Application of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022
Instructor-Led On-Site Training — 3 Days (18 Hours) — CPD Certified
Ireland's Comprehensive Fire Extinguisher Technician Training
This is Ireland's only comprehensive fire extinguisher technician training program covering the Irish Standard I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022. The course addresses the selection, commissioning, installation, inspection, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers (PFE) with 50% practical, hands-on assessment components.
Over three intensive days, participants gain the knowledge and practical skills required to become a Competent Person as defined by the standard. The programme combines 44% theory with 50% practical training, culminating in both written and individually supervised practical assessments.
Who Should Attend
No prerequisite qualifications are required for this course.
Fire Extinguisher Technicians
Service technicians responsible for the commissioning, inspection, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
Competent Persons
Individuals performing or overseeing PFE maintenance who need to meet the Competent Person requirements under I.S. 291.
Fire Safety Officers
Fire safety and health and safety officers responsible for ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation and standards.
Facilities Managers
Facilities and building managers who oversee fire safety equipment maintenance and compliance within their premises.
Healthcare Administrators
Healthcare facility administrators who must meet HIQA Regulation 28 and the 2025 Fire Safety Handbook requirements for PFE maintenance.
Responsible Persons
Those designated as the Responsible Person for fire safety within their organisation, ensuring legal compliance.
Three-Day Course Programme
A structured progression from fundamentals through to advanced topics and formal assessment.
Day 1: Fundamentals, Legislation and Introduction
Covers the fire triangle, fire classes, legislative framework including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Fire Services Acts, HIQA requirements, plus three practical sessions on PFE identification, colour coding, handling, and inspection procedures.
Day 2: I.S. 291 Standard and Comprehensive Practical
Detailed clause-by-clause analysis of the standard covering responsibilities, fire classification, PFE selection, commissioning, installation, placement, monthly visual inspection, and annual maintenance across all five extinguisher types (water, foam, powder, CO2, wet chemical). Includes three practical sessions.
Day 3: Advanced Topics, Risk Assessment and Assessments
Covers refilling, recharging, discharge testing, documentation, foam considerations, and safety information. Includes an 8-step PFE risk assessment group exercise, a 60-minute open-book written examination (80% pass requirement), plus two individually supervised practical assessments.
Day 1: Fundamentals, Legislation and Introduction
Covers the fire triangle, fire classes, legislative framework including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Fire Services Acts, HIQA requirements, plus three practical sessions on PFE identification, colour coding, handling, and inspection procedures.
Day 2: I.S. 291 Standard and Comprehensive Practical
Detailed clause-by-clause analysis of the standard covering responsibilities, fire classification, PFE selection, commissioning, installation, placement, monthly visual inspection, and annual maintenance across all five extinguisher types (water, foam, powder, CO2, wet chemical). Includes three practical sessions.
Day 3: Advanced Topics, Risk Assessment and Assessments
Covers refilling, recharging, discharge testing, documentation, foam considerations, and safety information. Includes an 8-step PFE risk assessment group exercise, a 60-minute open-book written examination (80% pass requirement), plus two individually supervised practical assessments.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, 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 and Fire Services Acts
Identify the scope and key definitions of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 and describe the roles of the Responsible Person and Competent Person
Classify fires per I.S. EN 2 and select appropriate PFE types, calculating minimum provision using the 0.065 x floor area formula
Commission PFEs per the standard and install meeting travel distance requirements (30m Class A, 20m Class B) and height requirements
Conduct monthly visual inspections using the Clause 8 checklist
Perform annual maintenance for all five PFE types, identifying when pressure testing is required
Describe the 3-year discharge testing cycle including the rotation system
Complete the four mandatory documents: Maintenance Label, Competent Person's Report, Certificate of Inspection/Maintenance, and Fire Safety Register
Apply the 8-step PFE risk assessment process for selection and placement
Demonstrate practical commissioning and maintenance competence across all five PFE types
What You Need to Bring
Participants must provide their own equipment. No discharge, refill, or pressure testing takes place during the course.
I.S. 291 Standard
Your own copy of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022, available from the NSAI Standards Store. Referenced throughout all three days of the programme.
Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers with manufacturer technical information for use during practical sessions and assessments.
Servicing Tools
Spanners, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, mallet, and wire brush for practical maintenance exercises.
Inspection Equipment
Digital scales with 25kg+ capacity, gauge tester, and inspection torch for conducting thorough equipment checks.
Consumables
O-rings, inspection labels, seals, lubricants, and cleaning cloths needed for maintenance procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety glasses, work gloves, and ear defenders. Essential PPE for all practical sessions.
Assessment and Certification
Three Mandatory Assessment Components
All three components must be passed to achieve certification:
Written Examination: 60-minute open-book assessment requiring 80% pass mark (40 out of 50 marks)
Practical Assessment 1 - Commissioning: Individually supervised practical assessment
Practical Assessment 2 - Service/Maintenance: Individually supervised practical assessment
All assessments are graded Pass/Fail against standardised marking sheets. Candidates who do not achieve competence may receive a reassessment opportunity at the provider's discretion.
Certification Details
Certificates are issued within 5 working days as a PDF document and include the participant's name, course title, completion date, CPD hours, and instructor signature.
Flexible Delivery Options
Choose the format that best suits your organisation. All options include printed course handouts.
Public Courses
Scheduled dates at venues nationwide. Per-person rate with a maximum of 20 learners per course. Bring your own equipment and a copy of the I.S. 291 standard.
On-Site (Up to 10 Learners)
Delivered at your premises with one instructor. Flat rate regardless of location in Ireland. Uses your PFE stock for practical sessions.
On-Site (11 to 20 Learners)
Delivered at your premises with two instructors for larger groups. Same flat rate nationwide. Ideal for fire service companies and large facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior fire safety qualifications?
No prerequisite qualifications are required. A basic understanding of fire safety is beneficial but not essential.
What is I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022?
The Irish Standard for selecting, commissioning, installing, inspecting, and maintaining portable fire extinguishers, published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
What does 'Competent Person' mean?
As defined by the standard, a Competent Person is someone with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to perform PFE work. This course provides the formal training component of that requirement.
Can you deliver the course at our premises?
Yes. We deliver on-site training nationwide at hospitals, nursing homes, fire service companies, and other organisations across Ireland.
What is the examination pass mark?
The written examination requires 80% (40 out of 50 marks). It is an open-book, 60-minute format.
How many CPD hours does the course provide?
The course provides 19 CPD hours (awaiting CPD Standards Office approval). This includes 18 teaching hours plus 1 hour of supervised practical assessment.
Is this course relevant for healthcare workers?
Yes. The course specifically addresses HIQA Regulation 28 and the 2025 Fire Safety Handbook, which require I.S. 291-compliant PFE maintenance in healthcare settings.
What happens if I fail an assessment?
You will receive a 'Not Yet Competent' designation. A reassessment opportunity may be offered at the training provider's discretion.
Do I need to own the I.S. 291 standard?
Yes, each participant must have their own copy. It is referenced throughout all three days and is available from the NSAI Standards Store.
Ready to Become a Certified Fire Extinguisher Technician?
Book a public course or request a quotation for on-site delivery at your premises. Contact our team to discuss the best option for your organisation.
