Enforcement Guidance Construction Consultation

Consultation on NFCC Enforcement Guidance: Enforcement Guidance Pilot Document – Construction

This Enforcement Guidance has been developed by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to support fire and rescue services (FRS) in navigating enforcement responsibilities during construction activities. Construction sites present unique and elevated fire risks, often due to temporary hazards such as structural modifications, removal of fire compartmentation, and the use of specific materials and techniques. This guidance aims to clarify enforcement roles under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended), particularly in scenarios where construction occurs alongside occupancy.

Enforcement Guidance documents are NFCC’s most robust form of guidance and are designed for use by competent and authorised fire safety inspectors. While not mandatory, they serve as critical benchmarks and may be referenced in inspections, legal proceedings, and public inquiries. This document provides practical support for joint inspections with the HSE, especially in high-risk residential buildings (HRRBs), and outlines key principles to inform enforcement decisions.

We invite you to review and comment on the proposed content. Your feedback will help ensure the guidance is clear, proportionate, and fit for purpose across a range of operational contexts. The document will be subject to periodic review and updated as required to maintain its relevance and accuracy.

Please note that this guidance complements, but does not replace, statutory publications such as HSG168 and HSG150. It does not cover evidence gathering or prosecution procedures, which remain subject to local service policy.

Your participation is greatly appreciated. Your insights will help ensure NFCC Enforcement Guidance continues to reflect the highest standards of professional practice in fire safety.

This survey will close at the end of the day on 9am Monday 1st December For any queries, please contact Brian Harvey or PPRUadminteam@NFCC.org.uk

Please do not comment on any formatting errors within this draft document.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important consultation.

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