Why Construction Site Fires Happen

Construction sites are high-risk environments for fire. Partially completed buildings lack permanent fire protection, combustible materials are everywhere, and hot work is common. The Fire Protection Association estimates construction sites are 5-10 times more likely to have fires than occupied buildings.

Major site fires don't just injure people—they destroy months of work, delay projects by years, and can bankrupt contractors. Prevention isn't just a legal duty; it's essential business protection.

Legal Requirements

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Applies to construction sites as workplaces. The "responsible person" (usually the principal contractor) must:

• Carry out fire risk assessment
• Implement preventive and protective measures
• Provide fire detection and firefighting equipment
• Establish emergency routes and exits
• Provide information and training
• Cooperate with other responsible persons (adjacent buildings, etc.)

CDM 2015

Requires fire prevention to be addressed in the construction phase plan.

Building Regulations (During Construction)

Specific requirements for fire precautions during building work, especially in occupied buildings.

Common Causes of Construction Fires

• Hot work: Welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, torch-applied roofing
• Electrical faults: Temporary installations, damaged cables, overloaded circuits
• Arson: Unsecured sites are targets
• Smoking: Despite bans, it still happens
• Spontaneous combustion: Oily rags, insulation materials
• Heating equipment: Temporary heaters near combustibles
• Refuelling: Plant and equipment refuelling

Fire Prevention Planning

Site Fire Risk Assessment

Your fire risk assessment should cover:

• Fire hazards present (ignition sources and combustibles)
• People at risk (including adjacent occupiers and public)
• Evaluate, remove, reduce, and protect against fire
• Record, plan, inform, instruct, and train
• Review regularly

Combustible Storage

• Limit quantities on site to what's needed
• Dedicated storage areas away from buildings
• Separation distances for flammable liquids
• No combustible waste accumulation
• Protect insulation and foam products

Ignition Control

• Hot work permit system rigorously enforced
• Temporary electrical installations inspected
• No smoking policy (designated areas if required)
• Temporary heating managed
• Rubbish removed regularly

Physical Protection

• Fire extinguishers at strategic locations
• Fire points marked
• Escape routes maintained clear
• Compartmentation maintained during works
• Fire stopping installed as work progresses

Hot Work Controls

Hot work causes a disproportionate number of construction fires. Essential controls:

Before Starting

• Permit issued by authorised person
• Area cleared of combustibles (10m minimum)
• Combustibles that can't be removed covered with fire blankets
• Check adjacent areas, floors above and below
• Fire extinguisher immediately available
• Fire watch person assigned

During Work

• Continuous fire watch
• Equipment in good condition
• Sparks and slag controlled
• Gas cylinders upright and secure

After Work

• Fire watch continues minimum 60 minutes
• Area checked thoroughly before leaving
• Final check at end of day
• Permit signed off and closed

Emergency Planning

Detection and Alarm

• Means of raising alarm (air horns, temporary systems)
• Alarm must be audible everywhere on site
• System tested regularly
• Integration with any existing building systems

Escape Routes

• At least two escape routes from every work area
• Routes clearly signed
• Emergency lighting where natural light inadequate
• Scaffolds can be escape routes if properly designed
• Routes kept clear at all times

Assembly and Roll Call

• Designated assembly points away from buildings
• Sign-in/sign-out system to account for everyone
• Procedure for visitors
• Information for fire service (who's on site, where)

Firefighting Equipment

• Suitable extinguishers at fire points
• Additional provision for hot work areas
• Fire points clearly marked
• Equipment inspected and maintained
• Workers trained in use

Specific Hazards

Cladding and Insulation

Following Grenfell, particular attention to:

• Storage of combustible materials away from buildings
• Cavity barriers installed as work progresses
• Fire stopping complete before covering
• Insulation protected from ignition sources

Timber Frame

• Enhanced fire precautions for timber frame construction
• Dedicated fire strategy for timber frame
• Consider sprinkler protection during construction

Occupied Buildings

• Maintain means of escape for occupants
• Protect existing fire systems from damage
• Coordinate emergency plans with building management
• Additional fire watch when existing systems impaired

Documentation for Fire Safety

Your fire safety documentation should include:

• Site fire risk assessment (updated as site changes)
• Fire emergency plan
• Hot work permits and records
• Fire drill records
• Fire equipment inspection records
• Training records

Include Fire Safety in Your RAMS

Every RAMS involving potential ignition sources should address fire risk. Include:

• Fire hazards specific to the activity
• Precautions and controls
• Emergency response
• Permit requirements if applicable

DocGen automatically includes fire safety considerations for relevant activities when generating your RAMS.