The Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course is a comprehensive five-day training programme designed for managers and supervisors in nursing homes and disability services. It covers fire safety management from introductory principles to advanced practices through a blend of theoretical instruction, practical workshops, and applied coursework. The curriculum 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, Care and Support of Residents in Designated Centres for Persons (Children and Adults) with Disabilities) Regulations 2013, Code of Practice for Fire Safety in New and Existing Community Dwelling Houses 2017, relevant statutory instruments, national standards (building and health care standards), and pertinent EU directives​.

Participants will learn how recent legislative changes place greater responsibility on care facilities to manage fire safety internally (for example, since the 2003 amendment of the Fire Services Act, fire authorities are not obliged to provide a complete evacuation service, shifting the onus onto the business or institution​). By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to ensure their facilities comply with all legal requirements and maintain the highest fire safety standards to protect residents, service users, staff, and visitors.

Course Overview

This intensive five-day Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course is designed for up to 20 learners and runs daily from 9:15 AM to 4:30 PM. Across these five days, participants will benefit from 30 hours of face-to-face learning, excluding breaks, ensuring comprehensive coverage of vital topics.

The programme content is organised in a logical sequence of topics rather than rigid day-by-day modules. This structure allows for flexible pacing, ensuring thorough understanding and catering to the learning needs of all participants. Confidentiality is emphasised from the outset – participants are actively encouraged to share their professional experiences and pose questions within a supportive environment where it’s understood that any sensitive information discussed remains strictly within the group.

The learning methods are highly interactive and engaging, blending informative lectures with dynamic Q&A sessions, collaborative group workshops, and practical scenario-based exercises. This hands-on approach provides learners ample opportunity for practice and active engagement, essential for developing competence in the Fire Safety Manager role. Active participation in workshops is a key requirement for successful course completion. Each of the first four days integrates group discussions, relevant case studies, and focused workshops, enabling learners to apply theoretical concepts directly to realistic healthcare scenarios. This collaborative pedagogy reinforces learning retention and maintains respect for the confidential nature of any facility-specific challenges shared by participants.

Assessment on this course consists of a 1.5-hour open-book written assessment conducted at the end of Day 4. This format allows learners to confidently demonstrate their understanding of the course content by referencing provided materials during the assessment process.

Course Duration Day 5 activities: form a crucial capstone to the week’s learning. This final day is dedicated explicitly to learner presentations. Each participant will present a fire safety management solution or project they have developed, followed by a supportive peer and tutor review session. This enables shared learning through diverse insights and consolidates the week’s learning by encouraging critical reflection on the practical application of best practices within each learner’s workplace context. By the conclusion of this five-day programme, learners will have cultivated a comprehensive and robust understanding of fire safety management within diverse healthcare settings. This spans from grasping fundamental fire science principles and navigating complex legal requirements to mastering practical emergency planning and confidently demonstrating leadership in fire emergencies.

Course Relevance within Healthcare

Fire safety management in healthcare settings is uniquely challenging due to the presence of vulnerable populations (such as elderly residents or service users with disabilities who may have reduced mobility or cognition). This course addresses those challenges by focusing on fire safety in residential care environments and aligning with the regulations and standards governing nursing homes and disability services in Ireland. In particular, it reflects the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) requirements for designated centres: for instance, HIQA’s Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions) mandates adequate means of escape, staff training, and fire safety policies in care facilities​. The training emphasises compliance with HIQA’s fire safety standards and guidance – including the “Fire Safety Handbook” issued in 2023 to help providers develop effective fire safety programmes and a strong safety culture​.

By tailoring content to the healthcare context, the course ensures that managers can implement fire safety measures that meet legal obligations and fit the operational realities of nursing homes and disability services (such as 24/7 occupancy, medical oxygen usage, and assistance-required evacuations). Ultimately, the course’s healthcare focus helps protect the lives of residents and service users by preparing staff to prevent fires and respond swiftly and safely if an emergency occurs​.

Benefits of the Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course

Participants and their organisations will gain numerous benefits from this course:

• Regulatory Compliance: Managers will learn to interpret and comply with fire safety legislation and HIQA regulations, helping their facilities pass inspections and avoid legal penalties​. The course ensures attendees understand their duties under the law and how to maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance.
• Enhanced Safety for Residents, Service Users and Staff: The course empowers managers to reduce fire hazards and improve emergency readiness by improving fire risk assessment and planning skills. This translates to a safer environment for vulnerable residents and service users and peace of mind for their families and staff​. Well-trained managers can implement measures that protect people who cannot evacuate without assistance, potentially saving lives.
• Practical Skills and Confidence: The mix of theory and hands-on workshops builds confidence in handling fire safety equipment and procedures. Learners are given the information to organise evacuation drills, ensuring they can perform effectively in emergencies. High-quality fire safety training means staff can actively prevent fires and coordinate a controlled evacuation more quickly and confidently. Regulators note that well-trained teams evacuate residents or service users more effectively than uncoordinated efforts​.
• Continuous Improvement Culture: The course instils a “plan, do, check, act” mindset for fire safety management. Participants learn to continuously evaluate and improve fire safety protocols, conduct regular inspections, update evacuation plans after drills, and keep up with new best practices. This leads to sustained safety improvements rather than one-time fixes.

