Addressing Construction Fire Risks: The Need for Clear Regulations and Systematic Safety Practices
The recent fire at a water park construction site in Gothenburg has raised significant concerns regarding fire safety regulations in the construction industry. According to the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority, the fire was likely caused by a faulty electrical joint welding, which ignited due to improper handling. Lukas Svärd, CEO of the Swedish Fire Safety Companies (SVEBRA), emphasized that the incident should not be blamed on individuals but rather on a systemic failure of regulations surrounding fire safety.
The fire erupted during the final stages of construction when a plastic pipe was incorrectly welded together due to being too short. The glowing wires of the electrical joint caught fire, leading to severe consequences. This unfortunate event highlighted deficiencies in training and preparation, revealing a flaw in the regulatory framework rather than a fault of the workers involved. Compounding the problem, the temporary fire alarm designed to detect flames during construction was deactivated, with no alternative system in place at the time of the incident.
Similar challenges persist in various construction projects, indicating a recurring issue that necessitates a systemic solution. Svärd asserts that the focus should not be on finding scapegoats but rather on reforming the regulatory system governing fire safety. One significant issue identified is the ambiguity regarding responsibilities within larger construction projects. The distribution of responsibilities often becomes entangled, resulting in situations where multiple subcontractors lead to confusion about who is ultimately accountable for managing fire safety. Svärd argues that clients should empower the main contractor to oversee and coordinate fire safety measures in order to mitigate risks.
Hasse Bergkvist, a SVEBRA expert, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the dangers of unclear roles in large-scale projects. When everyone assumes that someone else is responsible, crucial safety protocols can be neglected. The investigation revealed that electrical joint welding had not been classified as a fire hazard, which perpetuates the existing regulatory weaknesses. According to Bergkvist, proper assessment and monitoring of electrical joint welding, based on supplier instructions, is vital due to its potential risks.
The essence of systematic fire safety work (SBA) is crucial throughout construction processes. Unfortunately, SBA practices were not effectively implemented in this case, leading to regrettable consequences. Had there been diligent monitoring, the fire could potentially have been detected and extinguished before spreading.
Reasons for the inadequate emphasis on SBA include a legal gray area surrounding fire safety regulations during the construction phase. The Accident Prevention Act (LSO) mandates owners or users to proactively protect against fire, but during construction, buildings are not considered 'in use,' creating ambiguity around compliance with systematic fire safety practices. This lack of clarity over responsibilities before a building is fully signed off can endanger the safety of construction sites.
Hasse Bergkvist notes the frequency of fire incidents occurring in the latter stages of construction due to this confusion. Essential components such as training and supervision are often overlooked when roles remain undefined. For a more effective approach to fire safety, clear legislative directives are essential, enabling contractors to recognize their obligations and implement necessary safeguards.
To mitigate future risks, SVEBRA is advocating for improved coordination among relevant fire safety regulations, stressing that existing laws often lack adequate interconnections. Many regulations, such as LSO, AMA, and AFS, must be reviewed collaboratively to establish a coherent legal framework.
In conclusion, SVEBRA urges for immediate action to clarify fire safety regulations and emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive approach to fire risk management in construction. They aim to foster collaboration with regulatory bodies to ensure that fire safety is prioritized, reducing the risk of similar incidents reoccurring in the future. As Svärd stated, 'We cannot afford to wait,' calling for stakeholders to participate in shaping effective fire safety approaches that can operate adequately within the realities of construction work.
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