Nursing Home Fire Safety Training Course
The Nursing Home Fire Safety Training Course from Phoenix STS is Ireland’s first CPD-certified programme designed specifically for residential care facilities. This practical 3-hour course equips staff with essential fire safety skills to protect vulnerable residents and ensure HIQA Regulation 28 compliance. 80% hands-on training with 1-year certification.
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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.
Staff practising resident evacuation using Ski Evacuation Mat during Phoenix STS training.
Why Choose This Course
Selecting the right fire safety training for your nursing home is essential for protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring regulatory compliance. Here’s what sets the Phoenix STS programme apart:
🏆 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 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.
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
- Care Supervisors
🏢 Non-Clinical Staff
- Administrative Staff
- Catering and Kitchen Staff
- Housekeeping and Cleaning Staff
- Maintenance Personnel
👔 Management
- Nursing Home Managers
- Directors of Nursing
- Deputy Managers
- Person in Charge (PIC)
🏠 Other Care Settings
- Residential Care Facility Staff
- Disability Services Personnel
- Respite Care Staff
- Day Care Centre Staff
Legal Requirements
Fire safety training is legally required for nursing homes in Ireland. The 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.
HIQA Fire Precautions (Regulation 28)
HIQA enforces compliance during inspections. Facilities failing to meet standards risk penalties or closure. Our course aligns with HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook.
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
The SHWW Act 2005 requires employers to provide safety training and designate employees to implement fire and emergency procedures.
What You’ll Learn
The course is structured into four modules to maximise learning and skill development, combining essential theory with extensive practical application.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, you will be able to:
- Prevent fires: Implement proactive strategies to significantly reduce fire risk within the nursing home
- Identify hazards: Recognise potential fire hazards in resident rooms, communal areas, kitchens, and storage spaces
- Respond correctly: Take appropriate immediate action in different fire scenarios
- Operate extinguishers: Select and use the correct fire extinguisher type for different fire classes
- Evacuate residents safely: Use Ski Evacuation Sheets and Pads to safely move non-ambulatory residents
- Navigate your facility: Quickly locate fire safety equipment, exits, and assembly points
- Understand regulations: Apply HIQA Regulation 28 requirements and Irish fire safety legislation
- Assist clothing fires: Follow correct protocol when a resident’s clothing catches fire
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
- Proactive fire prevention culture
For Your Organisation
- Demonstrable HIQA compliance for inspections
- Meeting legal obligations under Health Act 2007
- CPD certification for staff professional development
- Improved reputation and trust with families
- Potential for more favourable insurance terms
Prerequisites
Staff Requirements
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)
Course Details
Duration and 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 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
Training Methods
- Interactive PowerPoint presentations
- Facility “Walk and Talk” orientation
- Hands-on fire extinguisher practice
- Evacuation equipment demonstrations
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
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:
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.
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Page last updated: January 2026
