New HSE Guidance on Fire Safety in Construction

Oct 18, 2010

The HSE has published new guidance on Fire Safety in Construction. Each year there are thousands of fires on construction sites, potentially putting the lives of workers and members of the public at risk. In 2009/10, 15 fires resulted in the site being shut for more than 24 hours.

The new guidance is about preventing fires from starting and ensuring people's safety if they do.

Relevant to all construction projects, including small refurbishment sites, the guidance is aimed at all those with a role for developing and managing construction sites, including clients and designers.

Much of what is contained in the guidance is not new. However, the sections covering multi-storey buildings and high risk building, such as timber frame, have been strengthened to include lessons learned from recent fires.

Fire safety should be a key consideration on all construction sites, irrespective of size or the duration of the project. The combination of high-risk activities, such as hot work, with circumstances where fires can spread quickly and means of escape maybe difficult, can make them deadly.

The publication contains new and detailed guidance on the fire risks and precautions which should be considered from the earliest stages of such a project.

The guidance asks that clients and designers consider carefully the specific site, location and development – not forgetting the fire risks it poses to those on site and neighbouring properties and ensure those risks are minimised.

The guidance is available to download free by clicking here.

Further advice can be obtained from Wilby Ltd’s Risk Management Consultants who are experienced in and can provide a full range of services to our clients, keeping them fully aware of the potential risks that exist on their premises.

When you choose Wilby as your risk management consultants we will make every effort to ensure you are successfully guided through existing UK health & safety legislation, explaining everything that at first appears unclear and helping you protect yourself and your employees from serious accident and injury.

See here for more information…

Call 01422 358525 for further information or click here to contact us.