Our new website is live! Some content may still be missing. The new portal is available — please log in and use “Forgot Password” to reset your password.

Phoenix STS Logo

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.

Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course training session showing Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle

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

Our course will empower you to perform your role competently, backed by robust support structures. It's an excellent way to demonstrate compliance with Regulation 28 Fire Safety (HIQA) and the guidelines in the "Fire Safety Handbook: A Guide for Providers and Staff of Designated Centres" published by HIQA in January 2021.

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.

CPD Accreditation Provider
ISO-9001-2015 Logo