Importance of High-Quality Evacuation Training

Evacuation planning and training are given special emphasis because, in healthcare settings, a poorly executed evacuation can have devastating consequences. Residents in nursing homes or service users with disability services may be immobile, use wheelchairs, or require guidance and time to evacuate safely. High-quality evacuation training ensures staff respond calmly and effectively in a fire emergency, preventing panic and injuries. This course highlights best practices in evacuation, such as the use of progressive horizontal evacuation in nursing homes (moving people to a safe compartment on the same floor when immediate complete evacuation isn’t feasible) and the preparation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents and service users who need individualised assistance.

As noted in fire safety guidance, competent staff who can swiftly and confidently organise a controlled evacuation must compensate for the presence of automatic fire doors or other barriers​. Ultimately, investing in high-quality training through this programme means that in an emergency, staff are prepared to quickly move every resident to safety, even at night or with minimal personnel, thereby significantly improving outcomes in an actual fire situation.

Phoenix STS – Authorised Training Provider

Phoenix STS is an established provider that has been approved to deliver specialised fire safety courses. We bring expertise in nursing home and residential care fire safety. All instructors for this programme are experienced fire safety professionals—many are qualified fire safety engineers or former fire officers with extensive knowledge of healthcare environments.

Phoenix STS is officially authorised to provide comprehensive training on using Ski Evacuation Products from Hospital Aids and the Versa Family Evacuation Chairs from Exitmaster. This endorsement ensures that our instructors deliver up-to-date, manufacturer-approved guidance, equipping learners with the expertise to train healthcare staff to deploy these critical evacuation tools effectively. The Ski Evacuation Sheet by Hospital Aids is designed to securely cocoon non-ambulatory residents within their mattresses, facilitating swift and safe movement during emergencies. The Versa Elite Evacuation Chair by Exitmaster offers enhanced passenger comfort and safety features, including additional handles for improved manoeuvrability along corridors.

Course Aims

The overarching aims of the Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course are:

• Protect Lives and Property: Prioritise the safety of residents, service users, staff, and visitors by preventing fires and ensuring effective response if one occurs​. Ultimately, the course aims to minimise the risk of fire-related injuries or fatalities in healthcare facilities.
• Implement Fire Safety Policy Day-to-Day: Ensure managers implement their workplace’s fire safety policy and procedures​daily. This includes routine checks, drills, maintenance scheduling, and staff supervision to keep fire safety at the forefront of operations.
• Raise Fire Safety Awareness: Increase awareness of all fire safety features in the workplace and their proper use​. Managers should understand the purpose and operation of fire protection systems (alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, emergency lighting, fire doors, etc.) and ensure all staff are also aware.
• Strengthen Emergency Preparedness: Establish clear evacuation plans, training programs, and communication strategies for fire incidents to ensure high emergency preparedness standards. A well-prepared facility can react swiftly, reducing confusion and harm during an emergency.
• Promote a Fire Safety Culture: Foster a proactive fire safety culture in healthcare settings where continuous improvement is pursued. This means managers learn to maintain compliance and actively seek improvements, conduct regular reviews, and update practices as needed (embedding the “continuous improvement” ethos of fire safety management).

Key Course Objectives of the Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Review Fire Risk Assessments: This course does not equip participants to conduct in-depth fire risk assessments independently. Instead, it provides a general understanding of identifying key fire hazards within their workplace. Learners will gain essential skills to recognise potential ignition sources, evaluate existing controls, and ensure that identified risks are documented and addressed. They will also learn how to record significant findings in the organisation’s risk register or safety management system and when to involve external fire safety experts for more comprehensive assessments.
• Develop and Implement Fire Safety Management Plans: Participants will learn how to collaborate with a qualified fire safety consultant in developing and reviewing technical documentation, ensuring that the plan aligns with current legislation and best practices. In addition, learners will learn to implement the plan effectively and monitor its performance over time, making adjustments as needed to maintain ongoing compliance and safety.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance and Record-Keeping: Manage compliance with all relevant fire safety legislation & standards. This includes updating a Fire Safety Register with drills, equipment maintenance, inspections, and training records. Participants will be equipped to liaise with fire authorities and regulatory inspectors and provide evidence of compliance when required​.
• Coordinate Fire Safety Training for Staff: Organise regular training and fire drills for all staff members, including induction training for new employees. A key objective is to enable the manager to maintain a high level of staff readiness and to meet the statutory training obligations (for example, ensuring staff know how to use fire equipment and assist in evacuations). Upon completing this course, participants will be competent in delivering in-house fire safety training, such as induction training for new staff. However, this course is not intended to equip participants to deliver formal fire safety training as required under HIQA regulations, which appropriately qualified trainers must conduct.
• Plan for Individuals Requiring Assistance: Implement provisions for people who need assistance during an evacuation, such as residents or service users with disabilities or mobility issues​. This involves creating personal evacuation plans, acquiring necessary evacuation aids, and drilling staff in these procedures.
• Enhance Fire Prevention Measures: Identify common fire hazards in healthcare environments (e.g. electrical equipment, kitchen areas, smoking materials, oxygen use) and apply effective control measures. Participants can advise on and enforce fire prevention policies (like safe practices for cooking, smoking, storing flammable materials, and managing hot works with permit systems​).
• Oversee Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems: Ensure that all fire protection systems (fire alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers, sprinklers, fire doors, etc.) are regularly inspected and maintained by competent persons as required by law and standards​. Managers will learn to schedule, verify maintenance, and keep the documentation (certificates, checklists) in order.
• Lead During Fire Emergencies: Confidently take charge if a fire incident occurs by activating emergency procedures, coordinating the evacuation, communicating with emergency services, and assisting the fire brigade on arrival. Through scenario training, participants will develop leadership skills for high-pressure situations to manage an incident effectively until it is resolved.

