Two-Day Intensive Training Programme for Designated Centres (Nursing Homes)
This comprehensive two-day Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course, delivered by Phoenix STS, provides essential training for personnel responsible for fire safety management in Irish nursing homes. This intensive theoretical programme equips participants with thorough knowledge of fire safety legislation, risk assessment, emergency planning, and protocols for coordinating staff training required to maintain HIQA compliance and protect vulnerable residents.
Upon completion, participants will be competent to oversee fire safety management systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and effectively coordinate emergency responses within their designated centres. This course is ideal for fire safety managers, facilities managers, clinical nurse managers, and anyone with fire safety management responsibilities seeking to enhance their competency and achieve robust fire safety standards.
| ✓ HIQA Compliance | ✓ CPD Certified | ✓ Theoretical Foundation | ✓ Expert Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meet Regulation 28 requirements and fire safety standards for designated centres. | Recognised professional development with certification. | Comprehensive coverage of fire safety management principles, legislation, and best practices. | Taught by qualified fire safety engineers and experienced healthcare fire safety professionals. |
Course Overview
Duration: Two days (9:15 AM – 5:00 PM daily)
Contact Hours: 12 hours face-to-face learning (excluding breaks)
Maximum Learners: 20 participants per session
Delivery: Interactive lectures, group discussions, case study analysis, and theoretical workshops focused on fire safety management functions.
The programme content is aligned with Ireland’s legislative framework governing fire safety, including the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People Regulations 2013, and relevant national standards including I.S. 3217:2023 (emergency lighting), I.S. 3218:2024 (fire detection systems), and I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 (fire extinguisher maintenance).
Why Fire Safety Management Matters in Healthcare
Fire safety management in nursing homes presents unique challenges due to vulnerable populations, elderly residents with reduced mobility, cognitive impairments, and individuals requiring constant care and supervision. Recent legislative changes place greater responsibility on designated centres to manage fire safety. Since the 2003 amendment of the Fire Services Act, fire authorities are no longer obliged to provide complete evacuation services, shifting the onus onto nursing homes to ensure their own emergency preparedness.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) mandates strict fire safety standards through Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions), requiring adequate means of escape, comprehensive staff training, and documented fire safety policies. HIQA’s “Fire Safety Handbook” (2023) provides detailed guidance for developing effective fire safety programmes and establishing a strong safety culture within designated centres.
The Critical Importance of Understanding Evacuation Planning
In nursing home environments, poorly executed evacuations can have devastating consequences. Residents may be immobile, wheelchair-dependent, or require significant assistance to evacuate safely. This course emphasises best practices, including:
- Progressive Horizontal Evacuation – Understanding the principles of moving residents to safe compartments on the same floor when immediate full evacuation isn’t feasible.
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) – Developing individualised assistance plans for residents with specific needs.
- Evacuation Equipment Selection – Understanding how to assess, select, and specify appropriate evacuation aids, including Ski Evacuation Sheets and evacuation chairs, based on resident profiles and building characteristics.
- Night-Time Preparedness – Strategies for managing evacuations with minimal staffing levels.
