The Fire Safety Awareness Training course from Phoenix STS equips your entire workforce with essential fire safety knowledge and practical skills to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies. This engaging two-hour programme covers fundamental fire safety principles, common workplace hazards, and legal responsibilities under Irish legislation, including the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003.
Participants learn vital prevention measures, how to recognise fire safety signage and equipment, and understand crucial evacuation procedures. A key element of the course is the hands-on practical session where learners gain confidence in selecting and using portable fire extinguishers safely and effectively. Delivered on-site at your premises across Ireland, this course ensures your business meets its legal obligations while creating a genuine fire safety culture. Upon completion, attendees receive a Phoenix STS Training certificate valid for two years.
The Fire Safety Awareness Training course from Phoenix STS provides your workforce with the essential knowledge and practical skills to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies. This engaging programme combines legislative understanding with hands-on training, ensuring your staff can identify fire hazards, follow emergency procedures, and use portable fire extinguishers safely and confidently.
Course at a Glance
- Duration: 2 hours
- Class Size: Maximum 20 learners
- Certification: 2 years validity
- Delivery: On-site at your premises across Ireland
- Assessment: Practical demonstration and participation
Need More Information
Fire Safety Awareness Training Overview
Fire safety training is not optional – it is a legal requirement under Irish legislation. The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, together with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, place clear duties on employers to ensure all staff receive adequate fire safety training appropriate to their workplace.
This practical course delivers the foundation every employee needs. Participants learn how fires start and spread, how to identify common workplace hazards, and what actions to take when the fire alarm sounds. The hands-on practical session ensures learners leave with real confidence in using portable fire extinguishers, a skill that could save lives and protect your business.
By investing in Fire Safety Awareness Training, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee safety while ensuring compliance with Irish fire safety legislation. A trained workforce is your first line of defence against fire.
Why Fire Safety Awareness Training Matters
Every year, workplace fires cause injuries, fatalities, and devastating business losses across Ireland. Many of these incidents are preventable through proper training. When staff understand fire hazards and know how to respond, they can prevent small incidents from becoming major emergencies.
Legal Requirement: The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 place a duty of care on building owners and occupiers to take reasonable measures to prevent fires and ensure the safety of all persons on the premises. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure employee safety. Fire safety training is a fundamental part of meeting these legal obligations.
Beyond compliance, trained staff deliver real benefits:
- Reduced the likelihood of fire incidents through hazard awareness
- Faster, calmer response when emergencies occur
- Effective use of fire extinguishers to contain small fires
- Orderly evacuation, protecting all building occupants
- Lower risk of injury and fatality
- Reduced property damage and business interruption
- Potential insurance premium reductions
- Enhanced workplace safety culture
Legal Framework
This course covers the key Irish legislation that governs workplace fire safety:
Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003
The Fire Services Acts are Ireland’s primary legislation governing fire safety. They place a general duty of care on building owners and occupiers to take reasonable measures to prevent fires and ensure the safety of people in the event of a fire. This overarching duty is the foundation for all fire safety requirements.
Key provisions include:
- Duty to take reasonable measures to guard against fire outbreaks
- Duty to ensurethe safety of persons on the premises in the event of fire
- Requirements for fire safety certificates for certain buildings
- Powers of fire authorities to inspect premises and issue enforcement notices
Building Regulations – Technical Guidance Document B (Fire Safety)
Technical Guidance Document B provides detailed guidance on fire safety in building design and construction. While primarily aimed at architects and builders, it informs the standards expected for fire safety management, including:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Emergency escape routes and exits
- Fire safety signage and emergency lighting
- Means of escape for persons with disabilities
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
The SHWW Act 2005 places a general duty on employers to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of employees at work. Fire safety is a core component of this duty. Employers must:
- Identify fire hazards and assess fire risks
- Implement appropriate fire safety measures
- Prepare emergency plans and procedures
- Provide employees with fire safety information and training
- Appoint competent persons for fire safety duties
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
The General Application Regulations require employers to:
- Prepare adequate emergency plans and procedures for dealing with fire
- Provide employees with appropriate information, instruction, and training
- Appoint competent persons (Fire Wardens) with specific fire safety responsibilities
- Ensure emergency routes and exits are kept clear and properly maintained
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for all employees who need foundational fire safety knowledge:
- All Employees: Basic fire safety awareness training benefits every staff member regardless of role or seniority. It is fundamental for workplace safety and legal compliance.
