How can I protect my Essex business from fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations?
Fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations are a real and present concern for many Essex businesses, and in this guide you will learn practical steps to identify, reduce and manage those risks. I explain legal duties, the common hazards to watch for, how to choose competent contractors, the checks and maintenance you should schedule, and the sensible interim controls that keep staff and visitors safe while temporary equipment is in place.
What we mean by fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations
The phrase fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations covers items and systems that are not part of your building’s permanent services. Examples include hired generators, temporary lighting rigs, concession catering equipment, pop-up retail units, rented refrigeration, and power distribution for events or building works.
These installations can introduce ignition sources, increase fuel loads and change escape routes. Recognising that they are temporary does not reduce your legal duty to control the risks. For authoritative government guidance see GOV.UK.
Why Essex businesses must manage these fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations
Temporary equipment often combines electrical loads, combustible fabrics, cooking appliances and fuel cylinders in compact areas. That mix raises the chance of overheating, sparks, leaks or rapid fire spread. In addition, temporary layouts tend to alter means of escape and may increase occupancy numbers.
If you are the responsible person for premises in Essex you must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place and that the findings are recorded and acted on. Government guidance explains these duties clearly through GOV.UK.
Start with a site-specific risk assessment
Begin by treating each temporary installation as a change to your premises. A separate, site-specific assessment should:
identify ignition sources, fuels and people at risk;
confirm whether temporary wiring or appliances meet required standards;
check means of escape and emergency access are maintained;
note any changes to alarm or suppression effectiveness;
set proportionate actions and responsible owners.
If the installation covers communal areas or attracts the public, record the assessment and share it with contractors and staff. For complex sites consider a competent external assessor. The NFCC provides event and temporary-structure templates that help frame your assessment.
Control the main hazards: electrical and power distribution
Electrical faults are a leading cause of fires in temporary setups. To reduce risk, apply the following measures as part of your assessment and contract terms.
Require all temporary electrical work to be designed and installed by a competent electrician and tested before use.
Ensure RCD protection and correct earthing on all temporary circuits.
Keep cables tidy, protected from damage and off public walkways where possible.
Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads and check plug and socket ratings.
Adopt a planned inspection and test regime for temporary installations and portable tools.
The HSE guidance on electrical safety stresses a risk-based approach to inspection and testing of portable appliances and temporary wiring; if in doubt consult a qualified contractor.
Safe management of hot works, cooking and fuel
Where hot works or cooking take place during a temporary installation, control measures must be stricter. Use hot-work permits, fire watches and exclusion zones for naked flames. Store LPG cylinders and fuel away from fabric canopies and provide secure supports and ventilation for gas appliances.
For public-facing catering units you should insist on evidence of safe installation and operational checks from suppliers before trading begins. Local fire and rescue services and event planning guidance make these expectations explicit. See guidance from Bute Park for an example of event-focused expectations.
Choose competent suppliers and check documentation
Good suppliers reduce risk. Ask temporary-works contractors for design and installation certificates (electrical, structural and gas where applicable) and for detailed risk assessments and method statements for their works.
Request proof of competence, insurance and relevant trade memberships.
Confirm that temporary structures meet BS EN 13782 or appropriate standards for tents and membrane structures when relevant.
Always verify that any certificate and safety documents are valid for the site and the activity planned. If equipment is hired, confirm who is responsible for regular inspections during the hire period.
Protect people: means of escape, detection and firefighting
Temporary installations must never reduce or block escape routes. Before any works begin, map arrival and egress routes and keep them clear.
Also consider temporary detection where mains alarms may be ineffective, visible and appropriate firefighting equipment close to potential ignition sources, and clearly briefed fire marshals and site supervisors who know where equipment and isolation switches are located.
For portable firefighting appliances, use a professionally maintained service and ensure extinguishers are suitable for the hazards present. Total Safe’s fire extinguisher maintenance team can help supply and service appropriate units for temporary sites.
Testing, inspection and routine checks to reduce fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations
Set a schedule of checks that matches the risk. For many temporary electrical installations on construction or event sites, more frequent inspections are required than for permanent systems.
Daily visual checks, weekly supervisory inspections and formal testing at intervals agreed with your competent electrician keep systems safe. Portable appliances and power tools should be PAT-tested and visually checked as your risk assessment specifies.
Keep records of all inspections and repairs; these support compliance and insurance claims if an incident occurs. For testing services see PAT testing services.
Contractor control and supervision
Appoint a named site supervisor to enforce safety rules. Make sure contractors sign in and receive site safety briefings and follow permit-to-work systems for hot works and confined spaces.
