THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment...

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THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment

Transcript of THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment...

Page 1: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Fire Safety on Construction Sites

Adair Lewis

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 2: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 3: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

The problem in context

• There are 11 fires a day on construction sites in the UK

• Arson fires on construction sites are a major problem – and are likely to increase due to the economic climate

• 0.1% of all fires in the UK occur on construction sites – but 66% of these are deliberately started

Page 4: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Causes of serious fires

Hot

wor

k

Ars

on

Ele

ctric

al

Gas

Rub

bish

bur

ning

Sm

okin

g m

ater

ials

Unk

now

n

Oth

er

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Page 5: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Where the serious fires occur

Re-fur-bishment

/ con-ver-sion30%

Con-struc-tion70%

Page 6: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Refur-bishment / conversion

7%

Construc-tion,93%

Losses from serious fires

Page 7: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

What was the problem?Construction Industry Insurance Premiums• 1989 £89.60m• 1990 £90.32m• 1991 £80.66m

Figures represent approx. 85% of active UK construction market writers

But there were several large losses, for example

• June 1990 Broadgate Phase 8 £35m

• Aug 1991 Minster Court £120m

To sustain these losses premiums would have need to be increased by 400% - 500%

Page 8: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Joint Code of Practice

• Published jointly by the Contractors Legal Group and Fire Protection Association (on behalf of RISCAuthority)

• The 1st edition was published in 1992

• it is an insurance requirement for all projects with an original contract value of £2.5 million or more

• and applies equally to smaller value contracts where these are part of a large project

• a ‘large project’, has an original contract value of £20m or above.

Page 9: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Life safety v property protection

The code is designed to be compatible with information provided by other bodies:

• HSE 168 • UKTFA• F&RS

Page 10: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Application of the CoP

• construction of buildings, structures and infrastructure

• renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration and other maintenance work

• installation / modification of process plant and equipment

• installation, maintenance, repair and removal of fixed services, such as gas, electrical, compressed air and hydraulic systems

• dismantling and demolition

The Joint Code of Practice is applicable to

Page 11: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Fire Prevention on construction sites

1. Objective2. Compliance3. Introduction4. Definitions5. Design phase6. Construction phase7. Liaison with the emergency services8. Emergency procedures9. Fire protection10.Temporary covering materials11.Portable fire extinguishers

Page 12: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Fire Prevention on construction sites

12.Site security against arson13.Temporary buildings and temporary

accommodation14.Flammable liquids and LPG15.Acetylene16.Hot work17.Electricity and gas18.Waste materials19.Plant and vehicles20.Stored materials21.Smoking22.High rise construction sites23.Large timber frame structures

Page 13: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Definitions

High rise construction site:• a site where the workforce is at risk by being

outside the distance by which the fire and rescue service can effect a rescue by mechanical means (currently 30m reach from the position where a fire appliance may be parked)

Page 14: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

High rise structures

Page 15: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

High rise structures

Specific fire risk assessment required, concerns:• Time to escape• Lack of completed compartmentation• Inadequate water supplies• No protected moe – fire doors etcSolutions:• Electrically operated fire alarm throughout• Horizontal compartmentation every 10 floors• Wet riser• Doors to be fitted as soon as possible

Page 16: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Definitions

Large timber frame structure:• timber framed structure of four or more

storeys and / or an aggregate floor area of 2500m2 or more

Page 17: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Large timber frame structures

Page 18: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Definitions

High fire risk site:• encompasses the following:

- a high-rise construction site;- a large project;- a large timber framed structure; or

- projects where risk assessments indicate significant potential loss of life or property.

Page 19: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Significant changes in 8th edition

• No changes in legislation but clarification of responsibilities

• Amendment to definition of large timber frame structure

• Weekly testing of the fire alarm• The need for fire extinguishers to be part of the

site fire precautions• Emphasis on the need for evacuation drills• At least two escape routes from a structure at all

times

Page 20: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Significant changes in 8th edition

• Site to be locked and secured outside working hours

• Access to upper levels by scaffolding be denied to intruders

• Number of security staff to be risk assessed• Insurer to be consulted at the commencement of

work on high fire risk projects and suspension of work on sites

• Site accommodation: self closers on doors, increase in width of fire breaks

Page 21: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Significant changes in 8th edition

• No construction workers to live in an incomplete structure

• Revision to wording regarding acetylene cylinders

• Specific inclusion of Scotland• Expended text on large timber frame buildings

Page 22: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

All was going well until.....

Page 23: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

......large timber cribs came along

Page 24: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Case history

Page 25: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

The developmentBlock B1 - Ground + 6 storeysBlock B2 - Ground + 5 storeysBlock B3 - Ground + 5 storeysBlock B4 - Ground + 6 storeys Block B5 - Ground + 5 storeys

Halls of residence

Aerodrome Road N

Page 26: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

The fire

First call to fire brigade:

Frank Torrence - excavator driver 15:3912 July 2006

Page 27: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

15:42

Page 28: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 29: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

15:47

Page 30: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

15:51

Page 31: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 32: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 33: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

The developmentBlock B1 - Ground + 6 storeysBlock B2 - Ground + 5 storeysBlock B3 - Ground + 5 storeysBlock B4 - Ground + 6 storeys Block B5 - Ground + 5 storeys

Halls of residence

Aerodrome Road N

Cement silos

Stairs

Crane

Page 34: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 35: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 36: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 37: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 38: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 39: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 40: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 41: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 42: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 43: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 44: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 45: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 46: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

The results

Page 47: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 48: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 49: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Page 50: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Large timber framed structures

Page 51: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Large timber framed structures

• At the design stage consider the suitability of the design and potential for fire spread

• Consider period of maximum vulnerability during the construction process

• Appropriate fire protection treatment of timber• Earliest possible compartmentation• Subdivision of horizontal shafts/ducts using temporary fire

retardant boarding• Permanent fire resisting structures (doors, partitions,

stopping) installed as soon as practicable• Final cladding to building in place as soon as possible• Consider proximity of structure to boundary and adjacent

buildings as part of site risk assessment

Page 52: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Large timber framed structures

• Facing exposed timber construction and combustible insulation with non-combustible materials at the earliest opportunity

• No part of a timber frame structure to be used as residential accommodation during the construction period

• Generators and similar heat producing equipment to be prohibited on site

• Foam plastic on site to be minimised

Page 53: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

UK Timber Frame Association

• Has developed a 16 point plan to be used consistently by Principal Contractors (wasn’t used at Peckham!)

• SiteSafe mandatory by UKTFA on large projects (ie 4 or more storeys or an aggregate floor area of >2,500m2

• Large projects are required to be registered with the UKTFA

• Details of the Coordinator and site fire plan requested and reviewed

• Build sequence and handover procedure have to be agreed

• Relevant Chief Fire officer to be notified.

• Effective policing

Page 54: THE UKs NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION Protecting people, property, business and the environment Fire Safety on Construction Sites Adair Lewis THE UKs.

THE UK’s NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the environment

Joint Code of Practice

Fire Prevention on Construction Sites8th Edition Update

Thank you ………..… the end