BSG Alert: Managing Hot Works on site – Fire Extinguishers

Please be advised that all contractors carrying out ‘Hot Works’ must have at least 2 fire extinguishers ‘at hand’, as well as a careful watch maintained for fire breaking out whilst work is in progress.

The types and size of extinguishers provided should be appropriate to;

• The risks relating to the work taking place
• Nature of the work being undertaken
• Equipment being used
• The local environment

More information about this instruction can be found in the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation.

BSG’s guidance follows a recent report conducted by The Building Safety Group which noted that there has been a 46% increase in non-compliances associated with ‘Hot Works’ and ‘Permits to Work’, when comparing Q1 with Q2 this year. The majority of these breaches related to contractors only having only one, or in some cases, no extinguishers on site.

If you are a BSG member and would like to learn more about managing Hot Works, please take time view the information available on the BSG Hub in our ‘Health and Safety Documentation’ section.

Documents include;

• MS22 Hot Work Permit (as listed in ‘BSG Site Management Forms’)
• Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation p.22 (as listed in our Industry Guidance’ section)

We hope you find this advice helpful but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us – Contact BSG

The Building Safety Group