Construction sites account for significant fire losses in the UK. This guide covers the Joint Code of Practice, hot works management, and fire safety during construction phases.. Construction Site Fire Risk Construction sites are among the highest fire risk environments: £millions in fire losses annually in UK construction Fire protection systems not yet operational Incomplete compartmentation and structural protection Hot works, temporary heating, and electrical installations Combustible materials storage and waste accumulation Arson and security challenges Notable UK Construction Fires Didcot Power Station (2014) Lakanal House (during refurbishment works) Multiple residential tower blocks during cladding replacement Timber frame buildings destroyed before completion Joint Code of Practice (JCOP) FPA/RISCAuthority Construction Fire Safety Guide The JCOP is the industry standard for construction site fire safety, required by most insurers: Key Requirements 1. Site fire safety plan — documented before works commence 2. Fire risk assessment — specific to construction phase and regularly updated 3. Hot works permit system — mandatory for all hot works 4. Combustible materials management — storage limits and separation 5. Waste management — regular removal, segregation, secure storage 6. Security — perimeter fencing, CCTV, security patrols 7. Detection and alarm — temporary systems during construction 8. Fire points — extinguishers at strategic locations 9. Emergency plan — evacuation procedures, assembly points, fire service access 10. Training — all site operatives, including subcontractors Hot Works Management Permit System Every hot works operation requires: Written permit signed by competent person Area inspection and preparation (removal/protection of combustibles) Fire watch during works (trained operative with extinguisher) Post work fire watch (minimum 60 minutes after completion) Permit cancellation and area sign off Hot Works Include Welding (arc, MIG, TIG) Cutting (oxy acetylene, plasma, disc) Grinding and abrasive cutting Soldering and brazing Bitumen/asphalt heating Any operation producing sparks, flame, or heat Alternative Methods Wherever possible, eliminate hot works: Mechanical connections instead of welding Cold applied roofing systems Pre fabrication in controlled workshop conditions Cordless cutting tools with dust suppression Temporary Fire Protection Early Activation of Permanent Systems Commission sprinkler systems floor by floor as construction progresses Temporary water supply to sprinkler system during construction Early commissioning of dry risers for fire service use Progressive commissioning of fire alarm systems Temporary Systems Temporary fire alarm — wireless systems covering active work areas Fire extinguishers — positioned at fire points, hot works locations, site offices Temporary compartmentation — fire rated boarding to protect completed areas Temporary emergency lighting — battery powered units in escape routes Timber Frame Specific Timber frame construction requires enhanced measures: Fire breaks at every 4th floor during construction Perimeter protection against external fire spread Sprinkler protection of completed timber floors Dedicated timber frame fire safety plan Night security patrols of timber frame areas Insurance Requirements Insurer Expectations Compliance with JCOP as minimum standard Regular insurer site inspections Fire safety KPIs reported to insurers Incident reporting (including near misses) Sub contractor fire safety vetting and management Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 (0) 20 3488 1926 ✉️ info@magnusopifex.co.uk Founded by Daniel Sheridan, Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers award winning fire engineering, fire risk assessments, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally.