HSE information sheet

Construction fire safety

Construction Information Sheet No 51

Fire can break out on most construction sites. There are hissing, smell or using soapy water, but never with a
around 11 construction fires every day. As you read this naked flame. Only light up when you are certain that
publication there is probably a fire on a construction site. there are no leaks and that any vapour which has
Not only can people be killed or injured, but fires can also leaked has dispersed;
be financially devastating to those involved. ● follow clear rules for hot work such as welding. Formal
permit-to-work systems are often appropriate. In
This publication sets out some basic measures for particular, make sure extinguishers are at hand and
construction fire safety and is aimed mainly at those that sparks or heat cannot set fire to surrounding
managing and working on smaller sites where risks are materials. After the work has finished (usually an hour
relatively low (but it should not be assumed that risks are later) check the worksite to make sure that there is no
low merely because a site is small). More detailed smouldering;
guidance is also available aimed at higher risk sites and
● do not leave tar boilers unattended;
there is much in it that is relevant for any construction site.
Its reference is given at the end of this information sheet. ● keep a tidy site and make sure rubbish is cleared
away promptly and regularly;
The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations ● avoid unnecessary stockpiling of combustible
1996 require measures both to prevent fires happening materials, eg polystyrene, and store what is necessary
and to make sure all people on construction sites away from ignition sources. Limit what is taken onto
(including visitors) are protected if they do occur. The site from the store to what is needed for a day’s work;
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 ● consider the need for special precautions in areas
(CDM) also require those designing, planning and carrying where flammable atmospheres may develop, such
out projects to take construction fire safety into account. as the use of volatile solvents or adhesives in
enclosed areas;
What the law requires in practice will vary depending on
the risks. Erecting a simple steel framed building in the ● avoid burning waste materials on site wherever
middle of a field will only require simple precautions possible. Never use petrol or similar accelerants to
because fire risks are low. Higher risk work such as start or encourage fires;
refurbishing floors in an occupied office block, will need ● make sure everyone abides by site rules on smoking.
many more precautions because the risk of fire occurring
and the difficulties of escaping from it are much greater. Site rules for preventing fire are useless unless they are
followed. Employers and construction managers should
Prevent fire occurring monitor their worksites and take appropriate action when
breaches are found.
Most construction fires have simple causes and can be
dealt with by simple precautions. The following are Preparing for fire if it happens
particularly important:
Fires can grow extremely rapidly. If a construction fire
● make sure that LPG cylinders and other flammable occurs the primary aim is to ensure that all those on site
materials are properly stored. LPG should be stored reach safety as soon as possible. Delay can be fatal. Site
outside buildings in well-ventilated and secure areas. staff may need to fight a fire to enable their escape, but
Flammable materials such as solvents and adhesives tackling larger fires is the fire brigade’s task.
should be stored in lockable steel containers;
● LPG supplies should be turned off at the cylinder when Raising the alarm
not in use. This is particularly important out of hours.
Serious explosions have occurred after site huts If fire breaks out the alarm should be raised as soon as
have gradually filled with gas because an LPG the first person discovers it.
heater has not been turned off. Also make sure site
huts are adequately ventilated and do not keep LPG The type of alarm needed can range from a simple shout
in them if it is not needed; of 'fire', to manual bells or klaxons or to sophisticated
automatic systems. Whatever system is chosen make
● make sure that LPG equipment and fittings are sure that it:
properly maintained. Damaged hoses and fittings or
makeshift connections are extremely dangerous ● can be heard by everyone working on site over
because they can easily lead to leaks in tough normal background noise;
construction conditions;
● will work when needed (check that existing building
● if there is any suspicion that LPG is leaking stop alarm systems have not been disconnected if you
using it and check. Leaks can be identified by rely on them during refurbishment work);
● can be activated immediately (delay can be fatal). Emergency plans

Means of escape The purpose of emergency plans is to ensure that

everyone on site reaches safety if there is a fire. Small
Construction sites can pose particular problems and low-risk sites only require very simple plans, but
because the routes in and out may be incomplete and higher risk sites will need more careful and detailed
obstructions may be present. Open sites usually offer consideration. An emergency plan should:
plentiful means of escape and special arrangements are
● be available before work starts;
unlikely to be necessary. In enclosed buildings people
can easily become trapped, especially where they are ● be up to date and appropriate for the circumstances
working above or below ground level. In such cases concerned;
means of escape need careful consideration. ● make clear who does what during a fire;
● where CDM applies be incorporated in the
Make sure that: construction phase health and safety plan;
● wherever possible, there are at least two escape ● work if it is ever needed. On larger high-risk sites fire
routes in different directions; drills may be appropriate. On smaller sites:
● travel distances to safety are reduced to a minimum; - you should know what you need to do if there is a
fire;
● enclosed escape routes, for example corridors or
stairwells, can resist fire and smoke ingress from - managers need to make sure that everyone on
the surrounding site. Where fire doors are needed their sites knows what to do;
for this make sure they are provided and kept - regular checks should be made to ensure that
closed (self-closing devices should be fitted to doors fire precautions are in place.
on enclosed escape routes);
● escape routes and emergency exits are clearly Providing information
signed; Fire action notices should be clearly displayed where
● escape routes and exits are kept clear. Emergency everyone on site will see them, for example at fire
exits should never be locked when people are on points, site entrances or canteen areas.
the site;
● emergency lighting is installed if necessary to References
enable escape. This is especially important in Fire safety in construction work - Guidance for clients,
enclosed stairways in multi-storey structures which designers and those managing and carrying out
will be in total darkness if the normal lighting fails construction work involving significant fire risks HSG168
during a fire; HSE Books 1997 ISBN 0 7176 1332 1
● an assembly point is identified where everyone can Health and safety in construction HSG150 (Second
gather and be accounted for. edition) HSE Books 2001 ISBN 0 7176 2106 5
Fire-fighting equipment A guide to managing health and safety in construction
HSE Books 1995 ISBN 0 7176 0755 0
The equipment needed depends on the risk of fire
occurring and the likely consequences if it does. It can HSE priced and free publications are available by mail
range from a single extinguisher on small low-risk sites order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk
to complex fixed installations on large and high-risk CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995
sites. Whatever equipment is needed make sure that: Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk (HSE priced publications
are also available from bookshops and free leaflets can
● fire equipment is located where it is really needed
be downloaded from HSE’s website: www.hse.gov.uk.)
and is easily accessible;
● the location of fire-fighting equipment and how to For information about health and safety ring HSE’s
use it is clearly indicated; Infoline Tel: 08701 545500 Fax: 02920 859260 e-mail:
● the right sort of extinguishers are provided for the hseinformationservices@natbrit.com or write to HSE
type of fire that could occur. A combination of water Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park,
or foam extinguishers for paper and wood fires and Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
CO2 extinguishers for fires involving electrical
equipment is usually appropriate; This leaflet contains notes on good practice which
are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in
● the equipment provided is maintained and works. considering what you need to do.
Fire-fighting equipment should be checked regularly
by a competent person - often from the © Crown copyright This publication may be freely
manufacturer; reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or
● those carrying out hot work have appropriate fire commercial purposes. First published 11/97. Please
extinguishers with them and know how to use them. acknowledge the source as HSE.

Printed and published by the Health and Safety Executive Reprinted 12/02 CIS51 C150