Who is the Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course For?

This course is designed for those overseeing fire safety within healthcare residential settings. It is ideal for:

• Prospective Fire Safety Managers: Anyone aspiring to take on a dedicated Fire Safety Manager role within a healthcare organisation (even if their current title is different). The course does not require prior fire safety qualifications – although an introductory Fire Safety Awareness course is recommended as a foundation – so it is also suitable for individuals new to this area who are motivated to learn (for example, a nurse or administrator stepping into a safety liaison role).
• Nursing Home and Care Facility Managers or Supervisors: Line managers, unit supervisors, clinical nurse managers, staff nurses, or persons in charge (PIC) of nursing homes, elderly care facilities, or residential disability services who need to manage fire safety on-site.
• Health and Safety Officers/Facilities Managers: Professionals tasked with safety compliance or facility management in a healthcare environment, seeking specialised knowledge in fire safety management​.
• Quality and Risk Management Personnel: Those involved in quality assurance, accreditation (e.g. preparation for HIQA inspections), or risk management in healthcare can benefit from the course to ensure fire risks are adequately managed and integrated into the facility’s risk assessments.
• Maintenance Managers/Facilities Managers: Staff who oversee maintenance in nursing homes/disability centres, as they often handle fire alarm systems and emergency lighting upkeep and liaise with contractors for equipment servicing.

(Note: Participants are expected to have a good command of English, as the course is delivered in English. It’s also beneficial (though not mandatory) to complete basic fire safety training beforehand so that fundamental concepts are familiar.)

What You’ll Learn on the Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course

After completing the programme, learners will gain knowledge and skills across various fire safety management topics. Key topics and learning points include:

• Fire Science and Fire Behaviour: Understanding how fires start and spread, the classes of fire, and how different extinguishing methods work is foundational to effective fire prevention and response strategies.
• Fire Safety Legislation and Standards: In-depth coverage of Irish fire safety laws and regulations applicable to healthcare settings, including duties under the Fire Services Act and health and safety legislation​. Learners will also become familiar with national standards (like I.S. 3217: 2023 for emergency lighting, I.S. 3218: 2024 for fire detection systems, I.S. 291: 2015+A1-2022 for fire extinguishers maintenance) and relevant EU directives that influence fire safety practice.
• Roles and Responsibilities: In healthcare environments such as nursing homes or disability services, a traditional Fire Warden role does not typically exist because, in any emergency, the senior clinical person on duty must take charge to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents or service users. While Fire Safety Managers play a crucial role in fire prevention and preparedness—overseeing risk assessments, training, 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.
• Fire Risk Assessment Techniques: This course provides managers with a basic understanding of fire risk assessments and the ability to interpret a PAS 79:2020-1 fire risk assessment when completed by a fire engineer. Participants will learn to systematically assess facility risks, identify potential ignition sources, fuel loads, and people at risk, and evaluate existing controls. While this course does not qualify participants to conduct full fire risk assessments independently, it equips them with the knowledge to understand assessment reports, identify key findings, and develop action plans to address any gaps based on the recommendations of a fire engineer or other competent professionals.
• Fire Prevention and Mitigation: Strategies to reduce the likelihood of fire, including safe storage of hazardous substances, electrical safety protocols, controlling ignition sources, and permit-to-work systems for hot works​. Learners also study how building design features (fire-resistant construction, compartmentation, fire doors) help prevent fire and smoke spread and what management must do to maintain these passive defences (like regular fire door inspections).
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: This course covers the components and operation of automatic fire detection and alarm systems standards in healthcare facilities. It explains how these systems should be inspected and tested, what the different alarm signals mean, and how to respond to alarms. Participants review the requirement for quarterly servicing of alarms by competent technicians as per I.S. 3218: 2024 and the importance of prompt fault reporting and log-keeping as part of compliance​.
• Firefighting Equipment and Suppression Systems: Overview of the types of firefighting equipment (portable extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets) and fixed suppression systems (like sprinklers and dry risers). Learners practice selecting and using the correct extinguisher for different fire classes. The course also covers maintenance requirements – e.g. annual extinguishers serviced by a competent person as per I.S. 291: 2015+A1-2022 ​– and ensures these tools are always ready for use.
• Emergency Lighting and Escape Route Management: Learners study the importance of emergency lighting in aiding evacuation when power fails and the standards for its installation and upkeep (Irish Standard I.S. 3217: 2023 requires emergency lighting throughout escape routes and in critical areas)​. Additionally, they study how to maintain clear, obstruction-free escape routes, appropriate signage, and assembly points.
• Emergency Evacuation Planning: Develop effective evacuation strategies tailored to healthcare. This includes learning about different evacuation methods (simultaneous vs. phased evacuation, vertical vs. horizontal evacuation in multi-story buildings), alarm and communication protocols during an emergency, and drill planning. The course highlights the need for regular fire drills (including night-time simulated drills) and how to evaluate drill performance to improve procedures.
• Assisting Persons with Special Needs: Techniques and tools for evacuating residents or service users with mobility impairments or other special needs. Participants are introduced to evacuation aids like the Versa Elite Evacuation Chair and Ski Evacuation Sheet and learn proper lifting and moving techniques to use them safely. They also learn to prioritise and communicate during an evacuation to ensure no one is left behind.
• Fire Safety Documentation: What documents comprise a robust fire safety management system? These include the Fire Safety Register, risk assessment reports, emergency plans, training records, maintenance certificates, inspection checklists, and fire drill reports. Learners will know how to properly maintain this documentation, which is crucial for internal reviews and external inspections by HIQA or fire authorities. Keeping diligent records is not just bureaucracy; it provides evidence of due diligence and helps track improvements over time​.
• Liaising with Fire Services: Guidance on how to work with the local Fire Brigade and other emergency services. For example, ensuring they have up-to-date information about the facility (like site maps and hydrant locations) and understanding what the fire brigade will do upon arrival, so the manager can assist (such as by providing master keys, information on the fire panel zone in alarm, etc.).
• Continuous Improvement in Fire Safety: Finally, the course ties all the pieces together by encouraging managers to take an ongoing improvement approach. This includes scheduling periodic audits of fire safety measures, staying informed on new fire safety technologies or updates to legislation, and learning from any fire incidents or near-misses to refine their fire safety strategy. Emerging challenges are discussed to keep managers proactive rather than reactive.

