Compartment Fire Evacuation Drills
Realistic, independently assessed fire evacuation drills for nursing homes and designated centres. Test your staff's ability to safely evacuate residents within required timeframes using rescue manikins, smoke simulators, and ASET/RSET analysis.
8–10 Drills / Day
Full-day sessions yield 8–10 drills, with morning (5–6) and afternoon (3–4) options available
2 Assessors
Two qualified assessors attend every session for precise timing and comprehensive documentation
Full Drill Report
Comprehensive report with evacuation times, ASET/RSET analysis, strengths, and recommendations
HIQA Compliant
Meets HIQA Regulation 28, Fire Services Acts, and HIQA Fire Safety Handbook 2025 guidance
Test Your Evacuation Capability Under Realistic Conditions
Compartment Fire Evacuation Drills are independently assessed fire drill exercises conducted at your facility using rescue manikins, smoke simulators, and portable fire extinguishers to create conditions that accurately test your staff's ability to evacuate residents safely within required timeframes. Drills focus on progressively moving residents away from immediate danger through controlled phases: room clearance, movement to adjacent protected areas, and potentially vertical evacuation via protected stairways. Testing emphasises the facility's largest compartment. Each drill cycle averages 30–40 minutes including setup, briefing, execution, and debrief. Two qualified assessors document every aspect, measuring evacuation times against ASET (Available Safe Egress Time) and RSET (Required Safe Egress Time) benchmarks to verify your facility's safety margins.
Who Is This For
Nursing Homes
Residential care facilities for older persons regulated by HIQA under Regulation 28 fire precautions.
Disability Services
Residential care centres serving adults with varying support needs under HIQA regulation.
Respite & Rehabilitation
Respite care facilities and rehabilitation centres with residential accommodation.
Hospice & Palliative Care
Hospices and palliative care facilities caring for residents with complex needs.
Designated Centres
Any designated centre under HIQA inspection that must demonstrate fire drill compliance.
Multi-Compartment Facilities
Facilities with compartmented layouts where progressive horizontal evacuation is the primary strategy.
What Gets Tested
- Staff response to fire alarm activation
- Room clearance and resident movement techniques
- Progressive horizontal evacuation procedures
- Use of evacuation equipment (ski sheets, mats, pads)
- Fire door operation and compartment integrity
- Communication and coordination between staff
- Largest compartment evacuation capability
What Gets Measured
ASET vs RSET Analysis
- ASET (Available Safe Egress Time): time from ignition until conditions become untenable
- RSET (Required Safe Egress Time): time needed to complete full evacuation
- Safety margin: ASET must exceed RSET for safe outcomes
Additional Metrics
- Individual evacuation times per resident/manikin
- Total compartment clearance time
- Staff response times from alarm to action
- Equipment handling proficiency observations
What You Receive
Every drill session includes comprehensive documentation and actionable insights.
Comprehensive Drill Report
Detailed report for each exercise documenting all observations, timings, and outcomes.
Evacuation Timeframes
Recorded evacuation times measured against target benchmarks with ASET/RSET safety margin analysis.
Attendance Records
Confirmation of all participating staff members for your compliance records and Fire Safety Register.
Strengths Identified
Recognition of what your team does well, reinforcing good practice and building confidence.
Areas for Improvement
Honest assessment of gaps in procedures, equipment, or staff knowledge that need attention.
Actionable Recommendations
Specific, prioritised recommendations for procedural enhancement and continuous improvement.
Session Options
- Morning session: 4 hours (5–6 drills)
- Afternoon session: 3 hours (3–4 drills)
- Full day: 7 hours (8–10 drills)
- Each drill cycle: 30–40 minutes
- 2 qualified assessors per session
- Delivery: On-site at your facility only
What You Need to Provide
- Access to compartments to be tested
- Staff at normal operating levels
- Evacuation equipment (ski sheets, mats, pads)
- Facility layout information and floor plans
We Provide
- Rescue manikins simulating resident weight
- Smoke simulators for realistic conditions
- Portable fire extinguishers and timing equipment
- Two qualified assessors for documentation
Key Benefits
Realistic Testing
Rescue manikins and smoke simulators create conditions that accurately test your facility's evacuation capability.
Independent Assessment
External qualified assessors provide objective evaluation without internal bias or assumptions.
HIQA Compliance
Demonstrates compliance with Regulation 28 and the HIQA Fire Safety Handbook 2025 guidance.
Staff Confidence
Repeated practice builds competency and confidence so staff can respond calmly in a real emergency.
Gap Identification
Identifies procedural gaps, equipment issues, and training needs before a real emergency exposes them.
Due Diligence
Comprehensive drill reports provide documented evidence of fire safety preparedness for inspections.
Book Your Compartment Fire Evacuation Drills
Don't wait for a real emergency to discover gaps in your evacuation procedures. Book independently assessed compartment fire drills and give your staff the practice they need to protect your residents. Morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions available nationwide.
Related Services
Nursing Home Fire Safety Training
Comprehensive fire safety training designed specifically for nursing home staff covering prevention, procedures, and resident evacuation.
Designated Centre FSM Course
CPD-certified fire safety management course designed specifically for nursing homes and designated centres.
Evacuation Equipment Training
Hands-on training in the safe use of evacuation chairs, ski sheets, and other evacuation aids for healthcare facilities.
