Product Overview

Summary: This Safety Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls for managing fire risk during the installation, removal and maintenance of insulation in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses integrate fire-safe work methods into everyday insulation tasks, supporting WHS compliance while protecting workers, property and clients from preventable fire incidents.

Insulation work, particularly in roof spaces, wall cavities and plant rooms, can significantly increase fire risk if not managed systematically. Hot work, electrical services, recessed lighting, combustible insulation products and confined roof voids all create conditions where a small oversight can lead to a serious fire. This Fire Safety in Insulation Applications SOP provides a structured, step-by-step approach to planning, carrying out and reviewing insulation activities with fire prevention and emergency readiness at the forefront.

Designed for Australian conditions and regulatory expectations, the procedure guides workers and supervisors through pre-start fire risk assessments, product selection and compatibility checks, safe installation around electrical and heat sources, housekeeping and waste control, and post-installation inspections. It helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood of smouldering fires after completion, and provide clear instructions for responding to fire or smoke during works. By implementing this SOP, organisations can lift their fire safety performance, standardise training for installers, and build a strong, defensible safety culture across all insulation projects.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of fire ignition during insulation installation, removal and maintenance activities.
• Ensure insulation works are planned and executed in line with Australian fire safety, building and WHS requirements.
• Standardise safe work methods across crews, subcontractors and sites, improving quality and consistency.
• Minimise the risk of costly property damage, project delays and regulatory action following fire incidents.
• Support effective training and onboarding of new installers with clear, task-specific fire safety guidance.

Who is this for?

• Insulation Installers
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Fire Wardens and Emergency Coordinators
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Residential and Commercial Builders
• HVAC Contractors
• Retrofit and Energy Efficiency Program Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of combustible insulation materials from hot work (grinders, welders, heat guns)
• Contact between insulation and hot surfaces such as flues, downlights, transformers and HVAC plant
• Smouldering fires in roof spaces or wall cavities after completion of works
• Electrical faults where insulation is installed over or around non-compliant wiring or fittings
• Spread of fire due to blocked or bridged fire breaks and penetrations
• Accumulation of combustible waste, offcuts and packaging in work areas
• Restricted access and egress in roof spaces and ceiling voids during a fire emergency
• Exposure to smoke and heat during fire response or evacuation

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Fire Safety Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Installers, Fire Wardens)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Fire Risk Assessment for Insulation Works
• 6.0 Selection of Insulation Materials and Fire Performance Considerations
• 7.0 Pre-Start Site Inspection and Fire Safety Checks
• 8.0 Controls for Working Near Electrical Services and Heat Sources
• 9.0 Safe Work Methods in Roof Spaces, Ceiling Voids and Confined Areas
• 10.0 Hot Work Controls and Permit Requirements (if applicable)
• 11.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Storage of Combustible Materials
• 12.0 Use, Placement and Inspection of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Equipment
• 13.0 Step-by-Step Installation Procedure with Fire Safety Controls
• 14.0 Post-Installation Inspection, Sign-Off and Documentation
• 15.0 Emergency Response, Fire, Smoke and Evacuation Procedures
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of the SOP
• 18.0 Recordkeeping and Audit Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Fire Safety and Energy Efficiency provisions
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS 3999: Bulk thermal insulation – Installation
• AS 1530 series: Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice (for roof space access and egress)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice (where applicable to insulation products)
• State and territory Fire and Rescue Service guidelines for insulation around downlights and heat sources