FIR/Specific/TBT-FIR-011

Electrical Fire Prevention

Fire Safety › Specific › Electrical Fire Prevention

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of fire on construction sites in the UK.
Overloaded circuits, damaged cables, and loose connections generate heat that ignites nearby combustible materials.
Temporary electrical installations on construction sites are more vulnerable to damage than permanent systems.
Extension leads coiled up during use overheat because the cable cannot dissipate heat effectively.
Battery charging stations for power tools and equipment create fire risk from overheating and thermal runaway.
Portable heaters and drying equipment left unattended near combustible materials cause welfare cabin fires.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require all electrical installations to be maintained safely.
RCD protection and 110V centre-tapped earth supplies reduce both shock and fire risk on site.
PAT testing identifies defective equipment before faults develop into fire-starting conditions.
Site cabins, material stores, and drying rooms are the most common locations for electrical fires.

Prevent site fires	Electrical fires destroy site cabins, material stores, and partially completed buildings, causing millions of pounds in losses.
Save lives	Workers sleeping in site accommodation or working in enclosed spaces can be trapped by fast-developing electrical fires.
Legal compliance	The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Fire Safety Order 2005 require electrical fire prevention measures on all sites.

Don't

Use 110V centre-tapped earth supply for all portable tools and equipment.
Uncoil extension leads fully before use to prevent overheating.
PAT test all portable appliances at the required frequency for site use.
Inspect cables, plugs, and connections daily for damage before use.
Switch off and unplug non-essential equipment at the end of each shift.
Keep battery charging areas clear of combustible materials and well ventilated.
Position portable heaters away from combustible materials with adequate clearance.
Report any scorch marks, burning smells, or tripping RCDs immediately.
Ensure temporary distribution boards are weather-protected and properly rated.
Keep fire extinguishers accessible near temporary electrical distribution points.

DON'T overload electrical circuits or daisy-chain extension leads together.
DON'T use coiled extension leads; always unwind them fully during use.
DON'T leave portable heaters running unattended in cabins or drying rooms.
DON'T use damaged cables, cracked plugs, or equipment with exposed wiring.
DON'T charge batteries overnight in unoccupied cabins without fire detection.
DON'T bypass RCD protection or ignore frequent RCD tripping as nuisance faults.
DON'T store combustible materials adjacent to temporary electrical distribution boards.
DON'T use 230V equipment on site unless specifically risk assessed and approved.
DON'T make temporary electrical connections without a competent electrician.
DON'T ignore burn marks on plugs, sockets, or cable connections; replace them.

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

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