Fire Extinguisher Technician Training
Application of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 — 3 Days (18 Hours) — CPD Certified — 50% Practical
Book Your Fire Extinguisher Technician Training
Secure your place on Ireland’s only comprehensive I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 course. Available as public scheduled courses or delivered on-site at your premises nationwide.
Course Overview
This fire extinguisher technician training course is the only programme in Ireland that delivers both full clause-by-clause instruction on I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 (the Irish Standard for portable fire extinguishers) and hands-on practical assessment of commissioning and maintenance competence across all five PFE types: water, foam, powder, wet chemical, and CO₂. Over three intensive days (44% theory, 50% practical, 6% assessment), you will progress from fire safety fundamentals and Irish legislation through to individually assessed practical competence in the commissioning and service/maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. The course concludes with a 60-minute open-book written examination and two supervised practical assessments. While basic fire extinguisher awareness courses and manufacturer-specific product training exist, neither provides the comprehensive competence required by I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 for a “competent person” to select, commission, install, inspect, maintain, and document PFEs.
Who Should Attend
No prior fire safety qualifications are required, although a basic understanding of fire safety principles is beneficial.
Fire Extinguisher Service Technicians
Technicians responsible for the commissioning, inspection, annual maintenance, and servicing of portable fire extinguishers to I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022.
Competent Persons (I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022)
Individuals carrying out or seeking to carry out PFE maintenance and commissioning as the designated competent person under the standard.
Fire Safety and Health & Safety Officers
Professionals managing fire safety compliance, risk assessment, and PFE provision across single or multiple sites.
Facilities, Building, and Property Managers
Staff overseeing PFE installation, placement, building maintenance, and fire safety contractor management.
Responsible Persons (I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022)
Those designated as the responsible person for fire safety provisions in premises, as defined by I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 and Irish fire safety legislation.
Healthcare Facility Managers
Managers in nursing homes, hospitals, and designated centres who must ensure PFE compliance under HIQA Regulation 28 and the 2025 Fire Safety Handbook.
Topics Covered
This three-day programme covers the complete I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 standard, from fire safety fundamentals through to advanced practical competence:
Fire triangle, classes of fire (I.S. EN 2), and fire spread mechanisms
Irish fire safety legislation: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
HIQA Regulation 28 and the 2025 Fire Safety Handbook
Clause-by-clause analysis of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 (Clauses 4–11, Annexes B–D)
PFE selection, commissioning, installation, and placement
Monthly visual inspection (Clause 8) and annual maintenance (Clause 9)
Maintenance of all 5 PFE types: water, foam, powder, CO₂, wet chemical
Discharge testing cycle and documentation requirements
8-step PFE risk assessment process
Why This Training Matters
Legal Compliance
Non-compliance with fire safety legislation can result in fines up to €3,000,000, enforcement action, or imprisonment under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Every employer and person having control over a place of work has a duty to ensure adequate fire safety measures, including properly maintained fire extinguishers.
Competent Person Requirement
I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 requires PFE maintenance and commissioning to be carried out by a “competent person” with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge. This course provides the training component of that competence requirement. If your organisation carries out PFE servicing, your technicians need this training.
HIQA Compliance
The HIQA 2025 Fire Safety Handbook explicitly requires portable fire extinguishers in designated centres to be maintained in accordance with I.S. 291:2015. If you manage a nursing home or healthcare facility, ensuring your PFE maintenance personnel are trained to this standard supports Regulation 28 compliance.
Why Choose This Fire Extinguisher Technician Training Course
Professional Competence
Gain formally assessed evidence of your capability as a “competent person” under I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 across all five PFE types — water, foam, powder, CO₂, and wet chemical.
19 CPD Hours
Earn 19 CPD hours of structured professional development, contributing to your requirements with IOSH, IIRSM, IFE, IIESMS, and other professional bodies.
Ireland’s Only Comprehensive Course
The only fire extinguisher technician training course in Ireland covering the complete I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 standard with individual practical assessment.
