Tips for fire prevention and safety on construction sites
Construction sites are inherently risky environments as flammable materials are present, hot work activities are common, and multiple hazards can be found. Implementing fire prevention and safety measures is essential to help safeguard construction workers, properties and the surrounding environment. In this guide, we look at the best fire prevention practices that construction sites in the UK should follow.
The best safety and fire prevention tips for construction sites
- Regular fire safety inspections and risk assessments
- Ensure a proper waste management plan is in place
- Get a hot works permit
- Use the correct temporary protection equipment
- Fire extinguisher training for workers
- Create a robust emergency evacuation plan
- Consider electrical safety on construction sites
Regular fire safety inspections and risk assessments
As the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) describes, legislation requires that construction sites carry out suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) places responsibility for compliance on the ‘responsible person’, and this is defined as:
- the employer (for a workplace to any extent under the employer’s control)
- a person who has control of a premises in connection with them carrying
out any trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not) - the owner, where the person in control of the premises does not have
control in connection with the carrying on by that person of any trade,
business or other undertaking.
Having frequent fire safety inspections is vital to help identify potential fire hazards early on, as this gives construction firms time to make the necessary changes. It is recommended that inspections occur weekly or at least monthly, and the person responsible checks for clutter, improper storage of flammable materials, and damaged electrical wiring. Fire extinguishers must be accessible, regularly inspected and properly maintained.
The steps that need to be taken into account for a fire safety inspection are:
- Identify hazards
- Identify who might be harmed
- Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect workers from the risk
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Ensure a proper waste management plan is in place
Construction sites need to develop a formal system for controlling combustible waste by ensuring that waste materials and rubbish are not allowed to build up and are carefully stored until properly disposed of, particularly at the end of the day (for example, in lockable metal skips). Some recommendations that the HSE recommends when it comes to putting a waste management plan in place are:
- Set site rules and ensure that they are followed. For example, contractors must clear their rubbish daily or more often.
- Provide facilities for storage of rubbish, such as skips.
- Flammable rubbish should be kept in a closed-top, fire-resisting container, such as a metal dustbin.
- You should consider where you put rubbish skips outside. You should aim to place them away from nearby properties so that if they catch fire, there is little chance that the fire will spread to other areas of the construction site.
- Store empty bulk fibre bags, sacks and wooden pallets in a safe place.
Get a hot works permit
Hot work permits are required if you are carrying out any work that involves open flames or produces heat and sparks. Hot works must be justified using a design stage risk assessment. Information (in the PCI) must be given to people responsible for planning and managing the work to enable them to control the risk.
The permit should include details about the work, such as the location, equipment, fire hazards, and other hazards. When hot works are necessary, you should use alternatives such as electrically powered torches or heat guns. The hot works permit must be signed and counter-signed by all parties with the authority to approve the work, usually managers or supervisors on the construction site.
Once the work has been completed, the people in charge of the site will need to ensure that there are no hot surfaces or smouldering embers, that sprinklers are in working order, and that fire extinguishers are available.
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Use the correct temporary protection equipment
Unlike regular protection materials, fire-retardant temporary protection products are specially designed to prevent the ignition, combustion, and spread of fires in various environments. These products can be crucial for safeguarding construction sites or renovation activities.
Fire-retardant temporary protection products are flame resistant, suppress smoke, reduce the likelihood of heat being transferred, and comply with fire standards.
Products like fire-retardant polythene sheeting will not only reduce the risk of fires on a construction site but also protect materials and nearby properties. Fire prevention in the workplace is crucial, and by using the correct temporary protection equipment, you are creating a safer working environment.
Fire extinguisher training for workers
It is vital that workers on a construction site know how to properly use a fire extinguisher, as this can stop the spread of fire.
Construction firms should provide regular fire extinguisher training to all their workers so that they understand the different types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate uses.
There are five different types of fire extinguishers, and below are the different types and what type of fires they should be used for:
- Water: Can be used for Class A fires (Combustible materials, including flammable solids, such as wood, paper, and textiles).
- Foam: can be used for Class A and B fires (Fires involving some flammable liquids, including petrol, diesel, and paint).
- Dry powder: Can be used for Class A, B, and C fires (fires involving combustible gases). You should also use this fire extinguisher for electrical fires involving some electrical items under 1000v.
- CO2: Can be used for electrical fires involving equipment such as computers or generators and class B fires.
- Wet chemical: Can be used for class A and F fires (fires involving cooking oils and fats).
Construction workers should also test using fire extinguishers in a controlled environment or undergo online training about using them. Online courses are on the Skills Centre and The Fire Protection Association websites.
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Create a robust emergency evacuation plan
A construction site should have a well-defined evacuation plan that can help ensure that everyone can safely exit the site should there be a fire on the
premises.
With any evacuation plan, it must be regularly reviewed because a construction site is constantly evolving, and this needs to be taken into account.
It is a requirement that any escape routes and assembly points are marked clearly, and regular fire drills should be conducted to familiarise workers with the evacuation procedures that have been put in place.
Construction sites should have dedicated first aiders and fire marshals, and these people will need the appropriate training to carry out their assigned duties.
Consider electrical safety on construction sites
Regarding electrical safety on construction sites, the HSE says: “The law says you must take precautions against the risk of death or injury from electricity. Electrical equipment must be safe and properly maintained. Only in exceptional circumstances should work be carried out on live systems, and then only by a
competent authorised person.”
It is vital that electricians and workers on a construction site only use approved electrical equipment and that electrical circuits are not overloaded. All electrical cords and outlets should be regularly checked to ensure they have not been damaged during work.
Implementing these fire prevention measures on construction sites can significantly reduce the risk of fires and protect the safety of workers and property.
At Beck, we offer a wide range of fire-retardant temporary protection products. Browse our range of products or get in touch for any questions about our flame retardant certification.
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