High profile fires have increased in recent years
Allianz has launched a campaign to highlight the fire risks associated with timber frame construction sites.
The company has issued thousands of fire safety leaflets to its brokers and clients as it seeks to help reduce the frequency and severity of timber-related construction site fires that have occurred in recent years.
The campaign draws attention to the minimum site safety standards as set out in the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation.
The leaflet also contains a list of do’s and don’ts to ensure that adequate fire detection and prevention systems are incorporated during the design and planning stages and that work on a site is undertaken to the highest standards of fire safety.
Martin Ball, underwriting and operations manager for Allianz Engineering, said: “To date, priority has largely been given to implementing health and safety measures which protect the personnel on site, which is, of course, very important. We hope this campaign will create awareness amongst brokers and help clients to put the fire security of their sites and the physical assets higher up the safety agenda.”
Steve Coates, head of property and casualty at Allianz Commercial, said: “There has been a significant growth in timber frame construction projects and figures suggest that 35% of new builds inthe UK are now timber frame. Importantly, many of these projects are now high-rise, presenting an even greater fire risk.”
He adds: “The number of high-profile fires in recent years should be a warning that site personnel need to be aware of the risk of fire at all times and take the necessary prevention measures.”