Full Regulatory Compliance
Demonstrate that PFE maintenance is carried out by trained, assessed competent persons — meeting the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Fire Services Acts, and I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022.
HIQA Readiness
For healthcare providers, evidence that PFE maintenance personnel have completed I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 training directly supports HIQA Regulation 28 and the 2025 Fire Safety Handbook.
Build In-House Capacity
Train your technicians on-site using your own PFE stock. Reduce reliance on external contractors and build internal competence for ongoing compliance.
What’s Included
Every participant on this fire extinguisher technician training course receives:
Comprehensive printed course handout for each participant, covering all three days of content
19 CPD hours of structured learning (18 hours teaching time plus 1 hour supervised practical assessment)
Three formal assessment components: 60-minute open-book written examination plus two individually supervised practical assessments (commissioning and service/maintenance)
Phoenix STS Certificate of Completion issued within 5 working days as a PDF, including participant name, course title, date, CPD hours, and instructor signature
IIESMS Technician grade assistance — completion of this course supports your application for Technician grade membership of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems
Post-course email support from your course instructor for questions arising from workplace application of the training
Renewal and refresher reminder service — we will notify you when your training is due for renewal
Three-Day Course Programme
A structured progression from fire safety fundamentals through to individually assessed practical competence.
Day 1: Fire Safety Fundamentals, Legislation, and PFE Introduction
The opening day covers the fire triangle, classes of fire, and fire spread, before examining the legislative framework including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, and the SHWW General Application Regulations. The session also addresses the Code of Practice for Ireland, healthcare-specific risks under HIQA Regulation 28, and the HIQA 2025 Fire Safety Handbook. Three practical sessions introduce PFE identification, colour coding, hands-on handling, and initial inspection procedures.
Day 2: I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 Standard, Installation, Maintenance, and Full Practical
Day 2 is a detailed clause-by-clause analysis of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022, covering responsibilities (Clause 4), classification and PFE types (Clauses 5.2/5.5), selection across all fire classes (Clause 5), commissioning (Clause 6), installation and placement (Clause 7), monthly visual inspection (Clause 8), and annual maintenance for all five PFE types (Clause 9). Three practical sessions cover decommissioning, inspection, selection, placement, and full maintenance procedures across water, foam, powder, CO₂, and wet chemical extinguishers.
Day 3: Risk Assessment, Examination, and Individual Practical Assessments
The final day covers refilling and recharging (Clause 10), discharge testing (Clause 11), documentation and record keeping (Annex B), foam PFE considerations (Annex C), and safety information (Annex D). You will learn and apply the 8-step PFE risk assessment process through a group exercise. The day concludes with a 60-minute open-book written examination (80% pass mark) and two individually supervised practical assessments covering commissioning and service/maintenance.
Day 1: Fire Safety Fundamentals, Legislation, and PFE Introduction
The opening day covers the fire triangle, classes of fire, and fire spread, before examining the legislative framework including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, and the SHWW General Application Regulations. The session also addresses the Code of Practice for Ireland, healthcare-specific risks under HIQA Regulation 28, and the HIQA 2025 Fire Safety Handbook. Three practical sessions introduce PFE identification, colour coding, hands-on handling, and initial inspection procedures.
Day 2: I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 Standard, Installation, Maintenance, and Full Practical
Day 2 is a detailed clause-by-clause analysis of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022, covering responsibilities (Clause 4), classification and PFE types (Clauses 5.2/5.5), selection across all fire classes (Clause 5), commissioning (Clause 6), installation and placement (Clause 7), monthly visual inspection (Clause 8), and annual maintenance for all five PFE types (Clause 9). Three practical sessions cover decommissioning, inspection, selection, placement, and full maintenance procedures across water, foam, powder, CO₂, and wet chemical extinguishers.
Day 3: Risk Assessment, Examination, and Individual Practical Assessments
The final day covers refilling and recharging (Clause 10), discharge testing (Clause 11), documentation and record keeping (Annex B), foam PFE considerations (Annex C), and safety information (Annex D). You will learn and apply the 8-step PFE risk assessment process through a group exercise. The day concludes with a 60-minute open-book written examination (80% pass mark) and two individually supervised practical assessments covering commissioning and service/maintenance.
