Revised Construction Fire Safety Guidance Published by HSE
The new, third edition explains how everyone involved in construction projects can comply with their legal duties relating to fire risks.
The guidance is aimed at all those who procure, design, develop and manage construction sites, including clients and designers. It is relevant to all construction projects.
The main changes to this guidance relate to elimination, and or, reduction of fire risks at the pre-construction stage as required by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. We have also added a glossary.
Each year there are estimated to be hundreds of fires on construction sites, potentially putting the lives of workers and members of the public at risk. Fire safety in construction is about eliminating fire risks during the design phase (where practicable), preventing fires from starting and ensuring people's safety if they do.
This guidance does not reference the findings of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 because the fire did not occur while the building was being renovated or constructed.
What is covered?
The guide is divided into three parts:
Part 1 (paragraphs 27–97) explains what fire risk assessment is and how it could be undertaken. The risk assessment should be the foundation for all the fire precautions for the site.
Part 2 (paragraphs 98–386) provides further guidance on fire precautions. The information is provided to help when carrying out the fire risk assessment or when reviewing the precautions.
Part 2 is divided into the following sections:
- Reducing ignition sources (paragraphs 101–144);
- Reducing potential fuel sources (paragraphs 145–214); General fire precautions (paragraphs 215–303); Emergency procedures (paragraphs 304–330);
- Higher-fire-risk methods and materials of construction (paragraphs 331–362); and
- Guidance for high-rise buildings (new or refurbished) (paragraphs 363–386).
Part 3 (paragraphs 387–420) outlines the main fire legislation that governs construction, how this affects various construction sites, and who has responsibility for enforcing the legislation.
Who should read the guidance and why?
All organisations and individuals with responsibilities for managing construction project fire risks must understand their role in reducing the risk of fire during all project phases. Fire prevention measures must be embedded within project planning because, during the construction phase, the permanent fire prevention measures have either been temporarily removed, or they have yet to be installed and commissioned.
This publication is aimed at all CDM dutyholders and their safety representatives to act as a guide and to assist with planning fire safety during the design and construction phases of projects. It should aid site managers and those appointed as responsible persons to manage fire risks on site.
The document is available here: Fire Safety in Construction