Continuous improvement is key in fire safety management. The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle illustrated above is a core concept of this course. Participants learn to plan by performing strategic reviews of their current fire safety status (gap analysis, setting objectives, assigning responsible persons), do by implementing improvements (providing training, conducting risk assessments, updating procedures), check by measuring compliance (inspecting, auditing, and reviewing fire drill and incident reports), and act by refining their fire safety management plan (updating procedures, addressing any deficiencies, and keeping up with legislative changes). Adopting this iterative cycle ensures that fire safety measures remain robust and evolve with changing circumstances, ultimately fostering a resilient safety culture in the healthcare facility.

Training Methods

A variety of instructional methods are employed to cater to different learning styles and keep the training engaging:

• Presentations and Lectures: Key concepts and legislative information are delivered through PowerPoint presentations and talks, supported by visual aids (diagrams of fire systems, flowcharts of evacuation plans, etc.).
• Group Discussions and Q&A: Learners are encouraged to share their workplace experiences and challenges. Facilitated discussions help contextualise theory, such as how a fire evacuation would be handled on a dementia care floor versus a physical disability unit. Question-and-answer sessions are frequent to clarify doubts and interactively solidify understanding.
• Case Studies: The class reviews real case studies of fire incidents or enforcement actions in healthcare facilities. For example, an incident where a nursing home had to evacuate due to a fire will be analysed: what went right, what issues arose, and lessons learned. This approach helps identify best practices and common pitfalls.
• Practical Workshops: Each day includes a workshop that allows participants to apply theory in a controlled environment. Since understanding paperwork is crucial for compliance, the course includes guided reviews of key documents. Trainees might examine a sample Fire Safety Register or an emergency plan and learn how to improve it. They also get to see excerpts of legislation, HIQA standards, and relevant codes, learning to navigate these documents (open-book style, preparing them for the assessment).

Course Materials

Each participant receives a course manual that includes slides, reference texts (summaries of laws, standards, etc.), checklists (for risk assessment, inspection, etc.), and space for notes. Essential excerpts from legislation and HIQA guidelines are provided for easy reference. Additionally, Phoenix STS provides access to online resources for further reading (like relevant Irish Statutory Instruments or EU directive summaries).

