Fire Safety in Irish Nursing Homes - What Professionals Should Know in 2026
Author
Paddy McDonnell
Date Published
Fire safety in residential care facilities remains one of the most important areas of professional practice in Ireland. With an ageing population and increasing regulatory scrutiny, fire safety professionals working in the nursing home sector face changing demands that require both technical competence and ongoing professional development.
The Regulatory environment
Fire safety in Irish nursing homes is governed by multiple overlapping regulatory frameworks. The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 provide the primary statutory basis, placing a duty of care on persons having control of premises to take reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of persons in the event of fire.
For nursing homes specifically, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) sets additional standards through the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. These standards require that the registered provider ensures the premises are designed and laid out to meet the needs of each resident, with particular attention to fire safety and evacuation procedures.
The Building Control Regulations (Technical Guidance Document B - Fire Safety) apply to new builds and material alterations, while S.I. No. 9 of 2014 established the requirement for fire safety certificates and disability access certificates for certain works.
Key Areas of Professional Focus
Professionals working in nursing home fire safety should maintain competence across several critical areas:
Fire risk assessment methodology under PAS 79 and BS 9999, adapted for residential care settings where occupants may have limited mobility
Emergency evacuation planning including progressive horizontal evacuation, refuge areas, and the use of evacuation equipment such as ski sheets and evacuation chairs
Fire detection and alarm system design under IS 3218:2024, with particular attention to L1 category systems required in sleeping accommodation
Emergency lighting compliance under IS 3217:2023, including escape route lighting and anti-panic area lighting
Compartmentation surveys and fire door inspections to verify the integrity of passive fire protection measures
Staff training programmes covering fire awareness, evacuation procedures, and the use of firefighting equipment
The Role of Professional Membership
For fire safety professionals, membership of a recognised professional body provides both credibility and structured career development. IIESMS offers two fire safety specific grades - Fire Engineer (FEng.IIESMS) and Certified Fire Engineer (CFEng.IIESMS) - both aligned to the National Framework of Qualifications. These grades recognise practitioners who have demonstrated competence in fire safety engineering through a combination of qualifications, professional experience, and continuing professional development.
The IIESMS Fire Safety Group provides a structured framework for CPD, including technical seminars, peer networking, and access to regulatory updates. Members benefit from professional recognition that is understood by employers, clients, and regulatory bodies across Ireland and internationally.
CPD Requirements
IIESMS requires all members to maintain a minimum of 25 hours of CPD annually, with a recommended split between structured learning (courses, seminars, conferences) and unstructured development (reading, mentoring, self-directed study). For fire safety professionals working in nursing homes, relevant CPD activities might include attendance at fire safety conferences, completion of specialist training in evacuation planning, or participation in peer review of fire risk assessments.
Looking Ahead
The Irish government continues to strengthen fire safety regulation. Professionals who maintain current knowledge, hold recognised professional designations, and engage in structured CPD are best positioned to deliver the standard of service that residents, families, and regulators expect. IIESMS provides the professional framework to support that commitment.
If you are a fire safety professional working in the nursing home or healthcare sector, explore IIESMS membership grades to find the grade that matches your qualifications and experience.
Sources and Further Reading
Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003
HIQA National Standards for Residential Care Settings