Fire Extinguisher Technician Training Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this fire extinguisher technician training course, participants will be able to:
Explain the legislative basis for PFE provision under Irish law, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, and the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003.
Identify the scope, key definitions, and verbal forms (shall, should, may, can) of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022, and describe the responsibilities of the Responsible Person and Competent Person under Clause 4.
Classify fires according to I.S. EN 2 (Classes A, B, C, D, and F), select appropriate PFE types, and calculate the minimum PFE provision for Class A risks using the 0.065 × floor area formula (Clause 5.3.1.1).
Commission PFEs in accordance with Clause 6 and install them to meet travel distance requirements (30m Class A, 20m Class B) and mounting height requirements (1.5m for 4kg and under, 1.0m for over 4kg) under Clause 7.
Conduct monthly visual inspections using the Clause 8 checklist and implement corrective actions as required.
Carry out annual maintenance procedures for water, foam, powder, wet chemical, and CO₂ PFEs under Clause 9, including stored pressure and gas cartridge types, and identify when pressure testing is required (CO₂ PFEs and gas cartridges over 10 years).
Describe the 3-year discharge testing cycle (Clause 11), including the one-third rotation system and off-site testing requirements.
Complete and maintain the four mandatory documents required by Annex B: Maintenance Label/Record, Competent Person’s Report, Certificate of Inspection/Maintenance, and Fire Safety Register.
Apply the 8-step PFE risk assessment process to determine PFE selection, placement, and documentation for a given premises.
Demonstrate practical competence in the commissioning and service/maintenance of portable fire extinguishers across all five PFE types.
Assessment and Certification
Three Mandatory Assessment Components
Written Examination: 60-minute open-book written examination. Pass mark: 80% (40/50 marks).
Practical 1 – Commissioning: Supervised individual practical assessment. Graded pass/fail against standardised marking sheet.
Practical 2 – Service/Maintenance: Supervised individual practical assessment. Graded pass/fail against standardised marking sheet.
A candidate who fails any single component will receive a “Not Yet Competent” result and may be offered a reassessment opportunity at the discretion of the course provider.
Certification
Participants who pass all three assessment components receive a Phoenix STS Certificate of Completion, issued within 5 working days as a PDF. Each certificate includes the participant name, course title, date of completion, CPD hours, and instructor signature.
CPD accreditation has been submitted to the CPD Standards Office and is awaiting approval (CPDSO Provider Number 22657). Once approved, the certification will carry 19 CPD hours. This programme is recognised by the IIESMS and can be used to assist participants in obtaining Technician grade membership.
Our Instructors
This fire extinguisher technician training course is delivered by a team of six qualified instructors, all employees of Phoenix STS Ltd, with a combined total of over 150 years of experience spanning fire engineering, occupational health and safety, fire service operations, and adult education.
The team includes holders of degrees in fire engineering, higher diplomas in health and safety, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification, and formal teaching qualifications (QQI Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation).
Professional Body Memberships
Our instructors hold membership of the following professional bodies: IIESMS, IOSH, IIRSM, IFSM, IFE, IHEEM, NFPA, FIAI, and NFRAR.
Ready to Become a Certified Fire Extinguisher Technician?
Book your place on a public course or request a quotation for on-site delivery at your premises anywhere in Ireland.
Places are limited to 20 per course. Secure your place today to avoid disappointment. Public course dates fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content last reviewed: March 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Irish legislation, standards, and HIQA requirements.
No prior fire safety qualifications are required. A basic understanding of fire safety principles is beneficial but not essential. The course builds knowledge from fundamentals on Day 1 through to advanced practical competence by Day 3. If you are new to fire safety, you may also find our fire safety training courses helpful as general background.
I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 is the Irish Standard published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) for the selection, commissioning, installation, inspection, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. It was first published in 2015 and amended in 2022. It is declared under Section 16 of the NSAI Act 1996 and is referenced across Irish fire safety legislation and Codes of Practice.