Course Programme

• Basics of Fire Science: An introduction to essential fire science, including fire dynamics, classes of fire, ignition sources, and fire spread. Participants learn to identify common fire hazards specific to nursing homes and disability care environments.
• Health, Fire, and Safety Legislation (Overview): An overview of key Irish and EU legislation impacting fire safety, including the Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended), Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and relevant HIQA regulations. The importance of legal compliance and the consequences of non-compliance are discussed.
• Fire Safety Roles and Responsibilities: There is a clear delineation of roles: the Registered Provider’s overall accountability, the Person in Charge’s daily fire safety management, and the Fire Safety Manager’s coordination and oversight role. Emphasis is on clarity of duties and effective communication among roles.
• Fire Safety Policies and Emergency Management System: Guidance on developing and integrating robust fire safety policies into an effective emergency management system. Emphasis on proactive fire prevention and preparedness, explicitly tailored to nursing homes and disability services, including handling sensitive resident information with confidentiality.
• Inspections & Audits—Understanding a Fire Risk Assessment: This course explains the fire risk assessment process, inspection procedures, and auditing practices. Participants learn to identify, evaluate, and manage fire risks effectively and document assessments clearly and systematically.
• Signs, Notices, and Evacuation Floor Plans: Guidance on appropriate fire safety signage, fire action notices, and evacuation diagrams explicitly tailored for nursing homes and disability services. Emphasis is placed on clarity, consistency, and accessibility for residents and service users with varied cognitive or physical abilities.
• Maintenance Requirements (Active and Passive Fire Safety Features): This section provides an overview of essential maintenance practices for active systems (alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers) and passive fire protection (fire doors, compartmentation). Participants learn about mandatory schedules, routine checks, and corrective actions specific to care environments.
• Record Keeping: Focus on adequate documentation and record management practices, including the Fire Safety Register, training records, maintenance logs, and incident reports. Emphasis on accurate record-keeping for compliance, auditing, and improving fire safety management.
• Fire Safety Training for Staff and Fire Drills: Instruction on planning and delivering practical fire safety training to nursing home and disability service staff, including practical fire drills. Emphasis is placed on regular training, realistic scenarios, staff preparedness, and ongoing improvement through feedback.
• Emergency Procedures and Evacuation Types: This section provides an overview of essential emergency response procedures and strategies, including phased and progressive horizontal evacuation. Special consideration is given to the unique challenges residents or service users face with reduced mobility or cognitive impairments.
• Understanding Progressive Horizontal Evacuation: Detailed exploration of progressive horizontal evacuation, stressing its practical implementation in nursing homes and disability facilities. Participants understand the importance of compartmentation, staff roles, timing, and evacuation aids to ensure resident and service user safety.
• Roles of Staff During an Emergency: Clear description of the roles and responsibilities of staff during an emergency, focusing on coordinated evacuation, communication, and safe management of residents and service users. Participants learn to implement structured responses effectively.
• Assisting the Fire Brigade: Guidance on effectively liaising with the fire brigade during incidents, including providing vital information on resident locations, building layout, and hazards. Emphasis on efficient communication to support emergency response and reduce risks to residents and firefighters.
• Selection and Types of Evacuation Equipment: Instruction on evaluating and selecting appropriate evacuation aids (evacuation chairs, sheets, mats) based on resident and service user needs—emphasising staff proficiency through regular training and practical exercises.
• Course Assessment (End of Day 4): Participants undertake a 1.5-hour open-book written assessment covering all course content. The assessment verifies understanding, practical knowledge application, and competency in managing fire safety within care settings.
• Presentation and Fire Safety Management Solutions (Day 5): Learners deliver short presentations demonstrating practical fire safety solutions for their nursing home or disability service. Peer feedback sessions provide constructive insights, promoting shared learning, practical application, and continuous fire safety management practices improvement.

Maximum Number of Learners

There can be a maximum of 20 learners per session. Keeping the class size capped at 20 ensures a favourable instructor-to-learner ratio, enabling interactive discussions and ample time for each participant to engage in workshops and ask questions.

Certification and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Upon successfully completing the Healthcare Fire Safety Managers Course, participants receive certification valid for five years. After this period, it is necessary to attend a one-day refresher course to renew the certification and ensure ongoing compliance and competency in line with current standards and regulatory requirements.

To maintain professional competence and ensure adequate fire safety management practices, 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 within nursing homes and disability services, ensuring continuous improvement in fire safety management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is legally responsible for fire safety in nursing homes and care facilities?

In Ireland, the 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 the safety of everyone on the premises​. Failing to meet this duty is an offence that can lead to severe penalties (including fines or imprisonment)​. In practice, management must implement fire safety policies, training, and evacuation procedures to meet these obligations. HIQA’s care home regulations also hold the registered provider and person in charge accountable for complying with fire precautions standards in the facility (e.g. HIQA’s Regulation 28 on Fire Precautions)​.

Why is fire safety awareness training crucial in disability services and residential care homes?

Vulnerable residents – such as individuals with disabilities or elderly nursing home residents – often cannot evacuate or protect themselves without assistance. Fire safety training is, therefore, critical to protect these at-risk groups​. HIQA and health authorities emphasise that a fire in a healthcare or disability service can be devastating, so staff must be well-prepared to prevent and respond to fires effectively​. Through training, staff learn how to safely evacuate people with limited mobility or cognitive impairments and mitigate fire risks in a care environment. In short, fire safety in disability services is a life-safety priority: it’s both a legal requirement and an ethical imperative to safeguard those who depend on staff for their safety.

What topics should nursing home fire safety training include to meet Irish regulations?

A compliant nursing home fire safety training program should cover the practical skills and knowledge outlined in Irish regulations. Key topics include fire prevention strategies (identifying and reducing fire hazards), understanding fire detection and alarm systems, and emergency response steps when an alarm sounds​. Staff should be trained in using firefighting equipment like extinguishers and safe evacuation procedures, including moving residents with evacuation aids. Training must also review the home’s fire evacuation plan so each employee knows their role (who raises the alarm, assists which residents, etc.). By covering fire hazard recognition, prevention, and hands-on emergency techniques, a course ensures staff can handle fire incidents from early detection to safe evacuation​. This comprehensive approach aligns with HIQA standards and Irish law, giving staff the tools to keep residents safe.

How do HIQA fire safety requirements (e.g. Regulation 28) impact day-to-day operations in nursing homes?

HIQA’s fire safety requirements (particularly Regulation 28 of the care home regulations) integrate fire precautions into the daily routine of nursing homes. Management must conduct regular fire risk assessments and maintain an up-to-date emergency plan for the facility​. Day-to-day, staff must ensure that fire exits are kept clear, fire doors are not propped open, and firefighting equipment and alarms are checked as required. HIQA’s guidance stresses that ongoing vigilance – like daily checks of alarm panels or weekly fire alarms and lighting tests – is as necessary as formal training sessions​. Nursing homes also schedule frequent fire drills (and annual refresher training) to stay compliant. By embedding fire safety into everyday practices, facilities create a “fire-safe” culture that meets HIQA standards and keeps residents always safe.

