Shrink wrapping uses heat tools and open flames. This leaves little room for error around fire. This guide breaks down where those risks come from and how to keep them under control.
What Are the Main Fire Risks During Hot Work?
They often start with small issues being overlooked. With heat, gas, and materials in play, problems can escalate fast. These are the main fire risks to be aware of:
Flying sparks
Heat tools throw off sparks, especially when working around metal, decking, or debris. Those sparks don’t need much. Dust, plastic offcuts, insulation, or timber can all ignite without much warning.
Molten plastic
Shrink wrap can drip if it overheats. That molten plastic burns hot, sticks to surfaces, and can drop into scaffold areas, such as between boards, behind tubes, or onto lower lifts. If it lands on debris, timber, or insulation, it can ignite and spread out of view.
Heat transfer
Even if you’re not pointing the gun directly at something flammable, the heat can transfer through materials. Metal tubes, boards, and fixings can carry it into hidden voids or behind sheeting.
Explosive atmospheres
Some sites contain vapours, fumes, or gases that don’t mix well with heat. All it takes is one ignition source in the wrong environment.
Flammable liquids
If fuel, solvents, and chemicals are anywhere near the work zone, heat exposure can change the situation in seconds. Vapours from these liquids can build around the scaffold and ignite even without direct contact.
How to Manage Fire Risks During Shrink Wrapping
Fire risks during shrink wrapping are managed through site practices outlined below.
Proper tool handling
Shrink guns and shrink torches generate high heat and need to be handled with control. Never point the gun at people or reflective surfaces where heat can bounce back.
After use, allow the nozzle to cool before setting it down. Be aware that propane cylinders can become extremely cold as the gas vaporises, and direct contact can cause frost burns. Make sure you’re wearing a pair of safety gloves, like leather heatproof gloves.
Shrink wrapping heat tools should only be used by workers who have been trained to operate it safely.
Use FR-rated materials
One example is FR shrink wrap that meets recognised fire safety standards. Using non‑rated sheeting significantly increases the risk.
FR materials don’t make the job “fire‑proof”. They slow flame spread and buy you time if something goes wrong, and that time matters.
Maintain airflow at all times
Heat tools burn oxygen and produce carbon monoxide. Inside wrapped structures, that becomes a serious risk.
- Ensure adequate ventilation before starting work
- Keep ventilation openings clear
- Use gas or vapour monitoring if airflow is restricted
If the air feels heavy or uncomfortable, don’t push through it. This indicates that ventilation should be improved before continuing.
Protect gaps and openings
Fire loves hidden paths. What you can do is to:
- Cover gaps in floors, walls, and decks
- Block off voids where sparks or molten plastic could drop through
Use FR scaffold sheeting or fire blankets to block off these areas.
Keep fire extinguishers accessible
CO₂ extinguishers must always be kept nearby and easy to reach at all times. Know where they are located and how to use them in case of small flames or electrical fires.
Reminder: Do not use powder extinguishers inside shrink-wrapped areas, as they reduce visibility and can create extra hazards.
Know your emergency exits and routes
It’s not enough for exits to exist. Everyone working there needs to know where they are.
Before starting:
- Make sure escape routes are clear and not boxed in by wrap or materials
- Know how to raise the alarm
- Know who’s calling fire services if needed
The company is responsible for conducting training on evacuation procedures, which includes knowing the nearest exits and practising evacuation drills so workers are well-prepared.
Per the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), these designated paths must always be clear and unobstructed, with all doors and gates leading to site exits accessible. This is to avoid situations where workers could be trapped by fire or smoke, such as ‘dead-end’ conditions.
Permit to Work for Hot Works on Scaffolding
Hot works on scaffolding must be carried out under a valid permit. This confirms that safety measures are in place. Follow instructions, such as:
- The permit is valid and in date: Check that the permit is active for the specific location, task, and time period. Do not rely on a previous or expired permit.
- Fire safety controls are in place: This includes suitable fire extinguishers, fire‑rated materials, clear escape routes, and any additional controls listed on the permit.
- Site‑specific requirements are understood: Any restrictions, exclusions, or additional precautions noted on the permit must be followed. This includes limits on weather conditions, nearby activities, or access arrangements.
If conditions change, such as weather, operations must cease. Working on scaffolding, not just shrink wrapping, can be risky. In this guide, we talked about ‘Shrinkwrapping Safety Guidelines for Common Weather Risks’
Shrink wrap & accessories are available on our website. For product enquiries and fast quotes, email our team at customercare@s-pgroup.com or call 028 9411 0032. SP Group is a temporary protection and scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.