HSG 168 Fire Safety in Construction Consultants

Fire safety is critical during all phases of construction projects and needs to be managed from the earliest design stages. It helps prevent injuries to people and protect buildings from fires and the correct way of handling them if they do occur.

In practice, HSG 168 is most effective when applied by competent fire safety professionals who understand how construction fire risks evolve throughout a project. Fire engineers and specialist fire safety consultants play a key role in interpreting the guidance, carrying out site-specific risk assessments, and ensuring controls remain proportionate as works progress.

What Is the HSG 168 Fire Safety in Construction?

HSG 168 Fire safety in construction is a reference book published by the Health and Safety Executive. Designers, clients, and people who complete construction work with fire risks for large and small construction sites will benefit from the information contained in this book.

What Is the Purpose of the HSG 168 Guidance?

The HSG 168 Guidance was published to help duty holders comply with health and safety laws and minimise risks. Those designated will be able to see what they will need to change to be proactive so that there is minimal risk to the people at the site and other sites in the area.

Since this is a thorough look into all that can be done, it’s a reference material that is highly recommended, although it’s not mandatory to follow.

How Fire Engineers Apply HSG 168 in Construction Projects

While HSG 168 provides practical guidance, it does not replace the need for competent professional input. Fire engineers support construction projects by applying HSG 168 proportionately, based on the size, complexity, and risk profile of the site.

This includes:

• Advising designers and contractors on construction-phase fire risks
• Reviewing temporary fire precautions as buildings evolve
• Coordinating fire strategy intent with construction activities
• Ensuring fire risk assessments remain suitable and sufficient throughout each phase of works

This approach aligns HSG 168 with wider fire engineering duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

What Are the Sections to the HSG 168 Guidance?

There is a lot of information covered in the HSG 168 guidance. This is so designated duty holders are sure of what they are doing with their fire safety. It will help them to follow the laws and regulations.

Since it goes into great detail to explain various issues, it has separated the information into three parts. The three parts to the HSG 168 guidance will help give the needed information, so the people involved in the construction project are sure that they comply with their legal duties relating to fire risks.

Part 1

Part 1 covers all the information that is needed for a risk assessment. A fire risk assessment is necessary so that it’s known what to do next. When the risk assessment is completed, it will be a foundation for fire precaution measures to take on the premises.

It also provides a five-step plan for conducting a fire risk assessment to cover all of the information. The five step plan is as follows.

Step 1 Identify Hazards

In Step 1 the hazards become known. This is how people will know what they need to concentrate on during the process. A fire risk assessor will check into a variety of issues that can be something that will be likely to cause fire and danger to the people on the site. Once the hazards are identified, the next step is put into action.

Step 2 Identify People Most at Risk

People are the point of Step 2. This is to help to identify who is most at risk and to prevent injuries. Once the people at the most risk are known, more measures can be taken to not be in danger while they are working.

When this happens, it begins the next step in completing a plan of action that will produce a much better fire safety plan.

Step 3 Evaluate, Remove, Reduce and Protect from Risk

Step 3 deals with several issues. It’s when the risks are looked at closely by HSG 168 Fire Safety in Construction Consultants, then reduced and removed. This will help to protect site workers. Since this is an essential step, it must be completed in a detailed and methodical way.

Step 4 Record, Plan, Inform, Instruct and Train

The purpose of Step 4 is to make a record of everything found and the actions you have taken. A clear plan must be produced of how to prevent fire and how you will keep people safe in case of fire and sharing it with everyone involved, so they are aware of what they need to do. This step will also highlight any necessary training that must be provided.

Step 5 Review

Step 5 is for keeping your fire safety risk assessment under regular review. During the construction phases, the risks will change over time and should anything significant be identified, it will require changes to the plan, and everyone will need informing.

Part 2

This is when the fire risk assessment and precautions are detailed and is divided into specific sections:

• Reducing ignition sources
• Reducing potential fuel sources
• General fire precautions
• Emergency procedures
• Higher fire risk methods and materials of construction
• Guidance for multi-storey buildings (new or refurbished)

Part 3

In this part, the legal responsibilities are taught and how enforcement is handled. The fire regulations that govern construction and how they impact construction sites are also covered.

Conclusion

It’s highly recommended that the HSG 168 guidance be taken seriously and covered thoroughly. During the constriction phases, many changes can affect fire safety. Following the guidance will protect people and save buildings and the equipment in them.

HSG 168 provides a recognised framework for managing construction fire risks in line with current UK fire safety law and HSE expectations.

We offer fire safety engineering services during all phases of construction projects, including HSG 168 Fire Risk Assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HSG 168 Fire Safety in Construction?

HSG 168 is official guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that explains how to manage fire risks on construction sites. It applies to projects of all sizes and covers design, construction, refurbishment, and demolition activities.

Is HSG 168 a legal requirement?

HSG 168 itself is not law, but it supports compliance with UK health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Following its guidance helps duty holders demonstrate good practice.

Who should follow HSG 168 guidance?

HSG 168 is relevant to clients, designers, principal contractors, site managers, and anyone responsible for managing fire risks during construction work.

What does HSG 168 cover?

The guidance is split into three parts, covering fire risk assessment, fire prevention and protection measures, emergency procedures, and legal responsibilities during construction activities.

Does HSG 168 require a fire risk assessment?

Yes. HSG 168 places strong emphasis on carrying out and regularly reviewing fire risk assessments throughout construction projects, as site conditions and risks change over time.

How does HSG 168 apply to construction sites?

HSG 168 provides practical guidance on controlling ignition sources, managing combustible materials, planning emergency procedures, and coordinating fire precautions during different construction phases.

What role do fire engineers play in HSG 168 compliance?

Fire engineers help interpret and apply HSG 168 guidance to specific construction projects. They support risk assessments, fire strategies, temporary fire precautions, and coordination between design intent and construction activities.

Does HSG 168 apply to refurbishment projects?

Yes. HSG 168 applies to both new-build and refurbishment projects, where changing layouts, temporary works, and live occupancy can significantly affect fire risk.