I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 requires PFE maintenance and commissioning work to be carried out by a “competent person” with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge. This fire extinguisher technician training course provides the training component of that competence requirement. Combined with practical experience in the workplace, completion of this course supports the competent person designation for fire extinguisher technicians.
The course is available in three formats: (1) Public courses at scheduled dates and venues, priced per person, ideal for individuals and small groups; (2) On-site delivery for groups of up to 10 learners with 1 instructor, at a flat course rate; and (3) On-site delivery for groups of 11 to 20 learners with 2 instructors, also at a flat course rate. All three options deliver the same programme content, assessments, and certification. On-site course prices are the same regardless of your location in Ireland. Contact our training team to discuss the best option for your organisation.
Yes. In-house delivery is available at hospitals, nursing home groups, fire extinguisher service companies, facilities management organisations, and other premises across Ireland. In-house courses allow practical sessions using your own PFE stock. For up to 10 learners, 1 instructor is assigned; for 11 to 20 learners (maximum class size), 2 instructors are assigned.
The written examination requires a minimum 80% pass mark (40/50 marks). It is a 60-minute, open-book examination. Participants must also pass both individual practical assessments (commissioning and service/maintenance) to receive certification.
The course carries 19 CPD hours. CPD accreditation has been submitted to the CPD Standards Office (CPDSO) and is awaiting approval. This figure excludes registration, breaks, and lunch. It includes 18 hours of teaching time (7 taught sessions, 7 practical sessions, and 1 written examination) plus 1 hour of supervised practical assessment that constitutes active learning.
Yes. This course specifically addresses HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions) and the HIQA 2025 Fire Safety Handbook, which explicitly requires PFEs in designated centres to be maintained per I.S. 291:2015. Session 2 on Day 1 covers healthcare risks and HIQA compliance requirements in detail. You may also be interested in our healthcare fire safety training programme.
A candidate who fails any single component (written examination, commissioning practical, or service/maintenance practical) will receive a “Not Yet Competent” result. Reassessment may be offered at the discretion of the course provider.
Participants must bring their own portable fire extinguishers, servicing toolkit, consumables, and PPE. Phoenix STS does not provide extinguishers or tools. You will not be required to discharge, refill, or pressure test extinguishers. A full equipment list and links to suppliers are provided in the Equipment Requirements section above. Contact us if you need guidance on what to bring.
Yes, this is mandatory. The standard is referenced throughout all three days of taught content, practical sessions, and assessments. Participants without a copy will not be able to fully participate. I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 can be purchased directly from the NSAI Standards Store in PDF or hardcopy format. We strongly recommend obtaining your copy well in advance of the course date.
Flexible Delivery Options
Not sure which option suits you? Contact our training team on 043 334 9611 and we will help you select the right delivery format. A printed course handout is provided to each participant on all delivery options.
Public Courses
Scheduled dates at venues across Ireland. Per-person rate, ideal for individuals and small groups. Maximum 20 learners per course. Participants bring own PFEs, tools, and PPE. Certificate within 5 working days.
On-Site: Up to 10 Learners
Flat rate delivered at your premises nationwide. 1 instructor for up to 10 learners. Practical sessions using your own PFE stock. Same price regardless of location in Ireland. Certificate within 5 working days.
On-Site: 11 to 20 Learners
Flat rate delivered at your premises nationwide. 2 instructors for 11 to 20 learners (maximum class size). Practical sessions using your own PFE stock. Same price regardless of location. Certificate within 5 working days.
What You Need to Bring
Participants are required to bring their own equipment for practical sessions. This reflects real-world practice where fire extinguisher technicians use their own toolkits. You will not be required to discharge, refill, or pressure test extinguishers during the course.
I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022
Your own copy of the standard (hardcopy or PDF) from the NSAI Standards Store. Referenced throughout all three days of content and assessments. This is mandatory.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Your own PFEs with manufacturer technical information (service manual, technical data sheet, spare parts list) as required by I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 for maintenance.