- New Starters and Inductees: Fire Safety Awareness Training should be a core part of onboarding for all new employees. Staff cannot be expected to respond correctly to emergencies without proper training.
- Staff in Higher Risk Areas: Employees working in kitchens, workshops, with flammable materials, or in electrical and server rooms require particular awareness of fire risks in their environment.
- Temporary Staff and Contractors: All persons working on your premises need fire safety awareness appropriate to their work area and the building’s emergency procedures.
Refresher Training
Staff who completed training more than 2 years ago should attend a refresher training session to maintain current knowledge and skills.
Did you know? Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals require more in-depth training beyond basic awareness. Phoenix STS offers a dedicated Fire Warden Training Course for staff with designated fire safety responsibilities.
What You’ll Learn
Fire Safety Fundamentals
- The fire triangle – fuel, heat, and oxygen
- How fires start and spread
- Classes of fire and their characteristics
- Common causes of workplace fires
Fire Hazard Identification
Recognising fire hazards in your workplace
- Electrical hazards and overloaded sockets
- Storage of flammable materials
- Housekeeping and fire prevention
- Reporting hazards and near misses
Legal Responsibilities
- Overview of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003
- Employer and employee duties under Irish law
- The role of fire risk assessments
- Consequences of non-compliance
Fire Prevention Measures
- Good housekeeping practices
- Safe use of electrical equipment
- Control of ignition sources
- Safe storage of flammable substances
- Maintaining clear escape routes
Fire Safety Equipment and Signage
- Fire alarm systems and call points
- Emergency lighting
- Fire safety signage and its meanings
- Fire doors and their importance
- Locations of fire extinguishers and fire blankets
Emergency Procedures
- Actions on discovering a fire
- How to raise the alarm
- Evacuation procedures and escape routes
- Assembly points and roll call procedures
- Assisting colleagues and visitors
- When and how to call the fire service
Portable Fire Extinguishers – Practical Session
- Types of fire extinguishers and their uses
- Matching extinguisher types to fire classes
- The PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
- When it is safe to tackle a fire
- Hands-on practice with extinguishers
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the fire triangle and how fires start and spread
- Identify common fire hazards in their workplace
- Describe their legal responsibilities under Irish fire safety legislation
- Implement everyday fire prevention measures
- Recognise fire safety signage and equipment
- Follow the correct procedures when the fire alarm sounds
- Raise the alarm correctly in an emergency
- Select the appropriate fire extinguisher for different fire classes
- Demonstrate safe and effective use of portable fire extinguishers
- Contribute actively to maintaining a fire-safe workplace
Benefits
For Employees
- Knowledge and skills to protect themselves and colleagues
- Confidence to respond calmly in fire emergencies
- Understanding of evacuation procedures and escape routes
- Practical experience using fire extinguishers
- Awareness of fire hazards in their work environment
- Empowerment to contribute to workplace fire safety
For Organisations
- Compliance with Fire Services Acts and SHWW Act requirements
- Reduced the risk of fire incidents through staff awareness
- Minimise damage and losses if fires occur
- Protection of business reputation
- Potential reduction in insurance premiums
- Improved business continuity
- Demonstration of commitment to employee welfare
- A stronger workplace safety culture
Course Details
Delivery
This course is delivered on-site at your premises anywhere in Ireland. On-site delivery ensures the training is relevant to your specific workplace, with examples and discussions tailored to your actual fire hazards, evacuation procedures, and fire safety equipment.
We can schedule multiple sessions per day to train large workforces efficiently. Up to six classes can be delivered per day, each accommodating a maximum of 20 learners.
