Review of Risk Factors of Construction Site Fire and Suggestions for its Mitigation

Abstract

India lacks guideline for fire safety at construction sites. But site contains all normal elements of an existing building that can pose fire hazard plus many extra risk factors such as flammable chemicals, spark-generating tools, inadequate provision of fire protection system etc. Hence, risk associated with fire at sites for new construction alteration or demolition is higher. Human response performance is also poorer for site fire adding to the seriousness of the problem. While in India, infrastructure is booming and at the same time many devastating fires have taken place in recent years, it is hightime to formulate guidelines to control site fire. Considering the limitation of using a conventional fire protection system at site, this paper reviews fire norms prevalent in other countries and highlights the major concerns. In this context, extended role of various key players of construction industry such as designers, contractors, clients etc is also discussed.