Construction sites are dynamic and often hazardous environments, where fire can be a major threat because of flammable materials, temporary electrical setups, and active tasks like cutting and welding. Although standard fire alarm systems play an essential role in notifying workers about a fire, there are times when automatic fire detection becomes vital to improve safety and guarantee the early identification of fire risks. The Joint Code of Practice (JCoP), developed by the Construction Confederation and the Fire Protection Association, provides guidelines for fire prevention on construction sites and highlights specific instances when automatic fire detection is required alongside a normal fire alarm system.
Construction sites frequently involve “hot work” activities such as welding, cutting, grinding or similar. The JCoP specifies that automatic fire detection should be considered in areas where these types of activities are carried out, especially when there are flammable materials in close proximity. Sparks or excessive heat from these activities can ignite fires that spread rapidly.
In cases where hot work is being performed inside buildings or in enclosed spaces, automatic fire detection systems are critical. These systems can quickly detect any heat or smoke generated by an accidental fire, allowing workers to be alerted before it grows out of control. Additionally, automatic systems reduce the reliance on manual detection by workers who may not notice a fire starting amidst other work activities.
Many construction sites utilise temporary buildings such as site offices, storage rooms, or accommodation units for workers. These temporary structures are often made of combustible materials and can pose significant fire risks. Furthermore, these areas are frequently unattended, especially outside of normal working hours.
The JCoP recommends automatic fire detection in these temporary structures, particularly when the buildings house flammable materials, essential records, or vital electrical equipment. Automatic fire detection ensures that any fire is quickly identified and alarms are triggered, even when the area is unoccupied.
Construction or renovation work on heritage sites or high-value properties is another instance where automatic fire detection may be mandated by the JCoP. In these cases, the risk of fire damage is not only a threat to human life but also to irreplaceable assets and historical structures. For these projects, installing automatic fire detection systems provides a higher level of security by ensuring that any potential fire hazards are detected early and reported immediately.
