Renew Your Construction Site Fire Prevention Protocols
Renew Your Construction Site Fire Prevention Protocols
Construction site fires are an ever-present and major risk within the industry. With this, some contractors may be unaware of regulatory changes from August 2022 and January 2023 to help minimise fire risks. The regulations require more of those working on projects with an original contract value of £2.5m or higher, or smaller contracts comprising part of a larger project worth £20m or more. However, regardless of contract size, adopting the regulatory guidance is deemed best practice and is advised by Insurance4plant and other plant insurance companies.
Find out more about Hire Company insurance here.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR POLICIES
New Regulations
Various new obligations apply:
- Trained fire marshals, to cover staff absences, need to be appointed.
- Use of deep fat fryers is prohibited in temporary buildings and accommodation.
- A new comprehensive hot work section has introduced requirements, including a continuous fire watch that can stretch over several hours and is supported by thermographic camera images.
- Electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries should only be charged in safe locations.
- Buildings over 18m in height need to have firefighting systems.
The updated regulations focus heavily on combustible materials, requiring a thorough fire risk assessment, covering fire risk from cladding materials, green roofing/walling, and insulated panels. Selecting alternative non-combustible temporary materials is recommended.
Strong fire planning is required, to ensure safe evacuation routes, early use of fire alarms on site, adequate firefighting equipment, access to water, and trained personnel. A Responsible Person also needs to be appointed. A separate arson risk assessment should be carried out and video surveillance implemented.
Annual and Short Term Plant Insurance with Insurance4plant
With more than 25+ years of experience providing plant hire insurance, our experts are well-versed within the industry and can help guide you with insurance for plant hire as well as support you in the unfortunate event of a claim. Contact our team to receive a bespoke quote for your business.
The process is quick and simple, quotations and cover can be purchased through the www.insurance4plant.co.uk website with cover and policy documentation issued immediately.
Insurance4plant covers under the facility include:
- Insurance4plant Combined Policy
- Insurance4plant Short Term
- Insurance4plant Contractors Plant Policy
- Management Liability
- Motor Fleet Policy
- Professional Indemnity
- Cyber
Contact the team today
Insurance4plant typically work with the following types of businesses:
- Tool Hire
- Plant Hire
- Traffic Management
- Crane Hire & Contract Lifting Companies