Servicing Tools
Adjustable spanner, headcap removal spanner, combination spanner, strap wrench, locking pliers, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, allen keys, rubber mallet, wire brush, and O-ring tool.
Inspection Equipment
Digital scales (minimum 25kg capacity, 0.01kg increments), push-pump gauge tester (Wika type or equivalent), gauge test pin tool, and inspection torch.
Consumables and Spare Parts
Assorted O-ring kit, gauge dots (year indicators), tamper-evident seals, corrective action labels, maintenance labels, silicone grease or petroleum jelly, and clean cloths.
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety glasses or goggles (EN 166 rated), work gloves suitable for mechanical handling, and ear defenders. Required for all practical sessions.
Where to Source Servicing Tools and Equipment
The following suppliers offer fire extinguisher servicing toolkits and individual tools suitable for PFE maintenance. These links are provided for the convenience of participants and should not be taken as an endorsement of any supplier, product, or service by Phoenix STS Ltd.
If you are unsure about any equipment item, please contact our training team before the course. We are happy to advise on suitable equipment for your specific PFE types.
You must have your own copy of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022. It can be purchased from the NSAI Standards Store in PDF or hardcopy format.
Compare Our Fire Safety Courses
Fire Extinguisher Technician Training (3 Days)
Duration: 3 days (19 CPD hours)
Standard: Complete I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 coverage
Assessment: Written exam (80% pass) + 2 individual practical assessments
Practical: 50% hands-on across all 5 PFE types
Certification: CPD-accredited certificate with 19 CPD hours
Competent Person: Supports designation under I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022
Ideal for: Technicians, competent persons, fire safety officers, facilities managers
This is the course you are currently viewing.
Fire Safety Awareness Training
Duration: Typically 2–4 hours
Standard: General fire safety awareness — no I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 coverage
Assessment: No formal written or practical assessment
Practical: Demonstration and basic hands-on only
Certification: Attendance certificate
Competent Person: Does not qualify for competent person status
Ideal for: General staff, office workers, fire wardens
Looking for general fire safety training instead? View our fire safety training courses or our fire warden training course.
Fire Extinguisher Technician Training Across Ireland
Phoenix STS delivers fire extinguisher technician training nationwide. Public courses are held at scheduled venues across Ireland, with dates published on our booking platform. On-site courses are delivered at your premises anywhere in Ireland at the same flat rate, regardless of location.
We regularly deliver this training in and around Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athlone, Sligo, Dundalk, Longford, and all counties across Ireland. Whether you are based in a major city or a rural location, we can deliver this course to your team.
To discuss on-site delivery at your premises or to find the next public course date near you, contact our training team or call +353 43 334 9611.
Related Courses and Services
Explore our other fire safety training courses and consultancy services:
Fire Door Inspection Course (1-Day, CPD Accredited) — Learn to inspect fire doors to IS 291:2015+A1:2022 standards.
Fire Door and Passive Fire Protection Course (5-Day) — Comprehensive passive fire protection inspection training.
Fire Warden Training Course — Essential training for designated fire wardens and marshals.
Nursing Home Fire Risk Assessment — PAS 79-1:2020 fire risk assessment service for healthcare facilities.
Fire Risk Assessment Service — Comprehensive fire risk assessments for all premises types across Ireland.
All CPD-Accredited Courses — View our full range of CPD-accredited training programmes.
Why Choose Phoenix STS
15+ Years’ Experience
Phoenix STS has delivered fire safety training and consultancy services across Ireland since 2010. Trusted by organisations in healthcare, industry, education, and the public sector. ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified.
Irish Owned and Operated
Based in Longford and delivering nationwide. We understand Irish legislation, standards, HIQA requirements, and compliance obligations. Our training is designed specifically for the Irish regulatory environment.
Industry Experts
Our instructors hold degrees in fire engineering, higher diplomas in health and safety, and memberships of IIESMS, IOSH, IFE, NFPA, and other professional bodies. Over 150 years’ combined experience.