Darrick Cheung
Advisory Leader, Marsh Hong Kong & Macau
While fires in buildings are unfortunately not uncommon, they can escalate rapidly during renovation, alteration and addition (A&A) works. These activities often take place within existing structures where fire protection systems may be compromised, fire alarms temporarily disabled and fire-retardant materials inadequately applied, resulting in reduced early warning capabilities. Additionally, the presence of scaffolding on the external walls of buildings can further accelerate the spread of fire.
All these factors significantly increase the potential severity of fires, making vigilant fire risk management absolutely essential throughout renovation and A&A projects.
10 risk management strategies for preventing fires during renovation and A&A work
- Review impairment procedures: Ensure the effectiveness of procedures related to permitting impairments, including notifications and communications of such impairments, rectification of any defects in fire protection systems, and verification of full system restoration to normal operation after the works.
- Establish formal evacuation routes and plans: Develop and communicate clear evacuation procedures for both staff and visitors, applicable during normal operations and renovation activities.
- Enhance risk identification and safety inspections: Regularly assess contractor work areas to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Maintain at least one fully operational fire safety system: Ensure that at least one sprinkler or fire safety system remains active at all times to provide minimum fire protection coverage.
- Use fire-retardant protective screens: Install fire-resistant screens on scaffolding faces to help contain potential fires.
- Keep windows closed during works: This helps prevent the spread of dense smoke and flames into adjacent areas in the event of a fire on external scaffolding.
- Promote fire safety awareness: Encourage building owners and occupants to participate in fire prevention seminars and regular fire drills.
- Increase inspections of public areas: Ensure escape routes remain unobstructed, smoke stop doors are kept closed, and exit doors on ground floors and rooftops are unlocked and accessible.
- Notify your insurance broker of any system disengagement: Inform your insurance broker promptly if sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, or similar protections are disabled so that they can advise your property insurer accordingly.
- Engage a trusted risk advisor: Our experienced fire engineers are here to help you identify potential fire hazards, implement effective risk mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Key services include:
- Site surveys and walkarounds: Conduct thorough inspections to identify fire hazards or risks, including disabled or muted fire protection systems.
- Fire engineering design: Develop fire protection solutions tailored to meet regulatory requirements.
- Fire modelling: Simulate fire behaviour to understand how a fire may progress in a specific location.
- Fire evacuation modelling: Simulate fire progression alongside evacuation processes to identify potential bottlenecks and improve safety measures.
Protect your building from fire risks during renovation and A&A work. Connect with a Marsh representative today for expert advice or to schedule a comprehensive fire resilience inspection.
Marsh is one of the Marsh McLennan Companies, together with Guy Carpenter, Mercer, and Oliver Wyman. This document and any recommendations, analysis, or advice provided by Marsh (collectively, the "Marsh Analysis" are not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we make no representation or warranty as to its accuracy. Marsh shall have no obligation to update the Marsh Analysis and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. Any modeling, analytics, or projections are subject to inherent uncertainty, and the Marsh Analysis could be materially affected if any underlying assumptions, conditions, information, or factors are inaccurate or incomplete or should change. Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wording or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or reinsurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage. Although Marsh may provide advice and recommendations, all decisions regarding the amount, type or terms of coverage are the ultimate responsibility of the insurance purchaser, who must decide on the specific coverage that is appropriate to its particular circumstances and financial position.
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