Oxygen, heat, and fuel on construction sites make these areas high-risk for fire breakouts. Fire safety is more important than ever and understanding the common sources of ignition can help control these risks and adhere to industry standards.
Common Causes of Fire on Construction Sites
Below are the top 5 frequent triggers of fires, including prevention tips for each to lower the risk and create a safer working environment for all:
1. Flammable solids, liquids, and gasses
Construction sites often have flammable materials such as combustible liquids, gases, explosives, and reactive agents. Examples include gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, and linseed oil. While essential for powering equipment, these substances are highly combustible and can easily ignite if not handled and stored properly.
Even a single ignition source from combustible rubbish on-site — whether on the ground or at higher levels — can trigger a serious fire. If this rubbish reaches scaffolding, roof coverings, or other waste materials, it can create a dangerous situation that might not be contained effectively with flame-retardant solutions alone.
Being proactive is better than dealing with the aftermath. The best prevention for this is to keep the site clear and store waste in a safe, protected area away from ignition sources. Moreover, flammable materials should be kept away from electrical work, as sparks can spread over long distances.
2. Electrical faults
Construction sites undergoing refurbishment and demolition face a higher risk of fire hazards. Old wiring and damaged electrical cables are more common in these settings and can trigger fires if issues like tangling or overheating are not addressed. Installing new electrical fittings for powering generators and cordless tools also opens opportunities for electrical faults if correct measures aren’t in place.
To reduce fire risks, all electrical equipment should be tested, inspected, and set up correctly before use. Electrical installations must meet the BS 7671: 2008 standards, which include specific rules for construction sites. Only qualified professionals should handle electrical wiring to ensure the tasks are done right.
Note: Always assess and manage ignition sources and adhere to fire safety standards as required by CDM Regulations 2015.
3. Fire protection deficiencies
Statistics collected by the Home Office from 2014 to 2019 show that 62.5% of construction fires were accidental. The main causes include:
- Gaps in training: Without proper training, workers might not recognise fire hazards or know how to handle flammable materials safely. This can lead to unsafe storage or handling, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Unsafe storage of flammable materials: As mentioned above, if flammable materials aren’t stored properly, they can catch fire from sparks, heat, or flames.
- Blocked evacuation routes: This endangers lives and makes it harder to control the fire, allowing it to spread more easily. In our guide, ‘Fire Safety Solutions on Construction Sites,’ we talked about the importance of having a fire prevention plan. Give it a read for more information.
- Incorrect type of fire extinguishers: Using the wrong extinguisher can make the fire worse. For example, water extinguishers should not be used on chemical fires, as they can cause the fire to spread. Here’s our ‘Guide to Fire Extinguisher Types and Classes,’ to learn more about the proper use of each type available for construction sites.
Always follow fire safety rules and provide proper training to minimise human error. The safety manager or appointed person on site must enforce these rules. Their responsibilities include conducting a thorough fire risk assessment, and workers must maintain all fire protection equipment to keep it in the best condition.
With many activities happening on a construction site, take all necessary precautions to protect the premises and employees. Explore our dependable Blaizgard fire protection products, including synergy alarms and evacuation alarms, for enhanced fire safety.
For inquiries, contact us at hello@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a construction supplier in the UK and Ireland.