Chapter 23 Fire and explosion hazards

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE 2005) estimated that there are 11 construction site fires every day. There is suggested further reading at the end of this chapter, which gives good guidance on construction fire safety. During this chapter I intend to give you a basic understanding of fire and explosion without any complicated formulae or fancy words. At the end of the chapter you should take away enough information to know the basics and understand when you may need to seek further advice.

In the future you may be presented with a potential risk from fire or explosion; with the following brief notes you should be capable of applying some logic to the challenge you are faced with.