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What Is a Fire Safety Plan for a Construction Site?

A fire safety plan for a construction site is a documented set of arrangements for preventing fire, detecting fire, raising the alarm, evacuating the site, and fighting fire during the construction phase. It is required as part of the construction phase plan under CDM 2015 and must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Joint Code of Practice on Fire Prevention in Construction.

Key Elements of a Construction Fire Safety Plan

  1. Fire risk assessment. identifying ignition sources, fuel sources, and persons at risk
  2. Hot works management. permits, fire watches (minimum 60 minutes after work), fire-resistant sheeting
  3. Storage of flammable materials. quantities, locations, separation distances, COSHH compliance
  4. Temporary electrics. PAT testing, RCD protection, cable routing, overload prevention
  5. Escape routes. clearly signed, maintained, and kept clear at all times
  6. Fire detection and alarm. temporary fire detection in enclosed areas, manual call points
  7. Fire fighting equipment. fire extinguisher locations, types (water, CO2, foam, powder), inspection schedule
  8. Assembly points. designated muster points with roll call procedures
  9. Emergency services access. maintained access routes for fire appliances
  10. Site security. preventing arson (the leading cause of construction site fires)

Why Construction Sites Are High Fire Risk

Construction sites present unique fire hazards: exposed timber, insulation materials, LPG cylinders, hot works activities, temporary electrics, restricted access, and limited fire detection systems. The Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) estimates that construction site fires cost the UK industry over £400 million annually in direct losses and project delays.

For a comprehensive guide, see our construction site fire safety plan guide.