Site Management · Mandatory · Pre-Construction

Fire Risk Assessment

The Fire Risk Assessment identifies fire hazards on the construction site, evaluates the risk to people, and determines the preventive and protective measures needed under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It covers ignition sources, fuel sources, means of escape, fire detection, fire-fighting equipment, and emergency procedures. The assessment must be reviewed whenever site conditions change significantly.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. RRO 2005 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

Fire Risk Assessment on Construction Sites

Construction sites have consistently high fire risk: temporary electrical installations, hot works, flammable materials, LPG storage, incomplete fire compartmentation. The fire risk assessment (FRA) is the formal mechanism for identifying hazards, assessing risk, and implementing controls.

Since 1 October 2023 (Building Safety Act 2022 s.156), the FRA must be fully recorded in writing — not summarised. The FRA is a live document and must be updated as the site changes. The fire risk profile changes dramatically through groundworks to structural frame to fit-out to commissioning.

“From 1 October 2023: the FRA must be written in full — summarising is no longer acceptable” — Building Safety Act 2022 s.156 changed the recording requirement. The full FRA must be recorded — all hazards identified, all persons at risk, all control measures, all actions. A summarised FRA created after October 2023 does not meet the legal standard.

Construction Site FRA — Key Areas

Area	Content
Ignition sources	Hot works (welding, grinding, cutting, blowtorch). Temporary electrical installations. Heaters (LPG, electric). Arson risk.
Fuel sources	Timber, packaging, formwork, insulation, stored LPG. Combustible construction materials. Waste accumulation.
Structural	Incomplete compartmentation (no fire doors yet, holes in floors). Exposed structural steel. Cladding not yet installed.
Detection/alarm	Temporary detection system. If part disabled — compensatory measures (fire watch). Alarm audible from all areas.
Means of escape	Clear emergency routes at all times. Adequate lighting. Signage. No locked emergency exits.
Firefighting equipment	Correct type and number of extinguishers. Accessible. Inspection current. Trained users.
LPG storage	Stored away from structures. Bunded or chained. No smoking area. Ventilated.
Hot works	Hot works permit system in place. Post-work fire watch.

Common Mistakes

FRA created at start and never reviewed — fire risk profile changes dramatically through the project. Must be reviewed when new high-risk activities commence, structural changes alter compartmentation, detection is disabled, or new fuel loads arrive. Build review into the weekly inspection and monthly audit.

Generic rather than site-specific — a downloaded template or copy from a previous project. Must reflect this site's actual ignition sources, escape routes, detection, and suppression. Generic FRAs provide false comfort.

Not identifying all persons at risk — must include construction workers, site management, visitors, and the adjacent public. On occupied buildings, existing occupants must also be identified.

No written record of fire safety arrangements — since October 2023, this must accompany the FRA. Includes hot works permit system, extinguisher inspection frequency, training, evacuation procedure, and fire watch. These cannot remain unrecorded.

LPG stored unsafely — stored against buildings, indoors without ventilation, or in excessive quantities. Must be outside, away from ignition sources, with emergency shutoff. Minimise quantities — only bring what is used that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can carry out a construction site FRA?

Building Safety Act 2022 s.156(4) requires a competent person. For complex construction, this is typically a fire risk assessor with construction experience. BAFE SP205 or equivalent certification is expected. The Responsible Person must demonstrate that the assessor was competent.

How does the FRA relate to the emergency plan?

The FRA identifies hazards and controls. The emergency plan (F14) and fire evacuation plan (F13) describe what to do if a fire occurs. They are companion documents — the FRA informs the emergency plan.

Does the FRA need review after an extinguisher is used?

Not automatically, but any fire or fire-related incident should trigger an investigation and FRA review. Did the FRA adequately identify the hazard? Were controls adequate? Update the FRA with investigation findings.

What are the penalties for failing to comply with the RRO 2005?

Unlimited fines at all court levels (strengthened by the Building Safety Act 2022). At Crown Court: unlimited fines and up to 2 years imprisonment. Responsible Persons can be personally prosecuted. Fire and Rescue Services can issue enforcement or prohibition notices.

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