Fire Prevention on Construction Sites: Tenth edition: August 2022 Incorporating Amendment 1: January 2023

Incorporating Amendment 1

Often used as a condition of construction insurance, the scope of this code applies to projects with an original contract value of £2.5m or above, and applies equally to smaller value contracts where these are part of a large project. In cases where the construction contract or the insurance contract does not require this code to apply, it serves as best practice guidance.

The objective of the code is the prevention of fires on construction sites. The majority of fires can be prevented by designing out risks, taking simple precautions, and by adopting safe working practices. The code applies to all activities carried out prior to and during the procurement, construction and design process – not the complete structure – and should be read in conjunction with all current legislation and the HSE publication HSG168: Fire safety in construction.

Excerpt from the Code of Practice:

“Every year there are numerous major fires on construction sites and in buildings undergoing refurbishment. All have serious consequences: people are killed and injured; buildings, including those of historic interest, are destroyed. Plant and equipment is damaged, work is held up and completion dates are not met.