How to Ensure Fire Safety During Building Reconstruction or Renovation

Reconstruction and renovation are among the most hazardous periods from a fire safety perspective. Statistics show that the highest number of fires at operational facilities—such as shopping malls, business centers, hospitals, industrial plants, and residential complexes—occur precisely during construction and renovation works.

The reason is straightforward: the facility often remains in use or partially operational, while permanent fire safety systems are disrupted, and temporary measures are either insufficient or purely formal. Under such conditions, even a minor violation can lead to a serious emergency.

Below is a professional, practical approach to ensuring fire safety during reconstruction or renovation.

Why Renovation Is a High Fire-Risk Zone

During construction works, several critical risk factors arise simultaneously:

• dismantling or temporary shutdown of fire alarm systems;
• welding, cutting, and other hot works;
• use of flammable materials (paints, solvents, insulation);
• temporary electrical networks and overloaded extension cords;
• blocked or cluttered evacuation routes;
• contractor personnel unfamiliar with the facility.

Ignoring even one of these factors can undermine the entire fire safety system.

1. Fire Risk Assessment Before Work Begins

The first and mandatory step is a professional fire risk assessment.

Before reconstruction starts, it is necessary to:

• identify which fire protection systems will be temporarily taken out of service;
• analyze high-risk fire zones;
• assess the impact of works on evacuation routes;
• develop temporary compensatory measures.

Without this, renovation begins “blindly,” and any instructions remain purely formal.

2. Temporary Solutions to Replace Disabled Systems

One of the most common and dangerous mistakes is completely disabling fire protection systems without providing alternatives.
During renovation, it is essential to:

• install temporary autonomous fire detectors;
• organize duty shifts of responsible personnel;
• provide portable fire extinguishers in every work zone;
• maintain at least partial functionality of evacuation and alarm systems.

The key principle is simple: if a permanent system is not operational, its function must be compensated.

3. Control of Hot Works

Welding, metal cutting, soldering, and bitumen works are the primary sources of fires during reconstruction.

Mandatory requirements include:

• written permits (hot work permits);
• clearly defined locations and timeframes for hot works;
• availability of primary fire extinguishing means;
• continuous monitoring of the work area during and after completion (for at least 2 hours);
• removal of combustible materials from the risk zone.

Hot works without proper control are a guaranteed fire scenario.

4. Temporary Electrical Networks Without “Improvised Solutions”

During renovation, the following issues often arise:

• overloaded extension cords;
• temporary panels without protection;
• damaged cables;
• uncertified electrical equipment.

This is a direct path to short circuits and fire.

It is necessary to:

• use only industrial-grade temporary electrical panels;
• ensure protection against overloads and leakage currents;
• regularly inspect cables and connections;
• prohibit unauthorized connections.

5. Evacuation Routes Must Remain Operational

Reconstruction does not отмена evacuation requirements.

During works, it is essential to:

• keep evacuation routes clear and passable;
• install temporary directional signage;
• avoid blocking stairwells and exits;
• maintain emergency lighting or provide temporary alternatives.

A cluttered corridor during a fire is no longer a violation—it is a direct threat to life.

6. Training and Briefing of Contractors

Fire safety during renovation often fails due to the human factor.

Every contractor must:

• undergo initial fire safety briefing;
• know the procedure to follow in case of fire;
• understand where fire extinguishers and exits are located;
• know whom and how to notify in case of danger.

A formal signature in a logbook does not replace real understanding.

7. Continuous Control and Accountability

Fire safety during reconstruction is a process, not a one-time measure.

It is necessary to:

• appoint a responsible person on behalf of the client;
• regularly inspect work areas;
• document violations and eliminate them immediately;
• coordinate actions between facility services and contractors.

Conclusion

Reconstruction or renovation is the period when a facility is most vulnerable to fire. Therefore, fire safety during this time requires not simplification, but enhanced control.

Key principles include:

• risk assessment before work begins;
• compensation for disabled systems;
• strict control of hot works;
• safe temporary electrical installations;
• preservation of evacuation routes;
• trained personnel;
• continuous technical and organizational oversight.

Practice shows that most fires during reconstruction are caused not by the complexity of the facility, but by underestimation of risks. A professional approach helps prevent these scenarios long before the first spark appears.