Nursing Home Fire Safety Training
Ireland's first CPD-certified Nursing Home Fire Safety Training. This 3-hour, 80% hands-on course ensures HIQA Regulation 28 compliance and equips staff with practical evacuation and response skills.
Book On-Site Nursing Home Fire Safety Training
Ireland’s first CPD-certified nursing home fire safety training programme. Delivered on-site at your facility by qualified fire safety professionals. Available nationwide across Ireland.
Course Overview
Phoenix STS is Ireland’s first provider of officially recognised CPD certification for nursing home fire safety training. We go beyond simply meeting regulatory checklists; we empower your staff to cultivate a truly proactive fire safety culture that prioritises resident well-being above all else. Designed explicitly for Irish residential care facilities and elder care homes, this highly practical 3-hour programme (80% hands-on) equips all nursing home staff with the essential skills and confidence to safeguard residents and respond effectively in any fire situation. Our course aligns with the Fire Safety Handbook: A Guide for Providers and Staff of Designated Centres, published by HIQA in 2025. This course is meticulously designed to meet all HIQA Fire Precautions (Regulation 28) requirements, providing demonstrably robust safety protocols for inspections.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for all staff working within a nursing home, ensuring everyone is equipped with essential knowledge and skills to maintain a safe environment. Note: The term “fire warden” is not applicable within nursing homes; instead, the term “senior clinical person” reflects the roles and responsibilities in this setting.
Clinical Staff
Registered Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Senior Clinical Persons, and Care Supervisors.
Non-Clinical Staff
Administrative, Catering and Kitchen, Housekeeping and Cleaning, and Maintenance Personnel.
Management
Nursing Home Managers, Directors of Nursing, Deputy Managers, and Person in Charge (PIC).
Other Care Settings
Residential Care Facility Staff, Disability Services, Respite Care, and Day Care Centre Staff.
What You’ll Learn
Module 1: Fire Safety Essentials
- Fire prevention strategies and best practices for nursing homes
- Fire hazard identification in resident rooms, communal areas, and kitchens
- Understanding fire types and classification (Class A, B, C, F)
- Correct emergency response protocols for different fire scenarios
- Protocol for assisting residents whose clothing catches fire
- Overview of Irish fire safety regulations and HIQA requirements
Module 2: Facility Fire Safety “Walk and Talk” Orientation
- Guided tour identifying key fire safety features in your facility
- Emergency exit and assembly point familiarisation
- Fire alarm system understanding and call point locations
- Fire safety equipment locations throughout the facility
- Review of your nursing home’s specific emergency procedures
Module 3: Practical Fire Extinguisher Training
- Hands-on practice using a range of portable fire extinguishers
- Matching correct extinguisher types to different fire classes
- Safe and effective fire extinguishing techniques
- Fire extinguisher maintenance checks and limitations
- Understanding when to evacuate versus attempt suppression
Module 4: Evacuation Equipment and Techniques
- Practical training with Ski Evacuation Sheets and Ski Pads
- Safe resident evacuation techniques prioritising resident well-being
- Evacuation procedures for residents with varying mobility levels
- Leading and assisting residents during evacuations
- Equipment maintenance and storage requirements
Why Choose This Course
Selecting the right fire safety training for your nursing home is essential for protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Ireland's First CPD-Certified
Phoenix STS is Ireland's first and most recognised provider of CPD-certified fire safety training specifically for the nursing home sector.
HIQA Regulation 28 Compliant
Meticulously designed to cover every aspect of HIQA Regulation 28 fire safety requirements, providing peace of mind and robust safety protocols.
80% Hands-On Training
Predominantly practical training approach with hands-on experience using evacuation equipment and portable fire extinguishers.
Nursing Home Specific
Specifically engineered for the unique challenges of Irish residential care facilities, addressing care-specific fire risks and evacuation considerations.
Expert Healthcare Instructors
Learn from instructors with fire engineering qualifications and extensive experience in healthcare fire safety environments.
