In Britain, there are rules and regulations for construction projects in order to prevent fires. In this article we will go into further detail about fire safety guidelines, including different aspects such as designing and planning. We will cover:

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) manages health and safety in workplaces in Great Britain. HSE have created a document called HSG168. The purpose of this is to guide workers and employers on fire safety in the construction industry. In June 2022, HSE released the third edition of HSG168. HSG168 provides insight on how construction workers can ensure they are following legal requirements pertaining to fire safety. The document explains how to control hazards and prevent fires. The HSE document is relevant to all involved in a project.

In construction, each person involved should take precautions to prevent fires, and also be knowledgeable in knowing how to respond if a fire does occur.

Let’s firstly take a look at how designers can contribute to fire safety in a construction project. Designers need to consider fire safety throughout the design process. When designing a roof system, designers must bear in mind fire safety when choosing materials, as some materials are more flammable and combustible than others. They should also consider which installation process will be best in terms of fire safety. They could consider choosing processes that are flame-free.

Wonderbuilds offers a built-up roofing system that does not require the use of flames.

It is the designer’s responsibility to ensure that the roof system is assessed for any risk of fire and then eliminated if necessary. Designers should liaise with contractors to ensure that precautions will be taken to prevent fires.

Contractors working on a construction project must make sure that a fire risk assessment is completed. Sometimes fire hazards can occur throughout the construction process that were not initially anticipated and outlined during the planning stage. For example, escape routes could become blocked, or workers are not emptying skips and clearing rubbish. In such cases, contractors need to make the main contractor aware.

Workers need to receive training on how to respond should a fire occur on the construction site. Training needs to include usage of fire extinguishers, how to raise alarms, and more. Training needs to take into consideration the emergency arrangements of the establishment where construction is taking place, for example a school. This can sometimes include a fire drill.

It is crucial that a fire risk assessment is followed for every single project. It should include a list of activities, materials, and stages that could lead to a fire hazard. Then, it should include a plan of action to reduce the risk of fire. An emergency plan must be created. This should identify the person who would manage the situation and what their duties would be. It should also include things like where the meeting point would be in case of a fire.

In conclusion, it is essential for anyone involved in the construction process to follow rules and regulations pertaining to fire safety. Fire safety should also be assessed throughout the process.