Temperatures are cooling since the UK experienced record-breaking heat, but further spells of warm weather may still place additional pressure on construction sites in the coming weeks.
Hot weather is not just a risk to workers. It can also increase the likelihood of a fire starting or spreading, particularly where combustible materials, equipment and batteries are exposed to higher temperatures.
Materials commonly found on construction sites, including timber, cardboard, packaging, sawdust and waste, can dry out quickly during warm weather. If a fire starts, these materials can provide additional fuel and allow it to spread more rapidly.
That is why The Fire Co, which specialises in providing fire alarm and detection systems for construction sites, is urging contractors to use the cooler period to check that their usual fire-safety measures are equipped for any further rise in temperatures.
Rob Watchorn, Director and Fire Safety Consultant at The Fire Co, explained, “Understandably, during a heatwave, people are focused on staying cool and getting the job done. But fire safety cannot slip. After all, the weather can make a construction site more dangerous from a fire-safety perspective.
“Materials can dry out, equipment can get too hot, and batteries may be put under more pressure. Not to mention, people may do things they would not normally do, such as wedging open fire doors to get more air through a building or leaving waste to build up because everyone is focused on getting through the heat. These things may seem small at the time, but they can increase risk very quickly.”
The Fire Co is urging site managers and responsible persons to check:
- Waste, dry vegetation and combustible materials are cleared from around buildings, boundaries and work areas
- Smoking is kept to designated areas with proper bins
- Hot works are tightly controlled, with permits and a fire watch after work finishes
- Plant, temporary electrics and equipment have clear ventilation and are not overheating
- Extension leads and sockets are not overloaded or daisy-chained
- Lithium-ion batteries are not charged or stored in direct sunlight or hot enclosed spaces
- Damaged, swollen or unusually hot batteries are taken out of use straight away
- Fuels, solvents, aerosols and gas cylinders are kept shaded, ventilated and away from ignition sources
- Fire doors are not wedged open for airflow
- Escape routes are clear, unlocked from the inside and easy to use
The Fire Co is also reminding firms that fire risk assessments may need to be reviewed if site conditions change during extreme weather.
Watchorn added: “A heatwave changes the conditions on site. If your risk assessment does not take into account seasonal factors, you may need to check your fire safety measures.”
