Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Prevention on Construction Sites Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for controlling ignition sources, managing flammable materials and maintaining safe work practices on Australian building sites. It helps construction businesses meet WHS obligations, protect workers and subcontractors, and reduce the risk of costly fires, project delays and regulatory action.

Construction sites are inherently high-risk environments for fire due to hot works, temporary electrical installations, combustible building materials and constantly changing site conditions. This Fire Prevention on Construction Sites SOP sets out a structured, step-by-step approach for identifying and controlling fire hazards from the planning stage through to project completion. It provides a consistent method for managing ignition sources, storing and handling flammable and combustible materials, maintaining clear access to egress routes and fire equipment, and coordinating multiple trades working in close proximity.

Developed with Australian WHS legislation and industry best practice in mind, this procedure helps duty holders demonstrate due diligence and a proactive approach to fire risk management. It supports compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, aligns with relevant Australian Standards and guides integration with your broader emergency and site management plans. By implementing this SOP, construction businesses can reduce the likelihood and impact of fires, protect workers and the public, safeguard plant and materials, and avoid the reputational and financial damage associated with preventable fire incidents.

The document is written in clear, practical language suitable for busy construction teams and can be easily adapted to different project sizes and types, including residential, commercial, civil and fit‑out works. It provides a ready-made framework for toolbox talks, induction content and subcontractor management, ensuring everyone on site understands their responsibilities for fire prevention and knows what good practice looks like in day-to-day operations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of fire incidents by standardising controls for hot works, temporary power and combustible materials.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation, fire safety regulations and insurer requirements for construction sites.
• Improve coordination between principal contractors, subcontractors and suppliers regarding fire prevention responsibilities.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness by linking day-to-day fire prevention measures with site emergency and evacuation plans.
• Support consistent training, inductions and toolbox talks using a clear, documented procedure that is easy to implement on any site.

Who is this for?

• Construction Project Managers
• Site Managers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Fire Wardens and Emergency Coordinators
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Facilities and Asset Managers for construction projects
• Head Contractors and Subcontractor Supervisors
• Electrical Contractors and Supervisors
• Plumbing and Gasfitting Supervisors
• Demolition Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of combustible building materials (timber, insulation, packaging) from hot works such as welding, cutting and grinding
• Fires caused by faulty, overloaded or poorly protected temporary electrical installations and equipment
• Ignition of flammable and combustible liquids, gases and aerosols (e.g. fuels, solvents, adhesives, LPG cylinders)
• Accumulation of waste, offcuts and packaging materials that can act as fuel for rapid fire spread
• Obstructed emergency exits, access ways and fire-fighting equipment locations
• Arson or unauthorised after-hours access to construction sites
• Battery-related fires from lithium-ion tools, storage systems and charging stations
• Fires originating from temporary heating equipment and portable appliances
• Spread of fire between work areas due to poor separation and lack of fire breaks
• Smoke inhalation and reduced visibility impacting safe evacuation during an incident

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Legislative Context
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Site Manager, Supervisors, Workers, Subcontractors)
• 4.0 Fire Risk Assessment and Planning for Construction Sites
• 5.0 Site Layout, Access, Egress and Fire Equipment Placement
• 6.0 Control of Ignition Sources (Hot Works, Smoking, Portable Heaters, Electrical Equipment)
• 7.0 Management of Flammable and Combustible Materials (Storage, Handling and Use)
• 8.0 Temporary Electrical Installations and Equipment Fire Controls
• 9.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Control of Combustible Debris
• 10.0 After-Hours Site Security and Fire Prevention Measures
• 11.0 Battery Charging, Fuel Storage and Plant Refuelling Controls
• 12.0 Integration with Site Emergency Plan and Evacuation Procedures
• 13.0 Training, Induction and Toolbox Talks on Fire Prevention
• 14.0 Inspection, Monitoring, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Safety Measures
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions for Fire Events and Near Misses
• 16.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and state/territory equivalents) – provisions relating to emergency plans, fire and explosion risks, hazardous chemicals and construction work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Fire and Explosion at the Workplace (where adopted by jurisdiction or used as guidance)
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• NCC (National Construction Code) – relevant fire safety and egress provisions for construction stages
• State and territory fire authority guidelines for construction site fire safety (e.g. Fire and Rescue NSW, CFA, QFES guidance)