Prerequisites
- English language proficiency: Ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English
- Disclosure of relevant medical conditions: Learners should disclose any conditions that could make physical activities unsafe during the practical session
Training Methods
Interactive PowerPoint presentations
- Group discussions and Q&A sessions
- Full-colour printed handouts for all participants
- Hands-on practical training with portable fire extinguishers
- Workplace-specific examples and scenarios
Assessment
- Practical fire extinguisher competency: Instructors observe learners selecting appropriate extinguishers and demonstrating safe, effective use
- Participation and engagement: Understanding is assessed through Q&A sessions and active involvement throughout the course
This is an awareness and practical course. Assessment is based on participation and demonstrated understanding rather than formal examination.
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive:
Phoenix STS Training Certificate: Valid for 2 years
Important: As fire safety training is specific to workplace hazards and procedures, the certificate is relevant to the workplace where training was provided.
Refresher Training: We recommend refresher training every 2 years to maintain current knowledge and skills. Phoenix STS offers a complimentary reminder service.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Maximum Participants | 20 learners per session |
| Certificate Validity | 2 years |
| Delivery | On-site at your premises |
| Assessment | Practical demonstration and participation |
| Sessions per Day | Up to 3 sessions available |
Our Instructors
All Phoenix STS fire safety instructors hold specialist qualifications and bring extensive practical experience across multiple sectors. Our instructors are members of professional bodies, including:
- NAHFO (National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers)
- IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
- IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
- IIESMS (Irish Institute of Emergency and Safety Management Services)
- IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management)
- IHEEM (Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management)
- L&DI (Learning and Development Ireland)
All instructors hold a minimum of Fire Safety Technician (FST.IIESMS) recognition with the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems, ensuring the excellence and reliability of our training programmes.
Need More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, together with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and General Application Regulations 2007, require employers to provide fire safety training to all employees. Training must be appropriate to the workplace and the fire risks present.
We recommend refresher training every 2 years to maintain current knowledge and skills. Training should also be provided when there are significant changes to fire safety procedures, building layout, or when new fire risks are introduced.
Fire Safety Awareness Training is designed for all employees and covers fundamental fire safety knowledge and basic extinguisher use. Fire Warden Training is more comprehensive, designed for staff with designated fire safety responsibilities, including coordinating evacuations, conducting sweeps, and liaising with emergency services.
Yes. On-site delivery allows our instructors to tailor examples and discussions to your specific workplace hazards, evacuation procedures, and fire safety equipment. We can also incorporate your emergency evacuation plan into the training
Yes. The course includes a hands-on practical session where participants learn to select appropriate fire extinguishers and practice the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) in a controlled environment.
Each session accommodates a maximum of 20 learners to ensure effective learning and adequate time for practical exercises. We can deliver up to six sessions per day for larger organisations.
No. Fire safety training is specific to workplace hazards and emergency procedures. The certificate is relevant to the workplace where training was provided. Staff moving to new workplaces should receive fire safety training appropriate to that environment.
All instructors hold specialist fire safety qualifications and are members of professional bodies including IFE, IOSH, IIRSM, and IIESMS. All hold a minimum of Fire Safety Technician (FST.IIESMS) recognition.
Yes. We can arrange training sessions outside standard working hours to minimise business disruption. Contact us to discuss your scheduling requirements.
Each participant receives a Phoenix STS Training Certificate valid for 2 years. We also provide a training record for your organisation’s compliance documentation.
Related Services
- Fire Warden Training Course — Comprehensive training for designated fire safety personnel
- Fire Risk Assessment (PAS 79-2020) — Professional fire risk assessment for commercial premises
- Nursing Home Fire Risk Assessment (PAS 79-1) — Specialist fire risk assessment for healthcare facilities
- Evacuation Planning — Development of emergency evacuation procedures
- Fire Door Inspections — Inspection and certification of fire doors
- Fire Safety Consultancy Services — Expert fire safety advice and support
Page last updated: January 2025