Two-Day Programme Structure
Day 1: Foundations & Legislative Framework
Morning Session (9:15 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Irish fire safety legislation overview: Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions) and compliance requirements for designated centres
- Roles and responsibilities: Registered Provider, Person in Charge, and Fire Safety Manager
- Understanding fire risk assessments: interpreting PAS 79:2020-1 reports
Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Fire prevention and hazard identification in nursing home environments
- Fire detection and alarm systems: I.S. 3218:2024 requirements and maintenance protocols
- Firefighting equipment: selection, use, and maintenance (I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022)
- Emergency lighting systems: I.S. 3217:2023 standards and testing requirements
- Passive fire protection: fire doors, compartmentation, and escape routes
- Group Discussion: Reviewing fire safety documentation requirements and identifying compliance gaps
Day 2: Emergency Management & Fire Safety Manager Functions
Morning Session (9:15 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Developing fire safety management plans and emergency procedures
- Emergency evacuation strategies: simultaneous vs. phased, vertical vs. horizontal
- Progressive horizontal evacuation techniques for nursing homes
- Planning and conducting effective fire drills: frequency, scenarios, and evaluation
- Creating Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable residents
- Information Session: Understanding evacuation equipment options – selection criteria, specifications, and procurement considerations for evacuation sheets, pads, mats, chairs, and other mobility aids
Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- The role and functions of a Fire Safety Manager in designated centres
- Coordinating fire safety training programmes: planning, scheduling, and record-keeping
- Managing compliance: Fire Safety Register maintenance and inspection documentation
- Liaising with fire services and emergency responders during incidents
- Continuous improvement: the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle in fire safety management
- Case studies: fire incidents in nursing homes, lessons learned and management responses
- Conclusion: Summary of fire safety manager responsibilities and ongoing compliance requirements
Key Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this two-day course, participants will be able to:
| Understand Fire Risk Assessments | Implement Fire Safety Management Systems | Ensure Regulatory Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Interpret PAS 79:2020-1 fire risk assessments completed by fire engineers, identify key hazards, and develop action plans based on professional recommendations. While not qualifying participants to conduct full assessments independently, this provides essential skills to recognise risks and ensure documentation. | Collaborate with qualified fire safety consultants to develop, review, and implement technical fire safety management plans. Monitor system performance, maintain compliance documentation, and make necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing effectiveness. | Manage compliance with HIQA Regulation 28, Fire Services Acts, and relevant standards. Maintain comprehensive Fire Safety Registers with records of drills, equipment maintenance, inspections, and training. Liaise effectively with fire authorities and regulatory inspectors. |
| Coordinate Staff Training & Drills | Plan for Vulnerable Populations | Lead Emergency Response |
|---|---|---|
| Organise and oversee regular fire safety training and drills for all staff, including induction training for new employees. Understand when and how to engage competent external trainers for formal HIQA-compliant training while maintaining internal fire safety awareness and coordination functions. This course equips participants to fulfil the role of fire safety manager, not to become fire safety trainers themselves. | Implement provisions for residents requiring evacuation assistance due to mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or medical conditions. Create effective Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and select and specify appropriate evacuation aids based on resident profiles and facility characteristics. Coordinate staff training on evacuation equipment through competent providers. | Confidently manage fire incidents by activating emergency procedures, coordinating evacuations, communicating with emergency services, and assisting the fire brigade upon arrival. Develop leadership skills for high-pressure emergencies. |
Who Should Attend This Course
This two-day intensive programme is designed for professionals with responsibility for fire safety management in designated centres (nursing homes):
- Fire Safety Managers & Coordinators – Anyone in a dedicated fire safety management role within nursing homes
- Nursing Home Managers – Line managers, unit supervisors, clinical nurse managers, and Persons in Charge (PIC) responsible for on-site fire safety
- Health & Safety Officers – Professionals managing safety compliance and risk management in nursing home environments
- Facilities & Maintenance Managers – Staff overseeing building maintenance, fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, and contractor liaison in nursing homes
- Quality & Risk Management Personnel – Those involved in HIQA inspection preparation, accreditation, and integrated risk assessment for designated centres
- Prospective Fire Safety Managers – Individuals aspiring to fire safety management roles (no prior fire safety qualifications required, though basic fire safety awareness is recommended)
Note: Participants should have a good command of English, as the course is delivered in English. While not mandatory, completing basic fire safety awareness training beforehand is beneficial for ensuring familiarity with fundamental concepts.
Benefits of the Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course
Regulatory Compliance & Legal Protection
Gain a comprehensive understanding of fire safety legislation and HIQA regulations, helping facilities pass inspections and avoid legal penalties. Learn to interpret statutory duties, maintain compliant documentation, and demonstrate due diligence to regulatory inspectors and fire authorities.
Enhanced Safety for Vulnerable Populations
Improve fire risk assessment and emergency planning skills to create safer environments for residents who cannot evacuate independently. Well-trained managers implement measures to protect those who require assistance, providing peace of mind for families and staff while potentially saving lives.
Management Competence & Confidence
Develop a comprehensive understanding of fire safety management functions through interactive learning and case study analysis. Build the confidence to oversee fire safety systems, coordinate staff training, manage documentation, and fulfil fire safety manager responsibilities effectively within your designated centre.
