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Construction site fires remain a significant concern for the UK building industry, posing substantial risks to both life and property. While fatalities due to construction site fires are fortunately rare, the financial implications and broader impacts can be devastating for businesses.  

Fighting the Fire Risk -Are you prepared? 

Construction sites are high risk areas full of potential hazards. The danger of fire breaking out is heightened by the presence of the three Elements required to start a blaze: 

1. A source of heat/ignition 

Hot surfaces 
Hot surfaces present a significant yet often overlooked fire hazard on construction sites. Equipment like generators, heaters, and machinery can reach temperatures exceeding 200°C. When combustible materials like wood shavings, packaging, or building materials come into contact with these surfaces, they can smoulder unnoticed before bursting into flames. Regular temperature monitoring and maintaining clear zones around heat-generating equipment is essential for preventing these incidents. 
Flames and Hot Gases 
Open flames and hot gases from activities like welding, torch cutting, and heating operations pose immediate fire risks. These hazards are particularly dangerous because they can quickly ignite surrounding materials and spread rapidly through unfinished structures. Hot gases, which can reach temperatures of over 1000°C, can travel through cavities and voids, potentially starting fires in hidden areas that are difficult to detect and extinguish. 
Mechanically Generated Sparks 
Activities like soldering, sawing, and angle grinding produce a constant stream of high-temperature sparks that can travel up to 35 feet from their source. These sparks, often reaching temperatures of 1500°C, can easily ignite flammable materials like sawdust, wood shavings, or construction debris.  
Electrical equipment 
The increasing reliance on electrical equipment on construction sites brings heightened fire risks. Common causes include: 
Overloaded circuits 
Damaged cables and connections 
Improper temporary installations 
Faulty tools and equipment 
Poor maintenance practices 
Electrical faults account for approximately 25% of all construction site fires. Regular PAT testing, proper cable management, and adherence to electrical safety protocols are essential for minimising these risks. 

2. A source of oxygen 

The Air in our atmosphere contains about 21% Oxygen. Fire needs only about 16% to burn.  

3. A source of fuel 

A wide range of combustible fuels are also present on many construction sites, from fibrous insulating materials and adhesives to timber and plastics. LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is a particular danger. This is used as a fuel across the vast majority of construction sites, largely in bitumen heaters and throughout on-site accommodation. Similarly, the fuel used to power any plant equipment or vehicles on site should be taken into account when construction work is taking place nearby. 

Fire Safety in Construction: A Critical Analysis of UK Site Incidents and Compliance 

Between January 2015 and March 2019, there were 1,587 construction fires in the UK. Hot work accounted for 28% of fires on construction sites over the last decade, with overall costs amounting to £69.8m. In 2021, one claim from a hot work fire on a construction site amounted to £20 million in losses.  
Anyone involved in a construction project, including clients, designers, architects, and site teams, must comply with legal requirements for fire safety

Prevention Through Training-Roofbase Online Training and Virtual Courses 

All these hazards underscore the critical importance of proper fire safety training. The Fire Safety Awareness in Construction online course offered by Roofbase provides comprehensive coverage of these risks and their prevention. This training ensures workers can: 
Hazards and risks associated with fire in the workplace 
How fire risk is controlled in the workplace 
The principles and practice of fire safety management at work 
The role of the nominated fire warden 
 
A single fire incident can result in: 
Project delays 
Insurance premium increases 
Reputation damage 
Financial losses 
Legal consequences 
 
For construction businesses, investing in such training isn't just about compliance – it's about protecting assets, ensuring business continuity, and maintaining a competitive edge in an increasingly safety-conscious industry. 
You can see full details of our online training and virtual courses here or email Lesley Hughes, Roofbase Training Manager, for more information. 
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