Fire Risk AssessmentsWhat Contractors Need to Know
Documented reviews identifying fire hazards, people at risk, and the measures needed to prevent fire on construction sites.
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If you manage subcontractors in these trades, you need to track this document for each of them.
What Are Fire Risk Assessments?
A fire risk review is a structured document that identifies fire hazards present on a construction site, the people who could be harmed, and the measures in place to reduce the risk of fire and ensure safe evacuation. It covers ignition sources, combustible materials, means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment, and emergency procedures. The responsible person — typically the site manager or building occupier — must ensure this document is prepared and kept under regular review.
Why Fire Risk Assessments Matter
The Grenfell Tower tragedy transformed fire safety enforcement in UK construction. Regulators now scrutinise fire risk documentation more rigorously than ever before. A missing or inadequate fire risk review can result in enforcement notices, site shutdowns, and prosecution. Beyond enforcement, fire on a construction site can cause fatalities, total project loss, and insurance claims that make a contractor uninsurable. The Building Safety Act 2022 has further strengthened requirements for higher-risk buildings.
This guide is for informational purposes only. ContractorVault does not provide compliance advice, certify documents, or approve compliance status. Always consult a qualified professional for specific regulatory requirements.
What You Need to Know
Review Frequency
Review regularly, after any significant changes, or following an incident
Related Documents
Free compliance checklist — covers Fire Risk Assessments and every other document
Most UK contractors track subcontractor compliance in spreadsheets with gaps. This checklist covers every document you should be collecting, organised by category, so nothing slips through.
- Insurance certificates — ELI, PLI, and what cover amounts to check
- CSCS cards — which card for which role, and expiry tracking
- RAMS and method statements — what to collect and how to version them
- SSIP accreditations — CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor and more
- Training certificates — SMSTS, first aid, asbestos awareness with renewal periods
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Frequently Asked Questions — Fire Risk Assessments
Who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person is whoever has control of the premises — typically the principal contractor during the construction phase or the building owner/occupier for occupied premises. They must ensure a suitable fire risk review is in place and kept current.
Do construction sites need fire detection and alarm systems?
Requirements depend on the site's fire risk review findings. Sites with significant fire risk — particularly those near occupied buildings, involving hot works, or storing flammable materials — will typically need temporary fire detection, alarm systems, and appropriate firefighting equipment as identified in the review.
How has the Building Safety Act 2022 changed fire safety requirements?
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced a new Building Safety Regulator and stricter requirements for higher-risk buildings (residential buildings 18m+ or 7+ storeys). Construction projects involving these buildings now face more rigorous fire safety documentation requirements, mandatory gateway reviews, and stronger enforcement powers.
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