Construction site fires cost the UK industry over £400 million annually. The Joint Code of Practice provides the framework for prevention — but compliance requires commitment from every party on site.. The Scale of the Problem Construction site fires in the UK cause: Over £400 million in direct losses annually Significant project delays — often 12 18 months for major fires Environmental damage from construction material combustion Community disruption and road closures In the worst cases, fatalities and serious injuries The majority of construction site fires are preventable. Hot works, arson, and electrical faults account for over 70% of causes. The Joint Code of Practice The Joint Code of Practice for fire prevention on construction sites (published by the Fire Protection Association) is the industry standard for construction site fire safety: Key Requirements 1. Fire Safety Plan Every construction site must have a documented fire safety plan Updated as construction progresses and risks change Covers temporary and permanent fire safety measures Includes emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements 2. Hot Works Management Hot works (welding, cutting, grinding, soldering) are the number one cause of construction fires: Permit to work system for all hot works Fire watch during and for 60 minutes after hot works cease Removal of combustibles within 10 metres of hot works Fire extinguisher immediately available at point of work Alternative methods considered before hot works approved 3. Site Security Arson is the second most common cause of construction site fires: Perimeter security — hoarding, fencing, gates CCTV and intruder detection Lighting to deter intruders Combustible material management — reduce exposed fire load Night security patrols for high risk sites 4. Temporary Fire Protection As permanent fire safety systems are installed, temporary protection must fill gaps: Temporary fire detection in occupied areas Temporary emergency lighting Fire extinguishers at designated points Temporary compartmentation maintenance during construction phases CDM Regulations and Fire Safety The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 require: Principal Designer to consider fire safety in design decisions Principal Contractor to manage fire risks on site Construction Phase Plan must include fire prevention arrangements Fire risk assessments for the construction phase Coordination between all contractors on fire safety matters Protecting Completed Work One of the most costly aspects of construction fires is damage to completed work: Installed passive fire protection must be maintained during construction Fire doors should be installed and functioning as soon as practical Fire stopping should be installed as services are completed Sprinkler systems should be commissioned in phases as construction progresses Cavity barriers must be installed before cladding progresses vertically The cost of protecting completed work during construction is tiny compared to the cost of replacing it after a fire. Insurance Implications Construction insurance requires fire safety compliance: Contractors All Risks (CAR) policies typically require Joint Code compliance Hot works procedures must meet insurer requirements Site security standards affect premium levels Claims record influences future insurability Post fire investigations will examine compliance with the Joint Code — non compliance can affect claim settlement For construction site fire safety planning and compliance, contact Magnus Opifex.