Addressing the Root Causes of Construction Fires: Insights from SVEBRA
In the wake of a devastating swimming pool fire in Gothenburg, the State Accident Investigations Board has concluded that faulty electrical coupling welding was the probable cause. Lukas Svärd, CEO of Swedish Fire Protection Companies SVEBRA, indicates that the inherent issues leading to the fire stem from ambiguous regulations concerning fire protection.
Svärd emphasizes the need for systemic improvements rather than scapegoating individuals involved in the incident. He highlights that the fire ignited during the final stages of construction when a plastic pipe was improperly welded despite being too short. This error resulted in a spark from the welding wire within the electrical coupling, which ignited the fire. He asserts that deficiencies in training and preparation during the work phase reflect a systemic error in regulatory oversight, not merely individual negligence.
Compounding the risk, the temporary fire alarm system intended to alert workers during construction was deactivated, and the new system was not operational at the time of the incident. Svärd notes that such challenges are not isolated; similar patterns are observed across multiple construction sites, signaling a broader issue that necessitates attention and resolution.
He stresses that the fire incident is emblematic of deeper problems within the construction industry, particularly regarding unclear responsibility distribution among contractors. In many large-scale projects, the main contractor often employs various subcontractors, while clients may simultaneously hire additional contractors outside the main agreement. Svärd advocates for the main contractor to take charge of the systematic fire protection responsibilities to minimize confusion and enhance safety.
Hasse Bergkvist, a SVEBRA expert, reinforces this perspective, pointing out the significant risk of ambiguity where responsibilities overlap. "When everyone believes that someone else is in charge, accountability is lost," he observes. The assumption that the work was not classified as hazardous led to a failure in applying the necessary regulatory protocols, according to Svärd and Bergkvist.
The concept of systematic fire protection work (SBA) is designed to ensure ongoing risk assessment and management, regardless of the perceived danger level of a task. However, the SBA was inadequately implemented during construction, which could have led to effective monitoring. "Had there been proper oversight, the fire might have been noticed and extinguished before significant damage occurred," Bergkvist notes.
Despite the clear need for structured fire safety protocols, Svärd points out a legal vacuum surrounding construction projects. The existing Law on Protection Against Accidents (LSO) stipulates that owners or users of buildings must engage in preventive fire measures, but this requirement is rendered ambiguous during construction phases when the building is not yet in use. Consequently, it remains unclear who bears the responsibility for fire protection before the building is fully completed and inspected.
This lack of clarity about accountability, especially towards the conclusion of construction projects, has become a concerning norm, with many fires occurring at this critical stage. The absence of robust training, monitoring, and risk assessment can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Bergkvist insists on the need for legislation that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities within the fire protection framework, empowering main contractors to adopt effective measures.
SVEBRA is actively striving to raise awareness about these issues and calls for the clarification of fire protection regulations as a matter of urgency. The trade association aims to collaborate with regulatory bodies to create a more integrated and practical approach to fire safety in construction. Svärd believes that an enhanced regulatory framework can significantly mitigate future risks. "We advocate for urgent dialogue among regulators to refine these rules so that they work in practice and protect lives and properties effectively," he concludes.
As discussions continue around construction safety and fire protection, SVEBRA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that systematic fire safety becomes a foundational element of construction projects across Sweden.
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