Risk assessment

Fire safety risk assessment for construction sites (England)

This template helps assess fire safety risks on construction sites in England, covering hazards, emergency routes, equipment, and personnel knowledge.

Fill it in online - free, no account needed. 53 questions.

What it is for

This template provides a structured approach to assessing fire safety risks on construction sites in England.

The full question list

1. Site Information and Scope

  1. Site name and address *
  2. Date and time of assessment *
  3. Description of construction phase and activities underway *
  4. Number of workers currently on site *
  5. Hot works are currently being undertaken *
  6. Flammable liquids are currently in use *

2. Fire Hazards Identification

  1. Flammable liquids (e.g., fuels, solvents, paints) are stored in designated areas. *
  2. Flammable liquids are stored in secure areas. *
  3. Flammable liquids are stored in fire-resistant containers or cabinets. *
  4. Gas cylinders are stored upright. *
  5. Gas cylinders are secured to prevent falling. *
  6. Gas cylinders are stored away from heat sources. *
  7. Combustible waste materials are regularly removed from work areas. *
  8. Combustible waste materials are stored in skips away from buildings. *
  9. Electrical installations (e.g., temporary wiring) appear to be in good condition. *
  10. Electrical equipment (e.g., generators) appears to be in good condition. *
  11. Hot work permits are in place for welding operations. *
  12. Smoking is restricted to designated areas. *
  13. Designated smoking areas are clear of combustible materials. *

3. Emergency Routes and Exits

  1. All emergency routes are kept clear of obstructions at all times. *
  2. All emergency exits are kept clear of obstructions at all times. *
  3. Emergency doors are openable easily. *
  4. Emergency doors are openable immediately without the use of a key. *
  5. Emergency routes are clearly signed. *
  6. Emergency exits are clearly signed. *
  7. Emergency routes are adequately lit. *
  8. Emergency exits are adequately lit. *
  9. Number of clearly marked emergency exits observed. *

4. Fire Detection and Fighting Equipment

  1. Fire extinguishers are available on the premises. *
  2. Fire blankets are available on the premises. *
  3. Non-automatic fire-fighting equipment is accessible. *
  4. Non-automatic fire-fighting equipment is simple to use. *
  5. Non-automatic fire-fighting equipment is clearly signed. *
  6. Fire detectors are present and appear to be in working order. *
  7. Fire alarms are present and appear to be in working order. *
  8. Number of fire extinguishers observed that are clearly signed. *
  9. Number of fire extinguishers observed that are accessible. *
  10. Fire points are clearly identified. *
  11. Fire points are free from obstructions. *

5. People's Knowledge and Training

  1. Workers asked can describe the location of the nearest fire exit. *
  2. Workers asked can describe the fire alarm procedure. *
  3. Workers asked can identify the location of the assembly point. *
  4. Fire wardens are identifiable on site. *
  5. Fire wardens are present on site. *

6. Records and Follow-up

  1. A current fire risk assessment document is available on site. *
  2. Date of the last recorded fire drill. *
  3. Records of fire equipment maintenance are available. *
  4. Records of fire equipment checks are available. *
  5. Any previous fire safety actions have been addressed. *
  6. Any previous fire safety recommendations have been addressed. *

7. Sign-off

  1. Name of person completing this assessment *
  2. Date of completion *
  3. Signature of assessor *

References

How the score works

The score is the share of scored questions that pass. N/A is left out of the score; text, dates and signatures are recorded but not scored. A completed template is a record of what you checked; it is not an inspection by a regulator or an accreditation body.

Questions

Who is responsible for fire safety on a construction site?

The 'responsible person' (usually the employer or site manager) is legally responsible for fire safety on a construction site in England.

How often should a fire risk assessment be conducted?

A fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to the premises, activities, or number of people on site.