Construction Site Fire Risk Assessment
Compare quotes from qualified fire risk assessors specialising in construction sites and buildings undergoing works. Protect your workers, project and business.
Request Free QuoteFire Risk Assessments for Construction Sites
If you manage a construction site or building undergoing refurbishment, you have a legal duty to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Construction sites present unique and dynamic fire risks due to transient hazards, hot works, temporary installations, and the progressive removal or installation of permanent fire safety measures.
FireRiskQuote helps principal contractors, site managers, and construction firms connect with experienced fire risk assessors who specialise in construction sites and buildings undergoing works. Instead of contacting multiple companies individually, you can submit one request and receive quotes from professionals who understand the specific requirements for construction projects.
Our service is free to use and there is no obligation to proceed. Simply compare quotes and choose the assessor that best suits your project and requirements.
Why Construction Sites Require Specialist Fire Risk Assessments
Construction site premises present specific fire safety challenges that general assessors may not fully address. Specialist fire risk assessors will consider:
- Transient hazards: Assessing risks that change daily as construction progresses, requiring frequent review of control measures.
- Hot work: Evaluating risks from welding, grinding, cutting, and other heat-producing activities, with robust permit-to-work systems.
- Temporary electrical installations: Checking site distribution boards, cabling, and portable tools for electrical safety.
- Flammable materials storage: Reviewing storage of LPG, acetylene, paints, solvents, and other flammable substances.
- Combustible waste: Assessing accumulation of wood, packaging, plastic, and other waste materials that could fuel a fire.
- Temporary accommodation: Evaluating fire risks in site offices, canteens, and welfare facilities.
- Scaffolding and hoardings: Considering how external structures may affect fire spread and fire service access.
- Compartmentation: Ensuring fire-resisting walls, floors, and doors are maintained during strip-out and reinstatement phases.
- Phased works: Planning construction activities to maintain fire separation and protect escape routes throughout the project.
- Means of escape: Ensuring temporary escape routes are adequate, signed, and kept clear at all times.
- Fire detection: Installing temporary fire alarm systems where permanent systems are not yet operational.
- Emergency lighting: Providing temporary lighting on escape routes, particularly in areas with no natural light.
- Fire extinguishers: Siting appropriate extinguishers at identified fire points, with training for nominated personnel.
- Hydrants and fire mains: Ensuring fire service access and water supplies are maintained throughout construction.
- Site security: Preventing arson through secure boundaries, lighting, and where appropriate, intruder alarms or security patrols.
- High-risk construction: Additional measures for timber frame, high-rise, or mass timber projects.
- Occupied buildings: Where works occur in occupied premises, ensuring existing fire safety measures are not compromised.
- Emergency plans: Developing site-specific plans and ensuring all workers understand procedures.
Fire Safety Regulations for Construction Sites
Construction sites are subject to multiple regulations including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The HSE's guidance document HSG168 "Fire safety in construction" provides detailed advice. Key requirements include:
- Fire risk assessment: A suitable and sufficient assessment must be carried out, recorded, and kept up to date throughout the project.
- Principal contractor duties: The principal contractor must plan, manage, and monitor fire safety during the construction phase.
- Means of escape: Adequate escape routes must be provided and maintained at all times.
- Fire detection and warning: An appropriate means of raising the alarm must be provided, audible above site noise.
- Emergency lighting: Required on escape routes where normal lighting is insufficient.
- Fire extinguishers: Suitable extinguishers must be provided at identified fire points.
- Signage: Fire exit signs and fire action notices must be clearly displayed.
- Emergency plan: A clear plan must be in place and communicated to all workers.
- Training: Workers must be instructed in fire procedures and how to use extinguishers.
- Hot work permits: A robust permit system must be in place for hot work activities.
- Housekeeping: Good housekeeping is essential to control combustible waste.
- Security: Sites must be secure to prevent arson, particularly out of hours.
- Temporary buildings: Site accommodation must meet fire resistance standards and be sited safely.
- Joint Code of Practice: Many insurers require compliance with the JCoP for fire prevention on construction sites.
- Prohibition on sleeping: No one may sleep within a building under construction or refurbishment.
Properties We Cover
Our network of assessors covers all types of construction projects including:
- New build construction sites (all scales)
- Residential developments
- Commercial construction projects
- Industrial and warehouse construction
- Infrastructure projects
- Building refurbishment and renovation
- Historic building restoration
- Change of use conversions
- Timber frame construction projects
- High-rise and tall building construction
- Fit-out and interior works
- Demolition projects
- Mixed-use developments
- Construction sites with temporary accommodation
Why Use FireRiskQuote for Your Construction Site?
- Free quote comparison: No cost to you, no obligation to proceed.
- Specialist construction assessors: Connect with assessors who understand the dynamic nature of construction sites.
- CDM compliance focus: Get assessments that meet principal contractor duties under CDM 2015.
- JCoP expertise: Assessors familiar with insurer requirements and the Joint Code of Practice.
- Fast responses: Receive quotes quickly from professionals in your area.
- Nationwide coverage: Assessors available across the whole UK.
How Our Service Works
- Submit your construction project details using our online quote form.
- We send your request to fire risk assessors specialising in construction sites.
- Receive quotes from qualified professionals.
- Compare options and choose the assessor that suits your needs.
Request a Construction Site Fire Risk Assessment Quote
If you require a fire risk assessment for your construction site or building undergoing works, you can request quotes quickly using our online form. Our service is free, confidential and designed to help you connect with experienced fire risk assessors.
Request Free Construction Site Fire Risk Assessment QuotesConstruction Site Fire Risk Assessment ‐ Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fire risk assessment required for my construction site?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, all construction sites must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out by a responsible person.
How much does a construction site fire risk assessment cost?
Costs depend on the size and complexity of the project. Smaller sites may cost from around £300-£500, while major developments, high-rise projects, or those with complex risks will cost more. Quotes are always free and no-obligation.
How often should a construction site fire risk assessment be reviewed?
Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly as the site changes - typically weekly or whenever there are significant changes to hazards, site layout, or construction phase.
Who is responsible for fire safety on a construction site?
The principal contractor is usually the responsible person in control of the site. Clients, designers, and contractors also have legal duties under CDM 2015.
What are the most common fire hazards on construction sites?
Common ignition sources include hot work (welding, grinding), electrical equipment, heaters, and smokers' materials. Common fuels include flammable liquids (LPG, paints, solvents), wood, packaging, and combustible waste.
Do I need a permit-to-work system for hot work?
Yes, a robust permit-to-work system for hot work is essential. This should include risk assessment, fire watches, removal of combustibles, and availability of extinguishers.
What type of fire alarm system does a construction site need?
This depends on site size and risk. Small sites may use klaxons or air horns, while larger or high-risk sites require fixed temporary alarm systems with call points and sounders audible above site noise.
How many fire extinguishers do I need?
The number and type depend on site hazards. Extinguishers should be located at identified fire points, typically at each storey exit and near high-risk activities. Types needed may include water, foam, powder, and CO2.
Can workers sleep on site?
No. It is prohibited for anyone to sleep within a building under construction or refurbishment. Purpose-built, separated accommodation may be permitted with specific risk assessment.
What is the Joint Code of Practice?
The JCoP is an industry standard for fire prevention on construction sites, required by many insurers. The tenth edition with amendments was updated in 2025.
Can I do the fire risk assessment myself?
While the responsible person may carry out the assessment, construction sites have complex and dynamic risks. Using a qualified specialist ensures all hazards are properly identified and helps demonstrate due diligence to HSE and insurers.