Fire Safety Planning During Major Projects and Renovations
Renovations and major construction projects are a common and often necessary part of maintaining and improving residential and commercial properties. Whether upgrading systems, refreshing spaces, or completing structural repairs, these projects frequently involve a variety of contractors working within the building. Amid all the planning and coordination, one crucial element must not be overlooked—Fire Safety Planning.
Owner & Property Manager Responsibilities
Before any work begins, building owners or their designated representatives are legally responsible for ensuring fire safety protocols are in place and followed. This includes:
Providing Contractors with a current, and approved Fire Safety Plan:
Contractors must be given a copy of the building’s approved Fire Safety Plan and be clearly informed about the emergency procedures in place - and understand both the roles and responsbilities and preventative measures established under that approved fire safety plan.Communicating Emergency Protocols:
It’s essential that all workers on-site understand their roles and responsibilities in the event of a fire or other emergency. Effective communication ensures everyone can respond quickly and appropriately.
Contractors and Service Providers
Service providers play a key role in managing fire safety during construction or renovation activities. Their responsibilities include:
Overseeing Safe Work Practices
Ensuring that all contractors are qualified, using certified equipment, and operating with the proper permits.Monitoring Worksite Safety
Verifying that safety practices are followed consistently throughout the project, including adherence to hot work procedures and hazard control measures.
Hot Work Permits
Renovation tasks involving welding, soldering, cutting, or similar activities are classified as hot work. These processes pose an increased fire risk and require a Hot Work Permit, which must be:
Reviewed and approved by the building’s Fire Safety Plan lead.
Conducted only when proper precautions have been taken to protect surrounding flammable or combustible materials.
This permitting process is designed to minimize the risk of fire during high-risk tasks.
Updating the Fire Safety Plan
Before demolition or construction begins, the building’s Fire Safety Plan must be reviewed and updated to reflect any temporary changes or hazards introduced by the work. This includes:
Adding Temporary Fire Safety Measures
Defining New Emergency Evacuation Routes (if applicable)
Outlining Additional Safety Precautions for Workers and Occupants
This may involve a dedicated Fire Safety Plan - approved bythe Fire Services.
Fire Watch & Fire Department Notification
Some major projects may impact the building’s fire and life safety systems. In cases where systems are temporarily disabled or offline—such as:
Fire alarm panels
Sprinkler systems
Standpipes
Fire pumps
A fire watch, or alternative measures must be implemented to maintain occupant safety. If these systems will be non-operational for more than 24 hours, the building Owner is often required to notify the local fire department - and at times - the occupants themselves.
Partnering with National Life Safety Group
At National Life Safety Group, we support building owners and property managers through all phases of fire safety planning during construction and renovation. Our team can help:
Fire Engineering & Fire Code Compliance
Builidng Code / Fire Code Compliance Assessments
AHJ Assistance
Review and update Fire Safety Plans
Coordinate temporary fire safety strategies
Manage hot work permitting
Provide training and guidance for your emergency coordinators
With every project, our goal is to ensure compliance with codes while keeping occupants, workers, and your building protected.