Fire Safety Precautions in Construction | Free Checklist

Fire safety is a paramount concern in the construction industry. Everyone has a responsibility for preventing fires and there are a number of precautions that can be taken on a construction site to protect against them.

Construction sites inherently carry a high risk of fire due to the presence of flammable materials and potential ignition sources. Fires not only threaten lives but can also lead to significant project delays, financial losses, and reputational damage. As a health and safety professional, you need to ensure all the necessary precautions that you are legally obliged to undertake.

What Are the Common Fire Hazards in Construction?

Construction sites are particularly susceptible to fire hazards due to the combination of flammable materials and activities that generate heat or sparks such as welding, cutting, drilling etc.

Identifying and addressing these fire safety hazards is critical to preventing fires and safeguarding workers.

Flammable Materials

Many materials used on construction sites, such as wood, plastic sheeting, and chemicals, are highly flammable.

Causes

These materials can catch fire easily if exposed to sparks, open flames, or high temperatures. All of which, are very common on construction sites.

Prevention

• Store flammable materials in designated, ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
• Limit the quantity of combustible materials on-site to only when they are required for the day.
• Use fire-retardant materials that meet standards such as BS EN 13501-1:2018 wherever possible.

Lack of Fire Safety Measures

A lack of proper fire safety planning can exacerbate the risks on construction sites.

Causes

Failure to implement fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers, alarms, or escape routes, increases vulnerability.

Prevention

• Develop a robust fire safety plan as part of the construction phase plan.
• Conduct regular site inspections to ensure compliance.
• Provide fire safety training for all workers.

Arson

Unfortunately, deliberate fire-setting is a significant risk on unsecured construction sites due to the large amount of fuel and ignition sources.

Causes

Arsonists have previously targeted poorly secured sites, especially those without perimeter fencing or surveillance.

Prevention

• Install secure fencing and locked gates around the site.
• Use surveillance cameras and employ security personnel during non-working hours.
• Ensure good lighting in all areas to deter intruders.

Electrical Faults

Temporary electrical setups and faulty wiring can be a major source of fires in the construction industry, especially when external contractors are not properly qualified.

Causes

Damaged or overloaded wiring, improper connections, and malfunctioning equipment can lead to sparks or overheating.

Prevention

• Ensure all electrical installations are carried out by qualified electricians.
• Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems.
• Avoid overloading circuits and use circuit breakers where necessary.

On-Site Cooking

Cooking on construction sites, particularly in temporary accommodations, poses a significant fire hazard.

Causes

Open flames, hot appliances, and improper cooking practices can lead to fires.

Prevention

• Restrict cooking to designated areas equipped with fire-resistant materials and proper ventilation.
• Provide fire extinguishers and train workers on their use.
• Enforce a no-smoking policy in and around the site.

What are Common Fuel Hazards?

As we previously mentioned, construction sites are high-risk areas for fires due to the presence and mixture of combustible materials, flammable gases and waste. The management of these materials is imperative in such a high-risk, changing environment. Without careful management these materials can ignite and cause widespread devastation.

Combustible Materials in Construction

• Scaffold Boards
• Sheeting
• Temporary Coverings

Items such as these need to be limited to daily use quantities and should be stored with the proper spacing of 6-10 metres. These materials must also be made from fire-retardant materials to meet standards such as BS EN 13501-1:2018.

Flammable Gases and Liquids

Organisations must ensure that there is careful storage, handling, and refuelling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid fuels is observed. There is a regular need for these fuel sources for vehicles and generators on construction sites, so site managers must check they are being handled and stored properly.

Waste Management

Construction sites can generate a massive amount of material waste and should be minimised, promptly disposed of, and stored in metal containers rather than plastic. For construction sites, packaging materials and oily rags pose a significant fire risk if improperly handled.

What Are the Fire Control Measures in Construction?

Fire control measures are another imperative step to ensure fire safety on construction sites. A thorough fire safety risk assessment is completely redundant if the recommended control measures are not implemented in appropriate time.

Control measures help to mitigate or eliminate risk, and hazards cannot be controlled without them. These measures require a good degree of planning, training and equipment.

Fire Safety Planning

Fire safety should be included in the overarching construction phase plan, a document required by law to demonstrate meticulous planning and a steadfast commitment to the management of safety. 

There should be an effective plan in place for emergency procedures such as evacuations and what to do in the event of a fire. They should also detail any site-specific risks and tailor their measures to them. For example, infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges use bitumen for asphalt which requires heating, presenting risks of fire from spills or malfunctioning equipment.

Escape Routes and Emergency Exits

Clear, well-signed, and lit routes are essential so workers can understand which direction to head in the event of a fire, no matter the conditions and time of day. Ensure all fire doors and exits always remain unobstructed and use temporary stairs and fire doors where necessary to facilitate timely evacuations.

Fire Detection and Alarms

Despite best laid plans, accidents can occur, and alarm systems should be in place from basic sounders to interconnected fire detectors. The number and placement of them should grow as the site changes and evolves over the course of the build.

Hot Work Permits

Hot work encompasses tasks such as welding or cutting. For hot work, site managers should remove combustible materials from their vicinity. They should also implement a permit-to-work system, and set up a timetable for fire watches.

Fire Extinguishers

There are several different classes of fire extinguishers that are designed to combat different types of fires, ranging from Class A to Class F. Experts will be able to advise you as to which fire extinguishers may be needed in certain areas, corresponding to BS 5306 standards.

Need some guidance on the right extinguisher for the corresponding fire? We've created a free downloadable infographic detailing everything you need to know.

Emergency Lighting and Fire Points

There should be centralised fire points equipped with alarms, accessible fire extinguishers and signage. Emergency lighting to ensure proper visibility no matter the conditions.

What Are the Regulations for Fire Safety on a Construction Site?

There are a number of regulations pertaining to fire safety on a construction site, that site managers need to be aware of. The following regulations provide a clear framework for risk assessment, prevention and response specifically for fire safety.

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
• British Standards (BS 9999 and BS EN 13501-1:2018)
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
• Site managers also have a duty of care to health and safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO): This is the primary piece of fire safety legislation that site managers need to know about. The RRFSO mandates that site managers conduct fire risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate risks. They are also required to appoint a competent person to oversee fire safety, document findings and make sure all workers are fully aware of safety procedures.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM): CDM regulations require the integration of fire safety into the overall site management plan. Site managers will need to ensure fire safety is a key component of the construction phase plan and communicate fire safety responsibilities to all stakeholders.

British Standards (BS 9999 and BS EN 13501-1:2018): These standards provide guidelines on fire safety measures and material performance. Site managers will need to adapt by using materials that meet fire safety performance criteria and regularly reviewing and updating fire safety practices.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH): COSHH regulations govern the storage and handling of hazardous substances. Construction site managers will need to implement safe storage solutions for flammable chemicals and gases. They’re also required to provide clear labelling and safety data sheets for all hazardous materials.

To find out more about fire safety legislation, and how to ensure the safety of all workers, contractors and members of the public, we strongly encourage you to take a look at our NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety course. It covers everything you need to know about staying compliant and optimising fire safety processes for your specific industry.