Continuous Improvement Culture
Adopt the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology for ongoing fire safety management. Learn to conduct regular inspections, evaluate drill performance, update procedures based on findings, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices, resulting in sustained safety improvements rather than one-time fixes.
Phoenix STS – Authorised Training Provider
Phoenix STS is an established provider of specialised fire safety training for nursing home environments, delivering courses that meet the stringent requirements of Irish healthcare regulations and HIQA standards. Our instructors are experienced fire safety professionals, including qualified fire engineers and former fire officers with extensive knowledge of the designated centre sector.
Comprehensive Evacuation Equipment Knowledge
This course provides detailed information on evacuation equipment selection and specification, including:
- Ski Evacuation Equipment by Hospital Aids – Understanding specifications, suitability criteria, and procurement considerations for devices designed to cocoon non-ambulatory residents for emergency movement securely
- Versa Family Evacuation Chairs by Exitmaster – Assessment criteria for chair-based evacuation systems with enhanced safety features for corridor navigation
Participants learn how to assess facility-specific requirements and select appropriate evacuation aids based on resident profiles, building layout, and operational considerations. Information is provided to enable informed procurement decisions and coordination of equipment-specific staff training through qualified providers.
Certification & Continuing Professional Development
- Upon Successful Completion: Participants receive a CPD-certified Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers certification.
- Renewal Requirements: After five years, a one-day refresher course is required to renew certification and ensure ongoing compliance with current standards and regulatory requirements.
- Annual CPD Requirement: To maintain professional competence, certified Fire Safety Managers must complete at least 30 hours of CPD annually. This ongoing development supports staying current with legislative changes, industry standards, and best practice methodologies in fire safety management for nursing homes, ensuring continuous improvement in fire safety oversight and compliance within designated centres.
Clinical Leadership During Fire Emergencies
In nursing home environments, a traditional Fire Warden role does not typically exist because, during any emergency, the senior clinical person on duty must take charge to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents.
While Fire Safety Managers play a crucial role in fire prevention and preparedness, overseeing risk assessments, training coordination, and maintenance of fire safety systems, decision-making authority during an actual incident rests with clinical leadership. This structure ensures that all emergency actions are guided by individuals best positioned to balance fire response measures with the immediate healthcare needs of those under their care.
This course prepares Fire Safety Managers to support clinical leaders effectively during emergencies by ensuring robust systems, training coordination, and procedures are in place.
The Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle in Fire Safety Management
Continuous improvement is fundamental to effective fire safety management. This course teaches the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology:
- PLAN – Conduct strategic reviews of current fire safety status, gap analysis, set objectives, and assign responsibilities
- DO – Implement improvements: provide training, conduct risk assessments, update procedures
- CHECK – Measure compliance through inspections, audits, fire drill reviews, and incident analysis
- ACT – Refine fire safety management plans, address deficiencies, and adapt to legislative changes
Adopting this iterative cycle ensures fire safety measures remain robust and evolve with changing circumstances, ultimately fostering a resilient safety culture within nursing homes.
Interactive Training Methods
This course employs diverse instructional methods to accommodate different learning styles and maintain engagement:
Presentations & Lectures
Key concepts and legislative information are delivered through structured presentations with visual aids, diagrams of fire systems, and evacuation plan flowcharts.
Group Discussions & Q&A
Facilitated discussions where learners share workplace experiences and challenges. Interactive Q&A sessions contextualise theory and clarify doubts, while maintaining strict confidentiality for sensitive, facility-specific information.
Case Studies
Real-world analysis of fire incidents and enforcement actions in nursing homes. Learn from actual events: what succeeded, what failed, and lessons applicable to your facility.
Theoretical Workshops
Interactive application of theory, including document analysis, compliance reviews, and scenario-based problem-solving. Review sample Fire Safety Registers, examine evacuation equipment specifications, and navigate legislative documents to build a practical understanding of fire safety management functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Ireland, primary legal responsibility falls on the person “having control” of the premises, typically the nursing home owner or manager. Under the Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended 2003), this person must take all reasonable measures to prevent fires and ensure occupant safety. Failure can result in severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment. HIQA’s care home regulations also hold the registered provider and the person in charge accountable for compliance with fire precautions (Regulation 28).
