FIR/General/TBT-FIR-022
Flammable Material Storage and Segregation
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Flammable Material Storage and Segregation
Improper storage of flammable materials on construction sites is a major cause of fire. Timber, insulation, packaging, solvents, paints, LPG cylinders, and fuel all present fire risks if stored incorrectly. Flammable materials must be segregated from ignition sources, stored in designated areas, and managed with clear quantities limits. Good storage practice is one of the simplest and most effective fire prevention measures available on any construction site.
Key Hazards
Fire spreading rapidly through poorly stored combustible materials
LPG cylinder explosion from heat exposure or damage during storage
Solvent vapour ignition from nearby hot works or electrical sparks
Accelerated fire development from excessive quantities of packaging and waste
Control Measures
- Store flammable liquids in designated, signed, and bunded storage areas away from buildings.
- Segregate LPG cylinders from other flammable materials and store them in a ventilated cage outdoors.
- Limit the quantity of flammable materials in work areas to the amount needed for the current shift.
- Keep combustible waste, packaging, and off-cuts in designated skips and remove them regularly.
- Maintain a minimum separation distance of 10 metres between flammable stores and hot works areas.
- Ensure fire extinguishers appropriate to the stored materials are positioned at all storage locations.
- Display warning signs and no smoking signage on all flammable material storage areas.
- Store aerosols, solvents, and adhesives in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Inspect flammable material storage areas weekly and address any non-compliances immediately.
Remember
- Flammable materials must be stored in designated, signed areas away from buildings and ignition sources.
- LPG cylinders must be stored upright in a ventilated outdoor cage away from other flammable materials.
- Only keep the amount of flammable material needed for the current shift in the work area.
- Remove combustible waste regularly — accumulated packaging and off-cuts are a major fire accelerant.
- A minimum of 10 metres separation is required between flammable stores and any hot works activity.
- Good storage practice is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent site fires.
Applicable Legislation: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 · Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 · CDM Regulations 2015
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