Temporary buildings and temporary accommodation

Temporary buildings include prefabricated cabins, site huts, and portable buildings used during works. Temporary accommodation includes segregated parts of buildings under construction or refurbishment.

The fire risk assessment must detail arrangements for these structures and be reviewed periodically.

Temporary buildings should be separated from other structures by a fire break, ideally 10m wide, but at least 6m where practicable.

Fire breaks should be clear of combustible materials.

Temporary buildings must be constructed with materials that do not significantly contribute to fire growth or smoke propagation, meeting criteria in the Fire Prevention on Construction Sites JCoP.

Where the floor of a temporary building is raised above ground level, the space beneath must be enclosed to prevent rubbish accumulation, whilst still allowing underfloor ventilation.

No combustible materials should be stored under any temporary building.

Fire exits should lead directly to the open air, and escape routes must be inspected periodically.

Automatic fire detection linked to the project fire alarm is mandatory in all temporary buildings and accommodation. These are to be installed on the ceiling. Detection systems must be compatible with chosen fire alarms and installed where flammable materials are stored or used.

Open plan areas should be subdivided by fire resisting construction where necessary.

Sleeping accommodation is discouraged and permitted only under exceptional circumstances, separated from work areas with no interconnecting routes.