Manufacturer-Authorised
Authorised training provider for Hospital Aids Ski Evacuation Products and Exitmaster Evacuation Chairs, ensuring best-practice equipment handling.
What’s Included
Your Nursing Home Fire Safety Training course fee includes everything you need for full HIQA Regulation 28 compliance:
- Comprehensive Course Materials — printed training handbook covering all four modules, fire safety reference cards, and facility-specific documentation templates
- CPD Certificate — officially recognised by the CPD Standards Office (3 CPD hours, Provider No. 22657), valid for 1 year
- Phoenix STS Certificate of Completion — site-specific certification confirming competence in fire safety procedures at your nursing home
- Practical Equipment Training — hands-on experience with Ski Evacuation Sheets, Ski Pads, and a range of portable fire extinguishers
- Facility Walk & Talk Orientation — guided tour of your specific facility identifying fire safety features, emergency exits, and equipment locations
- Fire Drill Participation — timed compartment fire drill tailored to your nursing home layout and evacuation procedures
- Post-Course Support — email access to your instructor for fire safety queries following the training
- Renewal Reminder Service — advance notification before your certification expires, ensuring continuous HIQA compliance
- Digital Checklist Templates — fire safety inspection and drill record templates to support your ongoing documentation requirements
Our Training Approach
A structured 4-module programme combining theory with hands-on practice at your facility.
Fire Safety Essentials
Learn fire prevention strategies, hazard identification, fire classification, and emergency response protocols specific to nursing homes.
Facility Walk & Talk
Guided tour of your facility identifying emergency exits, assembly points, fire alarm systems, and equipment locations.
Extinguisher Training
Hands-on practice using portable fire extinguishers, matching correct types to fire classes, and learning when to evacuate.
Evacuation Techniques
Practical training with Ski Evacuation Sheets and Pads for safe resident evacuation across varying mobility levels.
Fire Safety Essentials
Learn fire prevention strategies, hazard identification, fire classification, and emergency response protocols specific to nursing homes.
Facility Walk & Talk
Guided tour of your facility identifying emergency exits, assembly points, fire alarm systems, and equipment locations.
Extinguisher Training
Hands-on practice using portable fire extinguishers, matching correct types to fire classes, and learning when to evacuate.
Evacuation Techniques
Practical training with Ski Evacuation Sheets and Pads for safe resident evacuation across varying mobility levels.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, you will be able to: - Prevent fires through proactive strategies to reduce fire risk within the nursing home - Identify potential fire hazards in resident rooms, communal areas, kitchens, and storage spaces - Respond correctly and take appropriate action in different fire scenarios - Select and operate the correct fire extinguisher type for different fire classes - Evacuate residents safely using Ski Evacuation Sheets and Pads - Navigate your facility to quickly locate fire safety equipment, exits, and assembly points - Apply HIQA Regulation 28 requirements and Irish fire safety legislation - Follow correct protocol when a resident's clothing catches fire
Legal Requirements
Fire safety training is legally required for nursing homes in Ireland. This course ensures compliance with key legislation and regulatory standards:
Health Act 2007 Regulations
The Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 415/2013), Regulation 28, mandates fire safety measures including staff training to protect residents.
Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003
The Fire Services Act 1981 and its 2003 amendment outline fire prevention duties and require adequate fire safety measures and trained personnel in all care facilities.
HIQA Fire Precautions (Regulation 28)
HIQA enforces compliance during inspections. Facilities failing to meet standards risk penalties or closure. This course aligns with HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook (2025).
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to provide safety training and designate employees to implement fire and emergency procedures.
Benefits
CPD-certified Nursing Home Fire Safety Training delivers benefits for residents, staff, and your organisation.
For Resident Safety
Enhanced protection through staff competence. Improved evacuation procedures for all mobility levels. Reduced panic and increased calm during emergencies. Staff trained specifically in healthcare evacuation techniques. A proactive fire prevention culture throughout your facility.
