Fire Extinguisher Technician Training
Application of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 - 3 Days (18 Hours) - CPD Certified - 50% Practical
Book a Public Course - €545 Per Person
This course is available as a public scheduled course at €545 per person, open to individual bookings. View upcoming dates and secure your place today. Employees in the private healthcare sector may be eligible for subsidised training through LHP Skillnet.
Course Overview
This fire extinguisher technician training course gives structured instruction on I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022, the Irish Standard for portable fire extinguishers, with practical assessment of commissioning and maintenance tasks across water, foam, powder, wet chemical and CO2 units. 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
Irish Compliance Context
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
A structured course covering I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 with individual practical assessment.
Irish Compliance Context
Support records showing that PFE work is carried out by trained and assessed people in line with Irish workplace fire safety duties 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. Build internal knowledge for better records, contractor oversight and routine extinguisher management.
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.
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.
Technician Training and Competence
Training is one part of competence
A technical course can provide structured instruction, assessment and practical exercises, but competence also depends on supervised experience, access to the correct tools, current standards, manufacturer information, suitable records and the employer?s own quality controls. The course should not be read as proof that every attendee is ready to work without supervision in every situation.
Why the practical element matters
Extinguisher work is not just a paperwork exercise. Technicians need to understand extinguisher types, locations, labels, weights, pressure indications, damage, suitability, commissioning checks, maintenance records and when an item should be queried or removed from service. Practical handling and record completion help make the training more useful than a classroom-only briefing.
Working within scope
Participants should leave with a clearer understanding of what they can do, what needs further experience, and when to seek advice. Buildings with unusual risks, specialist extinguishing media or complex client requirements may need additional guidance. Good technicians know the limits of their training as well as the steps they are expected to follow.
Related Fire Safety Training
Useful Phoenix STS pages connected to this course.
Fire Safety Awareness Training
General fire safety awareness training for staff across Irish workplaces.
Fire Safety Managers Course
Training for staff managing checks, records and routine fire safety controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content reviewed May 2026.
No formal fire safety qualification is required. A basic understanding of fire safety is helpful, but the course builds from fundamentals before moving into I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022, practical checks and assessment.
It is the Irish Standard for the selection, commissioning, installation, inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. The course uses it as the main technical reference for the programme.
The course provides structured training and assessment evidence. Competence also depends on experience, supervision, tools, current information, records and the employer?s own quality controls.
The course is available as scheduled public training or as on-site delivery for suitable groups. On-site practical sessions can use the organisation?s own extinguisher stock and equipment.
The written examination requires 80%. Participants must also pass the practical commissioning and service or maintenance assessments to receive certification.
Participants need their own copy of I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022, suitable extinguishers, servicing tools, inspection equipment, consumables and PPE. Extinguishers are not discharged, refilled or pressure-tested during the course.
Yes. It is relevant where healthcare providers need better oversight of extinguisher provision, maintenance records and competent-person arrangements. It supports, but does not replace, the provider?s wider fire safety management system.