Construction-Phase Fire Safety Planning and Fire Risk Assessment
Project overview
United Living appointed J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants to provide fire safety support during the construction of a new high-rise residential development on Tariff Street in Manchester.
As experienced fire engineers and fire safety consultants, our role was to ensure the construction site remained safe, compliant and fully aligned with UK fire safety regulations throughout the build.
The challenge
High-rise construction projects in city-centre locations present unique fire safety challenges. Incomplete compartmentation, hot works, temporary evacuation routes and combustible storage all create risks that change as construction progresses.
Without a robust construction-phase fire safety plan and site-specific fire risk assessment, these risks can compromise compliance and safety.
Our approach
J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants developed a detailed construction-phase fire safety plan tailored to the Tariff Street development. This was supported by a site-specific fire risk assessment that identified hazards and set out practical control measures.
Key elements of our approach included:
- Preparing a construction-phase fire safety plan aligned with HSG168: Fire safety in construction
- Carrying out a full fire risk assessment at the start of the project
- Returning to the site every six months to review changing conditions and update the relevant documents
- Advising United Living’s project team on temporary fire safety measures, including escape routes, fire stopping, hot works and the safe storage of combustible materials
- Ensuring fire safety documentation evolved alongside site progress and remained regulator-ready
Logistics and site considerations
The project was located in Manchester city centre, surrounded by other developments and with restricted access. This required careful coordination of inspections and fire safety reviews to avoid disruption to the construction programme.
Our phased visits ensured new risks were identified and managed promptly, helping the site team maintain compliance and operational safety.
Results and benefits
By providing ongoing fire safety consultancy throughout construction, J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants delivered:
- A live, adaptable fire safety plan that evolved with the project
- Regularly updated fire risk assessments that captured new hazards as the build progressed
- Practical recommendations that could be implemented without delaying work
- Confidence that the project remained compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and construction fire safety best practice
Conclusion
The Tariff Street high-rise project demonstrates the importance of proactive fire safety management during construction.
By working closely with United Living, J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants provided a clear and structured approach that reduced risk, supported compliance and safeguarded workers and the wider public throughout the build.
For more information about our construction-phase fire safety services across the UK, contact J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants.