For Your Organisation
Demonstrable HIQA compliance for inspections. Meeting legal obligations under the Health Act 2007. CPD certification for staff professional development. Improved reputation and trust with families. Potential for more favourable insurance terms.
Course Details
Duration & Format
- 3 hours total duration
- 80% practical, 20% theory
- Delivered on-site at your facility
- Full attendance required for CPD certification
Class Size
- Maximum 10 clinical staff
- Maximum 6 non-clinical staff
- Total maximum: 16 learners per session
- Small groups ensure individual attention
Training Methods
- Interactive classroom presentations
- Facility “Walk and Talk” orientation
- Hands-on fire extinguisher practice
- Evacuation equipment demonstrations
Prerequisites
To attend this course, staff must meet the following requirements:
- English language proficiency: Ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English to fully engage with course material
- People Moving and Handling certification: Valid certification required before the course (e.g., People Moving Course). If not trained, the senior clinical person will advise on assisting during incidents
- Appropriate attire: Comfortable clothing allowing freedom of movement for practical sessions
- Medical disclosure: Any conditions that could make physical activities unsafe must be disclosed (treated confidentially)
Training Area Requirements
- Suitable training areas per government guidelines
- Profiling beds with bed linen required
- Bedrooms near lift and stairwell for manikin movement
- Rescue training manikins used for safety (provided by Phoenix STS)
Assessment and Certification
Assessment is practical and site-specific, ensuring staff are competent in your particular nursing home environment:
- Evacuation equipment assessment: Demonstrating safe use of Ski Evacuation Sheets and Pads
- Fire extinguisher assessment: Correct selection and operation of portable fire extinguishers
- Fire drill completion: Participation in a timed compartment fire drill
Upon Successful Completion, You Receive:
- ✓ Phoenix STS Official CPD Certificate
- ✓ Recognition by the CPD Standards Office
- ✓ Site-specific qualification for your nursing home
Certificate Valid for 1 Year
Annual refresher training required to maintain certification and HIQA compliance.
Important: Qualifications are specific to the nursing home where training was conducted and are not transferable to other facilities.
Our Instructors
Our instructors are experienced in providing fire safety training in healthcare settings. They hold memberships with leading professional bodies including NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, and L&DI.
All instructors are qualified People Moving and Handling Instructors and Evacuation Equipment Instructors. They are Infection Control and Safeguarding Adults qualified, and have achieved a minimum of Fire Safety Technician (FST.IIESMS) recognition with the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems.
Ready to Book Your Nursing Home Fire Safety Training?
Ensure your nursing home meets HIQA Regulation 28 requirements with Ireland’s first CPD-certified fire safety training programme. Our 3-hour, 80% hands-on course is delivered on-site at your facility by qualified fire safety professionals.
Places are limited to 16 per session. Contact us today to secure your preferred training date and ensure continuous HIQA compliance for your staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content last reviewed: March 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Irish, UK, and EU legislation and standards.
Yes. Fire safety training is legally required under the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 415/2013). Regulation 28 mandates that nursing homes implement fire safety measures, including staff training, to protect residents. HIQA enforces compliance during inspections, and facilities failing to meet standards risk penalties or closure.
HIQA mandates annual training. Phoenix STS certifications expire after one year, requiring refresher courses. Additional drills (e.g., monthly fire drills) are recommended to maintain readiness.
Yes. Our course is explicitly designed to comply with HIQA’s Fire Precautions (Regulation 28), incorporating guidance from HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook (2025). The course covers evacuation procedures, fire risk awareness, and equipment use as required by HIQA inspectors.
No. Irish fire safety legislation does not explicitly mandate the appointment of fire wardens in nursing homes. HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook emphasises role-specific training for all staff, requiring them to conduct evacuations, operate firefighting equipment, and implement emergency plans. The legislation prioritises collective staff competency over designated fire wardens.
