Why Emergency Planning?
Construction sites present unique emergency challenges. Buildings are incomplete, exits may not be obvious, fire protection systems aren't installed, and the workforce changes daily. Without planning, emergencies become disasters.
Construction Site Challenges
- Changing site layout and access points
- Incomplete fire detection and suppression systems
- Transient workforce unfamiliar with the site
- Hot work and ignition sources
- Flammable materials storage
- Limited or incomplete escape routes
- High-risk activities (work at height, confined spaces)
Effective emergency planning ensures everyone knows what to do, who is responsible, and how to summon help. It saves lives and reduces the severity of incidents.
Legal Requirements
CDM 2015 Regulation 13
Principal contractors must ensure emergency procedures are in place, including procedures for any emergency likely to arise from the work. This includes fire, rescue from height, excavation collapse, and other foreseeable emergencies.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Requires a fire risk assessment, appropriate fire precautions, fire detection and warning systems, means of escape, firefighting equipment, and emergency procedures.
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
Requires adequate first aid provision. The level depends on the number of workers, hazards present, and access to emergency services.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs 1999
Requires procedures for serious and imminent danger. Employers must identify people to implement evacuation, ensure workers stop work and move to safety, and not resume until danger has passed.
Types of Construction Emergencies
Emergency plans should cover all foreseeable emergencies. Common construction site emergencies include:
Fire
From hot work, electrical faults, arson, flammable materials. Most common emergency on construction sites.
Structural Collapse
Building collapse during demolition, excavation collapse, scaffold failure, temporary works failure.
Falls from Height
Requiring rescue from roofs, scaffolds, or other elevated positions. May involve suspended casualties.
Confined Space Incidents
Oxygen depletion, toxic atmosphere, or worker collapse requiring specialist rescue.
Hazardous Substance Release
Chemical spills, gas leaks, unexpected asbestos finds requiring evacuation and specialist response.
Medical Emergencies
Heart attacks, severe injuries, heat stroke, electrocution. Requires first aid and ambulance access.
Emergency Plan Contents
The site emergency plan should be included in the construction phase plan and communicated to all workers through induction.
Emergency Plan Should Include
Site Address is Critical
Construction sites may not have a clear address. Ensure emergency services can find you: use postcodes, what3words locations, GPS coordinates, and clear access instructions. Display this prominently at the site entrance and in welfare facilities.
Fire Safety
Fire is the most common emergency on construction sites. A construction phase fire risk assessment is required under the Fire Safety Order.
Fire Risk Assessment
- Identify fire hazards (ignition sources, fuel, oxygen)
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove, or reduce risks
- Record findings and implement measures
- Review and update regularly
Hot Work Controls
Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) is a major fire cause. Controls include:
- Hot work permits
- Fire watch during and after (30-60 mins)
- Remove or protect combustibles
- Fire extinguisher at point of work
Fire Detection and Warning
Fixed fire detection may not be installed. Alternative arrangements needed: portable detectors, fire wardens, air horns, two-way radios, regular patrols. Ensure alarms can be heard throughout the site.
Escape Routes
On incomplete buildings, permanent escape routes may not exist. Plan alternative routes using scaffolds, temporary stairs, or MEWPs. Escape routes must be kept clear and lit. Update the plan as the building progresses.
First Aid Provision
Construction is high-risk, so enhanced first aid provision is typically required. The level depends on the number of workers and nature of hazards.
First Aid Personnel Guidelines
| Workers | Appointed Persons | First Aiders (FAW) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 5 | At least 1 | Optional |
| 5-25 | - | At least 1 |
| 26-50 | - | At least 2 |
| 50+ | - | 1 per 50 workers |
High-hazard sites may need more. Consider shift patterns and site spread.
First Aid Equipment
- First aid kits at welfare facilities
- Additional kits in remote work areas
- Eye wash stations where needed
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Burns kits for hot work areas
- Stretcher and blankets
Ambulance Access
- Clear route for ambulance
- Accessible stretcher routes
- Consider helicopter landing area
- Meeting point for guiding ambulance
- Key holder for out-of-hours access
Rescue Plans
High-risk work requires specific rescue plans. You cannot rely on emergency services alone—they may not arrive quickly enough or have specialist equipment.
Work at Height Rescue
Workers using harnesses may become suspended following a fall. Suspension trauma can be fatal within minutes. Rescue plan must enable:
- Rapid rescue (within 10 minutes)
- Trained rescue team on site
- Rescue equipment immediately available
- Consider MEWP, rescue descender, or ladder access
Confined Space Rescue
Entry to confined spaces requires a rescue plan before anyone enters. Must NOT involve entering to attempt rescue without breathing apparatus.
- Rescue from outside where possible (retrieval line)
- Trained rescue team with BA equipment
- Communication with standby person
- Emergency services pre-notified if high risk
Excavation Rescue
Excavation collapse requires specialist rescue. Do not attempt to dig out buried workers—this often causes further collapse. Call emergency services immediately and protect the scene from further collapse.
Critical Point
A rescue plan is not "call 999". Emergency services may take 10-20 minutes to arrive. For suspension trauma or confined space atmospheres, this is too long. On-site capability is essential for immediate response.
Communication Systems
Effective communication is essential in emergencies. Workers must be able to raise the alarm and receive instructions quickly.
Communication Methods
Air horns, sirens, or bells that can be heard throughout the site. Test regularly.
For supervisors, fire wardens, first aiders. Ensure coverage in all areas.
Check signal throughout site. Display emergency numbers prominently.
On larger sites, for announcements and evacuation instructions.
Personnel to sweep areas, guide evacuation, report to assembly point.
Emergency Contact Display
Display emergency numbers prominently: at site entrance, in welfare facilities, on notice boards. Include: 999, site manager, first aider, nearest hospital, utility emergency numbers, environmental agency.
Training and Drills
Emergency procedures are worthless if no one knows them. Training and regular practice are essential.
Induction Training
- Emergency procedures overview
- Alarm signals and meaning
- Evacuation routes
- Assembly point location
- First aid and fire equipment locations
- How to raise the alarm
Drills and Practice
- Regular evacuation drills
- Fire warden practice
- First aid scenario exercises
- Rescue team practice
- Review after each drill
- Document and improve
Drill Frequency
Fire drills should be held at intervals appropriate to the risk—typically every 6 months minimum. On sites with high turnover or significant changes to layout, more frequent drills may be needed. Drills should test all aspects: alarm, evacuation, roll call, all-clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who writes the site emergency plan?
The principal contractor is responsible for emergency arrangements under CDM 2015. They should prepare the emergency plan as part of the construction phase plan, in consultation with other contractors and the fire authority if necessary.
How often should plans be reviewed?
Emergency plans should be reviewed when there are significant changes to the site, work activities, or workforce. Also review after any drills, incidents, or near misses. On a dynamic construction site, monthly review is typical.
Do subcontractors need their own plans?
Subcontractors should follow the principal contractor's emergency plan. However, they may need additional procedures for their specific work (e.g., rescue from height for steelwork). These should be coordinated with the main site plan.
What about lone workers?
Lone workers need specific emergency arrangements—they may not be able to summon help if injured. Consider buddy systems, regular check-ins, personal alarms, or GPS tracking. Ensure someone knows where lone workers are and will notice if they don't check in.
Should we coordinate with the fire brigade?
For larger or higher-risk projects, it's good practice to liaise with the local fire and rescue service. They can advise on access, water supplies, and their response capabilities. They may want to visit the site to familiarise themselves.
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