Common questions builders ask about fire safety on construction sites.
Do I need a fire risk assessment for a construction site?
Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to construction sites just as it applies to any other workplace. The responsible person — usually the principal contractor or, on smaller jobs, whoever is in control of the site — must carry out a fire risk assessment before work begins and keep it under review as the project progresses. The assessment must identify sources of ignition and fuel, evaluate who might be at risk, and record what measures are in place to prevent fire and protect people if one breaks out. On a construction site, the risk profile changes constantly as new materials arrive, structures go up, and different trades come and go. That means your fire risk assessment is not a one-off document — it needs updating whenever conditions change significantly. The HSE and local fire and rescue authorities can both ask to see your fire risk assessment, and failing to have one is a criminal offence under the Fire Safety Order. For most construction projects, the fire risk assessment should be referenced in the Construction Phase Plan and reflected in your site-specific RAMS.
What is a hot works permit and when do I need one?
A hot works permit is a formal, written authorisation to carry out any work that produces sparks, flames, or significant heat in an area where there is a risk of fire. Hot works include welding, flame cutting, grinding, soldering, use of blowtorches, and any operation involving open flames or equipment that generates enough heat to ignite nearby materials. You need a hot works permit whenever these activities take place outside a designated hot works area — and on most construction sites, that means virtually every time. The permit system works in three stages: before, during, and after the work. Before the work starts, the area must be inspected to identify and remove or protect combustible materials within a specified radius (typically at least 10 metres). During the work, a fire extinguisher must be immediately available and the operative must remain alert to any signs of fire. After the work finishes, a fire watch must be maintained for a minimum of 60 minutes — many insurers and the Joint Code of Practice recommend this as an absolute minimum. The permit should name the person carrying out the work, the location, the duration, and the specific precautions taken. Hot works permits are a standard requirement of construction site fire safety and are often a condition of site insurance policies.
What fire extinguishers do I need on a construction site?
The types and number of extinguishers you need depend on the fire risks present on your site, but as a general rule you should have water extinguishers for general combustible materials (wood, paper, textiles), CO2 extinguishers for electrical fires, and dry powder extinguishers for flammable liquid and gas fires. On most construction sites, a combination of water and dry powder extinguishers provides reasonable coverage. If you have a site office with electrical equipment, a CO2 extinguisher should be located there. For hot works, a fire extinguisher rated for the materials in the immediate area must be within arm’s reach of the operative at all times. The Joint Code of Practice recommends that fire points — designated locations with extinguishers, signage, and sometimes a fire alarm call point — should be positioned so that no one on site has to travel more than 30 metres to reach one. Extinguishers must be inspected regularly, kept in accessible locations (not buried behind materials or scaffolding), and everyone on site should know where they are. Annual servicing by a competent person is a legal requirement. Consider the specific risks on your site: if you are storing LPG cylinders, solvents, or large quantities of timber, you may need additional or specialist extinguishers beyond the standard provision.
Who is responsible for fire safety on a construction site?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” holds the primary duty for fire safety. On a construction site, this is typically the employer or the person who has control of the premises — in practice, the principal contractor on notifiable projects, or the contractor in control of the site on smaller jobs. However, fire safety responsibility is not limited to one person. Under CDM 2015, the principal designer must consider fire safety as part of the design process, and every contractor on site has a duty to cooperate and coordinate on fire safety matters. If you are a subcontractor, you are responsible for managing fire risks arising from your own work — including hot works, storage of flammable materials, and ensuring your workers know the evacuation procedures. The client also has duties: they must make sure that adequate arrangements are in place for managing fire safety throughout the project. On domestic projects where there is no principal contractor, the contractor doing the work takes on the fire safety responsibilities. The key point is that fire safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone on site has a role, from the client who sets the expectations down to the individual operative who must follow the rules, report hazards, and know the escape routes.
How do I plan evacuation on a site that is still being built?
Evacuation planning on a partially built structure is one of the most challenging aspects of construction site fire safety, because the layout, access routes, and structural conditions change constantly. Start by identifying the escape routes available at each stage of the build. These will not be the permanent escape routes shown on the architect’s drawings — they are temporary routes that reflect the current state of the structure. Mark them clearly with signage and keep them free of obstructions, materials, and debris at all times. Consider how people will be alerted to a fire. On a noisy construction site, a standard fire alarm may not be heard. You may need air horns, portable sounder units, or a combination of audible and visual alarms. Make sure everyone on site knows what the alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it. Establish assembly points away from the building and any material storage areas. Carry out roll calls using your site induction register so you can confirm that everyone is accounted for. On larger sites with multiple contractors, appoint fire marshals for each zone or floor and make sure they know their responsibilities. Review and update your evacuation plan every time the site layout changes significantly — when a new floor is added, when scaffolding is erected or struck, when access routes change. Practise fire drills regularly. On longer projects, the Joint Code of Practice recommends drills at least monthly. Brief every new person on the evacuation plan as part of their site induction.