Using staff as training manikins poses significant legal and safety risks. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must avoid exposing staff to unnecessary risks. HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook states that drills must use “realistic but safe methods,” explicitly discouraging the use of live persons. Training manikins ensure compliance and prevent injuries.
Yes. This course is delivered on-site at your facility across Ireland. On-site delivery ensures training is tailored to your specific environment, evacuation routes, and fire safety equipment. You will need to provide suitable training areas, profiling beds with linen, and access to areas near lifts and stairwells.
No. The qualification achieved is site-specific, tailored to the particular nursing home environment where training was conducted. Due to unique layouts, evacuation procedures, and fire safety measures that differ between facilities, certifications are not transferable. Staff moving to a new facility will require training specific to that location.
Regulation 28(1)(c)(i) requires detailed records of training dates, content, and attendee lists; fire drill outcomes including evacuation times and issues identified; and equipment maintenance logs. HIQA inspectors routinely audit these records during unannounced inspections.
Yes. We offer the Nursing Home Fire Safety Manager Training Course for staff needing advanced instruction. This course prepares you to be a central figure in fire safety within the nursing home, with access to expert advice from a Fire Engineer.
The course covers portable fire extinguishers (all classes), Ski Evacuation Sheets , Ski Pads , and fire detection/alarm systems. Phoenix STS is an authorised training provider for Hospital Aids evacuation products and Exitmaster evacuation chairs.
Compare Our Nursing Home Fire Safety Courses
Nursing Home Fire Safety Training
This course — practical fire safety skills for all staff.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Certification: 1 year validity
- CPD Hours: 3
- Max Learners: 16 per session
- Focus: Hands-on fire safety skills for frontline staff — fire extinguisher use, Ski evacuation techniques, fire drill procedures, and hazard identification
- Ideal For: All clinical, non-clinical, and management staff in nursing homes and residential care facilities
- Delivery: On-site at your facility
- Assessment: Practical skills demonstration and fire drill participation
Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course
Advanced management course for designated fire safety managers.
- Duration: 7 hours (1 day)
- Certification: 5 year validity
- CPD Hours: 7
- Max Learners: 20 per session
- Focus: Fire safety legislation, HIQA Regulation 28 compliance management, fire risk assessment interpretation, progressive horizontal evacuation, PEEPs, and emergency planning for vulnerable residents
- Ideal For: Fire Safety Managers, Nursing Home Managers, Clinical Nurse Managers, Directors of Nursing, and Quality & Risk Managers in designated centres
- Delivery: On-site or virtual learning
- Assessment: Competency-based through workshop participation, group discussion, and scenario-based problem-solving
Need a designated fire safety manager for your facility? View the Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course.
Available Nationwide Across Ireland
Phoenix STS delivers nursing home fire safety training on-site at your facility anywhere in Ireland. Our experienced instructors travel to your premises, ensuring training is tailored to your specific environment, evacuation routes, and fire safety equipment.
We regularly deliver HIQA-compliant fire safety training in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athlone, Sligo, Dundalk, Longford, and all counties across Ireland.
Our on-site training is ideal for nursing homes, residential care facilities, disability services, respite care centres, and day care centres throughout the Republic of Ireland.
Contact us for an on-site training quotation or call us on 043 334 9611.
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Over 15 Years' Experience
Phoenix STS has been delivering fire safety training and consultancy services across Ireland since 2009. Trusted by over 500 organisations including nursing homes, hospitals, and healthcare facilities nationwide. ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Irish Owned & Operated
Proudly Irish owned and headquartered in Longford, we understand the unique regulatory landscape of Irish healthcare. Our courses are specifically designed for HIQA compliance and Irish fire safety legislation.
Qualified Fire Safety Experts
Our instructors hold fire engineering qualifications and are members of NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, and L&DI. All are qualified People Moving and Handling Instructors with specialist healthcare fire safety experience.