Fire safety remains one of the most critical aspects of construction site management. Every project, regardless of size or duration, must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment (FRA) in place. But who is responsible for it, and what should it cover?
At Majestic Construction, we work with clients, Principal Designers, and site teams to ensure fire safety is managed from design through to completion. Understanding responsibilities is key to staying compliant and keeping people safe.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every workplace — including temporary construction sites — must have a fire risk assessment. It is a legal duty to identify fire hazards, assess who might be at risk, and implement suitable controls.
The assessment must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever site conditions change, such as during new phases of construction.
Responsibility depends on the stage of the project and the structure of the works. Typically:
– The **Client** must ensure competent dutyholders are appointed under CDM 2015 and that suitable fire safety arrangements are in place.
– The **Principal Contractor** is responsible for developing and maintaining the fire risk assessment on site.
– The **Site Manager** or nominated Fire Marshal manages daily fire safety checks, drills, and updates.
Ultimately, everyone on site has a duty to follow fire safety procedures and report issues.
A good fire risk assessment includes:
– Identification of ignition sources and combustible materials.
– Fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.
– Safe access and evacuation routes.
– Location of fire points and extinguishers.
– Hot works controls and permit systems.
– Emergency procedures and training records.
At Majestic Construction, we tailor each FRA to the specific layout, phase, and risks of the project.
Many contractors make the mistake of using a generic assessment that does not reflect site conditions. Others fail to update the FRA as work progresses. Common issues include poor access to extinguishers, untested alarms, and unclear evacuation signage.
These are simple but serious oversights that can lead to enforcement action or worse.
On a multi-storey refurbishment in Manchester, Majestic Construction introduced a phased fire strategy aligned to the build sequence. By updating the FRA for each level as works advanced, we maintained clear escape routes and effective alarm coverage throughout. The project passed every audit with zero findings.
Effective fire safety comes from active management, not paperwork alone.
Fire risk is ever-present on construction sites. Having a live, accurate fire risk assessment not only keeps workers safe but protects your reputation, your programme, and your legal compliance.
How Majestic Construction Can Help
Majestic Construction provides professional fire risk assessments and ongoing fire safety management support, including:
– FRA preparation and site-specific updates.
– Fire warden training and daily inspection templates.
– Principal Contractor and CDM compliance management.
– Liaison with local fire authorities and regulators.
We keep your site safe, compliant, and audit-ready.
Call 01484 426302 or email lee@majesticsconstruction.co.uk to discuss CHAS accreditation support.
Majestic Construction – Compliance made easy.