Vulnerable residents, elderly individuals with reduced mobility or cognitive impairments, often cannot evacuate independently. Fire safety training coordination is critical to protect these at-risk groups. HIQA and health authorities emphasise that fires in nursing homes can be devastating, so staff must be well-prepared to prevent and respond effectively. The Fire Safety Manager’s role is to ensure appropriate training is coordinated and delivered by qualified providers, ensuring staff can safely evacuate people with limited mobility or cognitive impairments, which is both a legal requirement and an ethical imperative.
HIQA’s Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions) integrates fire safety into daily nursing home routines. Management must conduct regular fire risk assessments and maintain up-to-date emergency plans. Daily operations include ensuring fire exits remain clear, fire doors aren’t propped open, and firefighting equipment and alarms are regularly checked. Ongoing vigilance, daily alarm panel checks, and weekly alarm tests are as crucial as formal training. Facilities schedule frequent drills and annual refresher training to maintain compliance and create a “fire-safe” culture.
This course provides theoretical knowledge of fire extinguisher types, fire class suitability, selection criteria, and maintenance requirements, as per I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022. Participants gain the understanding needed to coordinate and oversee staff fire extinguisher training through qualified providers. As Fire Safety Managers, participants learn what equipment is required, how to specify it, and how to ensure staff receive appropriate hands-on training from competent trainers, but this course itself does not include practical extinguisher use.
Yes. The course includes detailed information on evacuation aids used in nursing homes, including Ski Evacuation Sheets and Evacuation Chairs. Participants learn about equipment specifications, selection criteria based on resident profiles and building characteristics, procurement considerations, and how to coordinate equipment-specific training for staff through qualified providers. Fire Safety Managers gain the knowledge to make informed decisions about which evacuation aids are appropriate for their facility and ensure staff receive proper hands-on training from competent equipment trainers.
While Irish law doesn’t specify exact intervals, HIQA guidance strongly recommends monthly fire drills in nursing homes. Frequent drills ensure staff on all shifts, including nights and weekends, get hands-on evacuation practice. Regular drilling improves response times and coordination and helps fulfil HIQA fire preparedness requirements. Smaller assisted living facilities should conduct drills at least several times yearly, if not monthly.
HIQA’s fire safety regulations, including Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions), apply to all designated centres for older persons. Nursing homes under HIQA’s remit must meet comprehensive fire safety requirements, including fire risk assessments, documented emergency plans, regular staff training and fire drills, maintenance of fire safety systems, and appropriate record-keeping. HIQA monitors compliance during inspections and can take enforcement action if standards are not met. This course equips Fire Safety Managers with the knowledge to ensure their designated centre meets all HIQA fire safety requirements.
Yes. While all staff need basic fire awareness, managers and senior staff have additional compliance and coordination responsibilities. This Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course provides advanced training covering leadership in emergencies, detailed legislative compliance, conducting drills and risk assessments, and developing effective fire safety policies, ensuring managers can confidently oversee comprehensive fire safety programmes and prepare for HIQA inspections.
The Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended) places clear duties on premises owners/operators to “take all reasonable measures” to prevent fires and protect occupants. For nursing homes, this means ensuring adequate fire safety measures (alarms, extinguishers, safe exits, evacuation plans), maintaining these systems, training staff, and conducting drills. Failing these obligations is a criminal offence; negligent owners face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment for serious breaches. Local fire authorities have inspection and enforcement powers under the Act.
Yes, all staff require fire safety training regardless of employment status or hours. Fire emergencies can occur at any time, and every person working in the facility must know how to respond and assist with evacuations. HIQA expects providers to ensure all people working in the centre are familiar with fire procedures and their emergency roles. Standard practice includes fire safety in induction training for any new or temporary staff, and agency workers receive briefings on fire exits, alarm signals, evacuation plans, and resident assistance protocols on their first day.
Related Fire Safety Services from Phoenix STS
PAS 79-1:2020 Fire Risk Assessment
Qualified fire engineers conduct comprehensive fire risk assessments for nursing homes
Tailored emergency evacuation plans for nursing homes
Professional fire door inspections and certification to maintain passive fire protection
Expert consultancy services for HIQA compliance and fire safety system development