Require contractors to report defects immediately and to stop work where hazards cannot be controlled. Insist on evidence of testing and servicing for temporary plant and appliances.
Co-ordinate start and finish times to reduce overlap between trades. When multiple contractors work in the same area you must ensure cooperation and communication so that one activity does not create new fire risks for another. See GOV.UK guidance on responsible persons and duty-holders.
Practical interim controls you can use right now
If you need fast, sensible controls while a permanent solution is planned, consider the following interim measures and log them in your fire records.
Dedicated isolation switches or firefighter’s switches for temporary lighting and external displays.
Temporary fire watches when alarm or suppression systems are offline.
Secure fuel storage and spill kits for any liquid fuels.
Exclusion zones for public access around electrical distribution units.
Signage to show emergency routes and who to call in an emergency.
Record each interim control in your fire log and assign a date for review or removal. These small steps reduce likelihood of ignition and keep occupants safer while work continues.
Staff training and emergency planning
Make sure staff and contractors know what to do if a fire starts. Provide short, practical briefings for how to raise the alarm and who to call, immediate actions for fire marshals and nominated fire watchers, assembly points and evacuation routes for temporary layouts, and safe shutdown of temporary equipment.
Practical drills help embed knowledge quickly. Also keep a clear, up-to-date fire logbook recording training, equipment checks and test results. If you prefer specialist help, Total Safe offers fire marshal training and practical site exercises.
Insurance, permits and liaison with authorities
For events or major temporary installations, check whether permits or approvals are required from your local authority or Safety Advisory Group. You may also need to notify or consult Essex Fire and Rescue Service if public safety could be affected.
Keep insurers informed of significant temporary changes to activity, as failure to notify can affect cover. The Building Safety Act changes also require clear documentation of assessments and safety arrangements in many non-domestic buildings. See GOV.UK for detail.
How Total Safe can help you manage fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations
Total Safe supports Essex businesses with site surveys, fire risk assessments, temporary structure checks, PAT testing and extinguisher provision and servicing. We can produce a tailored action plan for temporary installations, carry out regular inspections, and deliver training to your staff and contractors.
For more detail on our services see Fire Safety Services and fire extinguisher maintenance service.
Conclusion and recommended next steps
Protecting your Essex business from fire risks associated with temporary equipment installations requires planning, competent suppliers and clear supervision. Start with a site-specific risk assessment, insist on qualified installation and testing, implement proportionate interim controls, and keep records of inspections, training and certificates.
If you need expert input, commission a competent assessor or ask Total Safe to conduct an independent survey and provide a practical remediation plan.
For authoritative guidance on legal duties and fire risk assessments, consult the GOV.UK fire safety guidance and HSE guidance on electrical safety.
FAQ
Q: Who is the responsible person for temporary installations on my site?
A: The responsible person is usually the employer, building owner or occupier with control over the premises. If multiple parties share control, responsibility must be coordinated and documented. See guidance for duty-holders on GOV.UK.
Q: How often should temporary electrical installations be tested?
A: Testing frequency should be risk based. Construction and event-style temporary installations commonly require more frequent inspection and formal testing than permanent systems; discuss exact intervals with a competent electrician. For reference materials relating to BS 7671 see the linked technical guidance.
Q: Do hired appliances need PAT testing while on site?
A: Yes. Portable appliances used on your premises should be subject to suitable inspection or PAT testing at intervals determined by risk, use and the environment. Keep proof of inspection from hire companies. See GOV.UK guidance for more detail.
Q: What should I ask temporary-structure suppliers to prove?
A: Request design and installation certificates, evidence of compliance with relevant standards (for example BS EN 13782 where appropriate), a signed safety certificate on handover and a wind-management plan for fabric structures.
Q: Where can I find official checklists and templates for events?
A: The National Fire Chiefs Council provides event safety templates and checklists for organisers, including temporary-structure and trader risk assessment forms. See the NFCC event safety guidance.
Further reading and official guidance
GOV.UK fire safety risk assessment guidance for workplaces and events: GOV.UK fire safety risk assessment guidance.
HSE guidance on electrical safety and working near electricity: HSE guidance on electrical safety.
For event planning and temporary-structure templates, see the National Fire Chiefs Council’s event safety resources: NFCC event safety guidance.
If you would like a site visit, a tailored fire risk assessment for a temporary installation or help scheduling inspections and PAT testing, contact Total Safe via our Fire Safety Services or book our fire extinguisher maintenance service.