How does fire safety training prepare healthcare staff for real emergencies?

Practical training gives healthcare staff the confidence and skills to handle a real fire emergency through practice and simulation. Fire drills and scenario-based exercises during training mimic the high-pressure conditions of an actual fire so that staff will know how to react swiftly in an actual event. The HIQA Fire Safety Handbook notes that staff fire training ensures employees are confident and can respond correctly if a fire occurs​. This includes knowing how to raise the alarm, assist residents during evacuation, use extinguishers on incipient fires, and follow the evacuation plan without hesitation. Quality fire safety courses (such as Phoenix STS’s healthcare-focused programs) strongly emphasise hands-on, practical training to build this real-world readiness​. As a result, staff are not just ticking a compliance box – they’re truly prepared to protect lives when every second counts.

Does nursing home fire safety training include hands-on fire extinguisher use?

Yes – most nursing home fire safety courses include practical training on fire extinguishers. Staff are typically taught about the different types of extinguishers (such as water, CO₂, foam, etc.) and which fire classes each is suitable for. More importantly, caregivers get to practice using fire extinguishers under supervision​. This means learning the P.A.S.S. technique (Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) and discharging an extinguisher during a controlled exercise. The training ensures that staff won’t use an extinguisher for the first time in an emergency by including live fire extinguisher practice. Irish health and safety law expects employees to be familiar with emergency equipment, and practical extinguisher training is a key part of that in healthcare settings. It gives staff the confidence to tackle a small fire quickly and the judgment to know when not to and instead focus on evacuation.

Are staff in healthcare facilities trained to use evacuation aids like ski sheets and evacuation chairs?

Absolutely. Evacuation aids are vital in healthcare and elder care premises, and staff receive training to use them properly. Many nursing homes and disability services have devices such as evacuation sleds/ski sheets (which allow non-ambulant residents to be slid to safety on their mattresses) and evacuation chairs for stairways. Irish fire safety guidance specifies that enough evacuation aids must be available and that all staff be trained​. During fire safety training, employees practice deploying these aids – often using training manikins as stand-ins for residents – so they become comfortable with the equipment. Phoenix STS’s courses, for example, include dedicated modules on evacuation aids; Phoenix STS is an authorised provider for training with Ski evacuation sheets and Versa evacuation chairs used in healthcare facilities​. This ensures that in an emergency, caregivers can quickly and safely transfer immobile or bedridden individuals to a place of safety using the proper techniques and tools.

How often should fire drills be conducted in nursing homes and assisted living facilities?

Fire drills should be held regularly so all staff can practice emergency procedures. While there isn’t a specific legal interval mandated for drills under Irish law, HIQA’s guidance strongly recommends monthly fire drills in nursing homes​. Frequent drills (around one per month) help ensure that staff members on all shifts, including nights and weekends, get hands-on practice evacuating residents. The goal is to rehearse until evacuation becomes a near-automatic response whenever the alarm sounds​. In smaller assisted living facilities or community group homes, drills should likewise be conducted at routine intervals (at least a few times per year, if not monthly) to keep staff and residents familiar with what to do. Regular drilling improves response times and coordination and helps fulfil the care home’s requirements for ongoing fire preparedness under HIQA’s fire safety standards.

Do HIQA’s fire safety regulations apply to disability services and assisted living facilities?

Yes. HIQA’s fire safety regulations (including Regulation 28 on Fire Precautions) apply to all “designated centres,” which cover residential services for people with disabilities and nursing homes for older persons. In other words, a disability care home or community-based group home under HIQA’s remit must meet the fire safety requirements – like a fire risk assessment, emergency plan, regular staff training and drills, etc. – as a nursing home. HIQA monitors compliance with these standards during inspections of disability services just as it does in elder care facilities​. General fire safety laws still apply even for assisted living facilities that may not fall under HIQA (for example, if they’re not officially designated centres). The Fire Services Act and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act require any care home operator to ensure fire safety and provide training. So regardless of the setting, fire safety in disability services must be taken as seriously as in nursing homes, with thorough precautions and staff training to protect residents.

Should nursing home managers or supervisors get advanced fire safety training beyond basic staff training?

Yes, those in charge should undertake higher fire safety training. While all staff need basic fire awareness training, managers and senior staff have extra responsibilities for compliance and coordination. Many nursing homes choose to have managers attend a Fire Safety Manager or fire warden course tailored to healthcare settings. For instance, Phoenix STS offers senior staff a Nursing Home Fire Safety Manager Training course​. Such advanced training covers leadership in emergencies, detailed fire safety legislation compliance, how to conduct fire drills and risk assessments, and how to develop effective fire safety policies. By completing additional training, a manager (or designated fire safety coordinator) can confidently oversee the home’s fire safety program – ensuring that day-to-day precautions are maintained and that the facility meets all regulatory requirements and is prepared for HIQA inspections.

What does the Fire Services Act 1981 require of nursing home and care facility owners?

The Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended) is a cornerstone of fire safety law in Ireland, and it places clear duties on premises owners/operators. Essentially, anyone in control of a healthcare premises must “take all reasonable measures” to prevent fires and protect the occupants if a fire does occur​. For a nursing home or care facility, the owner/manager must ensure adequate fire safety measures (like alarms, extinguishers, safe exits, and evacuation plans) and that these measures are maintained and used correctly. They must also ensure staff are trained, and fire drills are carried out, as these are part of reasonable precautions. Failing to fulfil these obligations is a criminal offence – under the Act, a negligent owner can face prosecution, fines or even imprisonment for serious breaches​. Moreover, local fire authorities have powers under the Act to inspect facilities and issue enforcement notices if fire safety is inadequate. The Fire Services Act requires nursing home proprietors to manage fire risk to keep residents and staff safe proactively.

How does the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 relate to fire safety training in healthcare settings?

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 is a broad occupational safety law that covers all workplaces, including hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities. This Act obliges employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety and health of employees and others at the workplace​. Regarding fire safety, the 2005 Act (Section 11) explicitly requires every employer to have adequate emergency plans and procedures, including measures for firefighting and evacuating the workplace​. A healthcare employer must develop a fire emergency response plan, provide appropriate fire safety equipment, and train staff in what to do during a fire. All employees (contractors or agency staff) should be given information and instructions about the fire and evacuation procedures. By conducting fire safety training and drills, a healthcare facility meets its duty to prepare workers for emergencies under the Act. Failing to do so could be seen as a breach of the employer’s legal responsibilities for staff welfare. The Act thus reinforces HIQA’s requirements by mandating that fire safety is part of workplace health and safety management.

What is Technical Guidance Document B, and how does it affect fire safety in nursing homes?

Technical Guidance Document B (often called TGD-B) is a volume of Ireland’s building regulations that deals with fire safety in the design and construction of buildings. TGD-B lays out the standards for fire-resistant building materials, compartmentation (fireproof sections of a building), number and location of fire exits, emergency lighting, and fire detection systems for various building types. When built or undergoing a significant renovation, nursing homes and other healthcare premises must comply with TGD-B to ensure the building’s structure provides fire protection (for example, using fire-rated walls/doors to slow fire spread and ensure enough escape routes). These requirements form part of the Building Control Regulations, which mandate fire-resistant construction and compartmentation in such facilities. In day-to-day operations, staff might not reference TGD-B directly, but its effects are seen in the presence of fire doors, alarms, sprinklers, etc., in the facility. Fire safety training will often highlight the importance of not defeating these built-in protections (for instance, not wedging open fire doors, knowing the layout of escape routes that TGD-B dictates, etc.). Fire officers and building inspectors typically oversee compliance with TGD-B. Still, it works hand-in-hand with operational fire safety practices – the building safeguards buy time for evacuation, and trained staff carry out the evacuation. Together, they ensure a nursing home is safe by design and procedure.

What is I.S. 3218:2024, and why must nursing homes and disability centres comply?

I.S. 3218:2024 is the Irish Standard for fire detection and alarm systems in buildings. It sets the benchmark for how fire alarm systems should be designed, installed, and maintained in facilities like nursing homes. Compliance with I.S. 3218 ensures a premises has an effective early warning system for fires. For example, the latest 2024 edition of the standard specifies stringent requirements for alarm audibility – fire alarm sounders must reach at least 75 dB(A) in sleeping areas (such as residents’ bedrooms) to wake people in the event of a fire​. Nursing homes and residential disability centres are expected to meet this standard (usually when installing or upgrading fire alarm systems) to satisfy building regulations and fire safety inspectors. From a training perspective, staff should be familiar with their fire alarm panel and signals: they need to know what the alarms sound like, what different alarm zones or indicators mean, and how to respond (e.g. checking the fire panel, calling emergency services, starting evacuation). Fire authorities or HIQA often verify I.S. 3218 compliance during inspections, so having a compliant alarm system – and staff trained to use it properly – is essential for the safety and legal conformity of the premises.

How do fire safety training courses address evacuating residents with mobility issues or dementia?

Fire safety training in healthcare is tailored to the specific needs of the population, which means special attention is given to evacuating those who are immobile, wheelchair-bound, or who have cognitive impairments like dementia. Standard “one-size-fits-all” evacuation procedures won’t work for many nursing home or disability service residents, so staff are trained in various strategies. They learn how to do progressive horizontal evacuations (moving residents to a safe compartment or adjacent fire zone first) and how to use specialised evacuation aids for non-ambulant individuals​. Training also covers communication and reassurance techniques for people with dementia or confusion during a fire – for example, how to keep them calm and guide them since loud alarms and chaos can be incredibly distressing to them. HIQA’s guidance acknowledges that evacuation plans must be adaptable to resident’s varied physical and cognitive abilities​. Therefore, courses include scenario drills that simulate assisting a resident with limited mobility or who is reluctant or unable to follow instructions. By practising these scenarios, staff become proficient in getting everyone out safely, not just the easy-to-evaluate individuals. This aspect of training is crucial in healthcare settings: it ensures no one is left behind, regardless of their disabilities or health conditions.

Do part-time, agency, or volunteer staff in healthcare facilities need fire safety training too?

