDCA Methodology
Plan-Do-Check-Act continuous improvement framework to maintain and enhance fire safety management over time.
5-Year Certification
CPD-certified with a 5-year validity period. Annual CPD maintenance of 30 hours recommended to maintain competence.
Who Should Attend
Fire Safety Managers
Appointed or prospective Fire Safety Managers and coordinators in designated centres.
Nursing Home Managers
Nursing home managers, unit supervisors, and Persons in Charge responsible for fire safety compliance.
Clinical Nurse Managers
Clinical nurse managers who take charge during emergencies and oversee resident safety.
Quality & Risk Managers
Health & safety officers, facilities managers, and quality and risk management personnel.
Morning: Legislation & Fire Safety Systems
Legislative Framework
- Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- HIQA Regulation 28 compliance requirements
- Roles of registered providers and persons in charge
Fire Safety Systems
- Fire risk assessment interpretation (PAS 79:2020-1)
- Fire detection systems per I.S. 3218:2024
- Passive fire protection and compartmentation
- Escape routes and emergency lighting
Afternoon: Emergency Management
Fire Safety Management Plans
- Developing fire safety management plans
- Fire Safety Manager role in designated centres
- Staff training coordination and record-keeping
- Plan-Do-Check-Act continuous improvement
Evacuation Planning
- Progressive horizontal evacuation strategies
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
- Evacuation equipment selection and procurement
- Night-time evacuation with minimal staffing
- Fire drill planning and evaluation protocols
- Case studies of real nursing home fire incidents
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Interpret Fire Risk Assessments
Understand PAS 79:2020-1 reports and develop prioritised action plans to address identified risks.
Implement Safety Systems
Develop and maintain comprehensive fire safety management plans and Fire Safety Registers.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Meet HIQA Regulation 28 requirements and maintain full compliance with fire safety legislation.
Coordinate Staff Training
Organise fire safety training programmes and conduct compliant fire drills for your facility.
Plan for Vulnerable Residents
Create Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and select appropriate evacuation aids for residents.
Lead Emergency Response
Manage fire incidents effectively and coordinate with emergency services when required.
Course Details
- Duration: 1 day (7 hours)
- Maximum participants: 20 per session
- Delivery: On-site or remote/virtual learning
- Certificate validity: 5 years
- Annual CPD: 30 hours recommended
- Renewal: 1-day refresher after 5 years
Prerequisites & Regulatory Context
- No prior fire safety qualifications required
- Basic fire awareness recommended but not mandatory
- Good English language proficiency essential
Regulatory Compliance
This course aligns with the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People Regulations 2013, HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions), I.S. 3218:2024, and PAS 79:2020-1.
Certification & Instructor Credentials
Upon successful completion, participants receive a CPD-certified Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Certificate valid for 5 years. Assessment is competency-based through workshop participation, group discussion, and scenario-based problem-solving. A 1-day refresher course is required for renewal after 5 years, with a minimum of 30 hours annual CPD recommended to maintain competence.
Our instructors are qualified fire safety professionals including certified fire engineers, former fire officers, and healthcare fire safety specialists. They hold memberships of leading professional organisations including NAHFO (National Association of Health Fire Officers), IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, and L&DI. Phoenix STS operates under ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 quality management systems.
Protect Your Residents with Expert Fire Safety Management
Ensure your designated centre has a competent Fire Safety Manager who can demonstrate HIQA Regulation 28 compliance. Book on-site training tailored to your facility, or enquire about remote learning options.
Related Courses & Services
Fire Safety Managers Course
General fire safety management course for all workplaces. Full-day programme covering legislation, management systems, and emergency procedures.
Nursing Home Fire Safety
Specialised fire safety training for nursing home staff covering fire prevention, emergency procedures, and resident evacuation.
PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment
Professional fire risk assessments conducted to PAS 79:2020-1 standards by our qualified fire engineers.


