FIR/Specific/TBT-FIR-007

Temporary Accommodation Fire Risk

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Temporary Accommodation Fire Risk

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-FIR-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Site cabins, portable offices, and welfare units present significant fire risks.
  • These structures are often constructed from combustible materials and burn rapidly.
  • Common ignition sources include electrical faults, portable heaters, and smoking.
  • Temporary accommodation fires can spread to adjacent buildings and construction works.
  • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all temporary site accommodation.
  • A fire risk assessment must be completed for all temporary buildings on the site.
  • Escape routes must be kept clear and cabin doors must open outwards.
  • Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers must be provided and maintained in all occupied cabins.
  • Electrical installations in temporary buildings must be inspected to prevent faults.
  • Stacking cabins increases the risk — fires in lower units can trap upper occupants.

Why?

Protect lifePeople in cabins can be trapped if fire spreads rapidly through combustible materials.
Rapid fire spreadTemporary structures burn quickly — escape time is measured in seconds.
Legal dutyThe fire safety order requires risk assessment for all site accommodation.
Asset protectionCabin fires destroy documents, equipment, and can spread to the main works.
Do Don't
  • Complete a fire risk assessment for all temporary accommodation on site.
  • Install and maintain smoke detectors in every occupied temporary building.
  • Provide a suitable fire extinguisher in each cabin and check it monthly.
  • Keep escape routes and cabin doors clear and unobstructed at all times.
  • Maintain a minimum separation distance between cabin stacks and buildings.
  • Test electrical installations regularly and PAT test all appliances.
  • Ban portable fan heaters and unapproved electrical appliances in cabins.
  • Display fire action notices showing escape routes and assembly points.
  • Enforce a strict no smoking policy inside all temporary accommodation.
  • Ensure cabin doors open outwards and are never locked from outside.
  • DON'T use portable fan heaters or unapproved heaters in site cabins.
  • DON'T store flammable materials or gas cylinders inside occupied cabins.
  • DON'T block escape routes with furniture, equipment, or stored materials.
  • DON'T overload electrical sockets or use multi-plug adaptors in cabins.
  • DON'T smoke inside any temporary accommodation on site.
  • DON'T lock cabin doors from the outside while people are inside.
  • DON'T leave cooking appliances unattended in welfare facilities.
  • DON'T stack cabins without assessing the fire risk for upper occupants.
  • DON'T remove or disconnect smoke detectors in temporary buildings.
  • DON'T ignore faulty electrics in cabins — report them immediately.

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | Fire Extinguisher Types and Use
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