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Construction teams must consider a range of safety aspects, including construction site fire safety.
With constantly changing environments, flammable materials, and multiple contractors working side by side, the risk of fires is significantly higher than in many other workplaces.
By understanding the risks and putting effective controls in place, construction sites can protect lives, property, and project timelines.
Fire safety in construction is vital due to the high-risk nature of site activities. Hot works, electrical installations, fuel storage, and combustible materials are common on construction sites, all of which increase the likelihood of fire if not properly managed.
Tragic incidents such as the Grenfell Tower fire highlighted the devastating consequences of inadequate building materials, fire safety measures, poor risk management, and a lack of clear evacuation procedures.
While Grenfell was a residential building, the lessons learned apply strongly to construction environments, particularly the importance of planning, accountability, and compliance with fire safety legislation.
Effective construction site fire safety measures help to:
Project teams should identify fire risks early and review them regularly as the site evolves. Effective site management and regular risk assessments can support this process.
Key considerations include:
Good communication and coordination between contractors is essential to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and follows agreed safety procedures.
Project teams should be familiar with the principles of a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) and how they are applied in practice.
Workers must control several common fire hazards present on construction sites:
Hot Works: Activities such as welding, cutting, and grinding should be controlled through a hot works permit system. Fire-resistant barriers, fire watches, and suitable extinguishers should always be in place.
Electrical Equipment: Competent persons must install and maintain temporary electrics. Regular inspections, PAT testing, and avoiding overloading circuits help reduce electrical fire risks.
Flammable Materials and Substances: Fuel, gases, solvents, and adhesives should be stored securely in designated, ventilated areas away from ignition sources. Quantities on-site should be kept to a minimum.
Waste and Housekeeping: Poor housekeeping is a major contributor to fires. Workers should remove waste materials regularly and store flammable waste safely until disposal.
Means of Escape: Clear and well-planned means of escape are essential in the event of a fire. Escape routes should be designed to account for the changing layout of construction sites and reviewed frequently.
Best practice includes:
Everyone on site must know how to raise the alarm, where to go in an emergency, and how to evacuate safely.
Here’s a rundown of essential construction site fire safety equipment every site should have:
Different types of fire extinguishers are needed for different hazards:
Water extinguishers – for general combustible materials
CO₂ extinguishers – for electrical fires
Foam or powder extinguishers – for flammable liquids
Extinguishers should be easily accessible, clearly marked, and regularly inspected. In addition to having the correct equipment in place, trained personnel should be on site to operate fire extinguishers in case of a fire emergency.
Fire Warden Training in Construction eLearning provides specific knowledge on a fire warden’s responsibilities on a construction site and how to how to use fire-fighting equipment safely.
Fire blankets are perfect for smothering small fires or protecting workers from flames, particularly in areas where hot works like welding or cutting are taking place.
Where a reliable water supply is available, hose reels and hydrants provide a way to tackle larger fires quickly. Only trained personnel should operate this equipment.
Temporary alarms can alert workers quickly in high-risk areas. Regular testing ensures they remain effective throughout the construction process.
Simple but effective, these are ideal for small fuel or chemical spills. They should be placed strategically around the site.
Workers involved in hot works or handling flammable materials should wear fire-resistant clothing, gloves, helmets, and eye protection.
Clear exit signs, illuminated escape routes, and marked assembly points help everyone evacuate safely during an emergency.
Fire alarms, call points, and two-way radios ensure workers can quickly raise the alarm and coordinate evacuations if needed.
Fire-resistant barriers, fire watches, and proper tools are essential for controlling sparks and heat during welding, grinding, or cutting operations.
There’s a lot to consider when supporting day-to-day operations. Our fire safety checklist provides a clear framework for what safety measures you should have in place in the workplace.
Prioritising safety in construction means embedding fire prevention and risk management into every stage of a project.
With the Building Safety Act Regulations coming into place, there is greater emphasis on accountability, risk assessments, and maintaining fire safety standards throughout the building process.
Construction teams should identify potential fire hazards, implement control measures, and ensure that all workers understand emergency procedures.
This is why the Understanding The Building Safety Act course provides guidance on the new regulations and practical fire safety measures.
We’re a PASMA Training Member, offering PASMA Towers for Users as a public course at our venues or as in-house training at a venue of your choice. Find out more about this training here.
IOSH courses in Glasgow offer a local, accessible solution for businesses and individuals who want high-quality training without the disruption of long-distance travel.
Emergencies can occur at any time and being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. This is why it is important as a first aider to get it right.
