Preventing Fires on Construction Sites

Fire risks on construction and refurbishment sites can be a particular concern, especially as those hazards and the controls required to manage them may change several times as a project progresses.

For a number of years a “Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation” has been produced by groups representing contractors, insurers and the fire and rescue services. The code aims to prevent fires on construction sites, outlining the requirements of fire safety controls, including topics such as fire prevention in the design phase, responsibilities of specific individuals, emergency procedures, fire protection measures, site security against arson, etc.

Exactly what is required will vary depending on the circumstances at each site; however, some key factors to consider include:

• Managing and reducing sources of ignition, for example, limiting areas where smoking is permitted, reducing the need for hot works on site and managing any hot works that are required, and having security in place to prevent arson
• Managing and reducing sources of fuel, for example, having suitable storage for flammable materials and pressurised gases, identifying and managing work around any underground gas pipes on site, minimising the amount of flammable material on site at any one time, managing waste, etc.
• Having suitable general precautions in place, for example, identifying escape routes and ensuring they are kept clear, having firefighting equipment, fire detection and means of raising the alarm in place, etc.
• Having suitable emergency procedures in place

To keep up with changing practices, the joint code of practice has been updated many times over the years and is currently on its 10th edition. This version has recently been amended to update the guidance regarding temporary buildings and temporary accommodation.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.