SOCOTEC highlights construction fire safety advice on scaffold sheeting
Iain Hoey
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Construction covering materials guidance restated
SOCOTEC UK & Ireland has reminded construction firms of UK recommendations on temporary protective covering materials (TPCMs) used on construction sites.
The company said it has provided fire safety advice to construction sites for over 10 years, supporting compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and insurer requirements.
SOCOTEC said the reminder follows increased attention on TPCMs and what it described as uncertainty within the industry.
Construction requirements for scaffold cladding
SOCOTEC referenced the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation (JCoP) for recommendations on flexible materials used to clad scaffolding.
The guidance quoted by SOCOTEC states: “10.3 When flexible materials are used to clad scaffolding, these materials must conform to the requirements of LPS 1215: Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing for fire performance of containment net and sheet materials for external use on construction sites (ref 15) or Warringtonfire Certifire Technical Schedule 62, Reaction to fire performance requirements: materials used to clad scaffolding (ref 16).
“The material shall be manufactured in accordance with a quality assurance and certification programme, and the scaffolding covering material shall be approved by a third-party certification body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.
“The relevant approval mark shall be printed on the material”.
HSG168 advice on scaffold sheeting
SOCOTEC also cited Health and Safety Executive guidance in HSG168 on the use of fire-retardant scaffold sheeting where scaffolding forms part of the means of escape.
HSG168 states: “207 If the scaffold is intended as part of the means of escape the scaffold sheeting must be to a flame-retardant standard and you must carefully consider the extent of the sheeting.
“Do not use the sheeting to enclose scaffold stair towers or escape ladders (see Figure 7).
“This is to minimise smoke in the escape route and make fire and rescue service access easier.
“Flame-retardant sheeting is also recommended in other circumstances such as on a structure containing exposed timber or flammable insulation material or on an occupied building.
“An example of sheeting that satisfies flame-retardant criteria is that which complies with the Loss Prevention Standard LPS 1215 or equivalent, such as TS62: Technical Schedule 62: Reaction to fire performance requirements: materials used to clad scaffolding, CERTIFIRE product certification scheme.
“Products compliant with either standard will be marked with the relevant certification.
“If the sheeting is printed with an image or colour this may affect its compliance with the flame-retardant testing.”
SOCOTEC recommends reviewing materials in use
With the guidance in mind, SOCOTEC recommended that construction firms review any covering materials currently used on their sites.
The company said it provides Construction Fire Safety strategies for firms across the UK & Ireland, with a primary goal of practical solutions for fire safety problems that can be encountered on construction sites.
SOCOTEC said its website sets out information for organisations starting their own Construction Fire Safety Strategy.
The company added that its communication was provided for general information purposes and should not be treated as professional advice for specific project circumstances.