Yes – all staff must be included in fire safety training regardless of status or hours. Fire can break out at any time, and every person working in the facility needs to know how to respond and assist with evacuation. HIQA and health regulations make no distinction between part-time and agency workers regarding fire safety knowledge. HIQA expects providers to ensure that all people working in the centre are familiar with the fire procedures and their roles in an emergency​. This means that even temporary, agency, or volunteer staff should receive an orientation on fire safety and participate in drills. It’s a common practice for nursing homes to include fire safety in the induction training for any new or temporary staff on their first day of work. Likewise, if agency nurses or care assistants are used, the nursing home must brief them on the fire exits, alarm signals, evacuation plan, and whom to help in case of fire. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, employers must provide necessary information and training to all employees for their safety – this legal duty covers part-timers and full-timers alike. Ultimately, everyone on the team has a role in emergency response, so everyone must be prepared.

What should a nursing home’s fire evacuation plan include, and how are staff trained?

A nursing home’s fire evacuation plan is a written plan that outlines exactly what to do if a fire occurs. It is a critical document for compliance and safety. The plan includes detailed escape routes and alternate exits for each part of the building, designated assembly points outside, and specific staff roles and responsibilities during an evacuation​. For example, the plan will assign who is responsible for calling the fire brigade, who helps immobile residents in certain zones, who grabs the visitor sign-in book, etc. It should also cover how to evacuate at night with fewer staff, how to use evacuation equipment, and what to do if a primary exit is blocked. Once such a plan is in place, staff training brings it off the page and into practice. During fire safety training sessions, employees are walked through the evacuation plan step by step – often in drills – so they know the procedures by heart​. New staff are briefed on the plan as part of their induction. Regular fire drills then test the plan, allowing staff to practice following the routes and duties assigned. HIQA inspectors will look for evidence that a clear plan exists and that staff understand it. A well-crafted evacuation plan and adequately trained staff mean a healthcare facility can confidently and calmly get everyone to safety in an emergency.

What steps can nursing homes take to maintain ongoing fire safety compliance?

Fire safety isn’t a one-time task – it requires continuous effort. Nursing homes should implement a robust fire safety management program to maintain ongoing compliance with all the regulations and standards. Essential steps include regular training and refreshers. Ensure all staff members take annual fire safety training (as required by HIQA)​ and new hires are trained upon joining. Frequent fire drills – scheduled drills throughout the year (at least annually, preferably quarterly or monthly) and varying scenarios (different times of day, blocked exits, etc.) to keep everyone prepared. Routine equipment checks and maintenance – have a schedule for inspecting fire alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers, and escape route signage; keep records of these checks and fix any issues promptly. Fire safety record-keeping – maintain a Fire Safety Register or logbook on-site to document all training dates, drill reports, equipment tests, and fire incidents​. This is good practice and will be reviewed by HIQA or fire officers during inspections. Periodic risk assessments – at least once a year, conduct a fire risk assessment to identify any new hazards or required improvements. Additionally, staying current with any changes in legislation or standards (like updates to IS 3218 or HIQA guidelines) is essential – providers often get external fire safety consultants to audit their compliance. By taking these proactive steps, a nursing home or care facility can ensure it continuously meets fire safety laws (Fire Services Act, Health Act regulations, etc.) and, most importantly, keeps its residents and staff safe.

Can fire safety training be tailored to different healthcare settings (e.g., nursing home, disability centre, assisted living)?

Yes, fire safety training should be tailored to the specific healthcare environment and the needs of its occupants. While the core principles of fire safety are universal (raise the alarm, evacuate, fight fire if safe, etc.), the application can differ between a large nursing home and a small group home for persons with disabilities. Good training providers will customise the course content and scenarios to fit the setting. For example, a nursing home course might focus on bed evacuation techniques and vertical evacuations from multi-story buildings. In contrast, a disability service home might emphasise communication strategies for residents with intellectual disabilities and the layout of a domestic-style dwelling. Phoenix STS, for instance, adjusts its training curriculum to meet each client’s unique setting – ensuring the material is relevant and tailored to the facility’s fire safety needs​. This tailored approach covers the specific HIQA guidelines that apply to that service and any particular risks present (such as oxygen equipment used in some homes or cognitive impairment considerations). By aligning training with the actual environment, staff gain practical skills that directly translate to their workplace, and compliance with applicable standards (HIQA, Fire Services Act, etc.) is more effectively achieved.

How do Phoenix STS’s fire safety courses ensure compliance with healthcare fire safety standards?

Phoenix STS’s fire safety training courses are designed to meet stringent requirements in Irish healthcare settings. Firstly, the content of Phoenix STS courses is kept up-to-date with current legislation and HIQA standards. For example, their nursing home fire safety program is aligned with HIQA’s Regulation 28 and the guidance from HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook​. This means the course teaches precisely what inspectors are looking for: conducting fire risk assessments, executing evacuation procedures, maintaining fire drills, and so on, in line with national regulations. Secondly, Phoenix STS courses are CPD-certified and delivered by highly qualified instructors (often fire safety engineers or former fire officers experienced in healthcare)​. This ensures the training is not only compliant but also professional and credible. Phoenix STS also incorporates practical drills and uses approved equipment in training. For instance, they are authorised to provide hands-on instruction with official evacuation sheets and chairs used in care facilities​, which helps clients meet the equipment training requirements. Finally, Phoenix STS provides documentation and assessment that can help demonstrate compliance: attendance records, course syllabi mapping to HIQA regulations, and certificates for staff (valid for one year, in line with the annual training mandate). In summary, by choosing Phoenix STS, healthcare providers get a training program built around Irish fire safety laws and HIQA expectations, ensuring that staff and management are well-prepared to maintain a safe, compliant care environment after the course.