Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, practical framework for managing fire risks on Australian construction sites, from early planning through to project handover. It helps construction businesses control ignition sources, flammable materials and emergency response so workers, subcontractors and visitors are protected and projects remain compliant with WHS and building fire safety requirements.

Construction sites are dynamic, high‑risk environments where hot works, temporary electrical installations, combustible building materials and changing site layouts significantly increase the potential for fires. This Fire Safety in Construction Sites SOP provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to identifying and controlling fire hazards during all phases of construction, refurbishment or demolition. It clarifies how to plan fire safety into the job, manage ignition sources, store and handle flammable liquids and gases, maintain clear egress routes, and ensure effective emergency response arrangements are in place and regularly tested.

Developed for the Australian regulatory context, this procedure supports PCBUs and principal contractors to meet their WHS duties and align with relevant building fire safety and hot work requirements. It solves common industry pain points such as inconsistent fire watch arrangements, poorly located extinguishers, blocked access ways, inadequate training for workers and subcontractors, and confusion about responsibilities between trades. By implementing this SOP, construction businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood and severity of fire incidents, protect workers and neighbouring properties, and minimise costly project delays, insurance claims and regulatory enforcement.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of construction site fires by systematically controlling ignition sources, combustible materials and temporary services.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation, fire safety regulations and hot work requirements across all stages of the project.
• Standardise fire safety practices for employees and subcontractors, improving consistency across multiple sites and projects.
• Improve emergency preparedness through clear evacuation procedures, fire warden roles, drills and communication protocols.
• Minimise disruption, damage and insurance exposure by providing a documented, defensible approach to managing fire risk on site.

Who is this for?

• Construction Project Managers
• Site Managers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Principal Contractors
• Fire Wardens and Emergency Wardens
• Civil Construction Supervisors
• Electrical Contractors (Construction)
• Plumbing and Gasfitting Contractors
• Demolition Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Fires caused by hot works (welding, cutting, grinding, soldering)
• Ignition of combustible building materials, packaging and waste
• Flammable and combustible liquid and gas fires (e.g. LPG, fuel, solvents, adhesives)
• Electrical fires from temporary power, switchboards and portable equipment
• Fires in confined spaces or partially enclosed areas
• Spread of fire due to poor housekeeping and accumulation of combustible debris
• Obstructed emergency exits and evacuation routes
• Smoke inhalation and burns to workers and visitors
• Delayed emergency response due to unclear roles or communication failures

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation
• 4.0 Fire Risk Assessment and Planning
• 5.0 Site Layout, Access and Egress Requirements
• 6.0 Control of Ignition Sources and Hot Works
• 7.0 Management of Flammable and Combustible Materials
• 8.0 Temporary Electrical Installations and Equipment Controls
• 9.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Storage Practices
• 10.0 Fire Detection, Alarms and Communication Systems
• 11.0 Firefighting Equipment – Selection, Location and Maintenance
• 12.0 Training, Induction and Toolbox Talks on Fire Safety
• 13.0 Emergency Response, Evacuation Procedures and Assembly Areas
• 14.0 Fire Wardens, Fire Watch Duties and After‑Hours Controls
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 16.0 Monitoring, Inspection Checklists and Review of the SOP
• 17.0 Document Control and Recordkeeping Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and state/territory equivalents) – emergency plans and risk management
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Fire and Explosions at the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS 2444: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location
• AS/NZS 1674.1: Safety in welding and allied processes – Fire precautions
• National Construction Code (NCC) – relevant fire safety and egress provisions