The NFRC says gas torch roof fires pose a serious risk to life, property and the image of the industry and with this in mind has launched a new campaign which aims to prevent this.
The Association says the focus of the campaign is new guidance, developed in partnership with stakeholders across the industry, which aims to reduce the risk of roof fires when using gas torches on roofs.
The NFRC says the Safe2Torch campaign directly affects at least 50% of all the flat roofs installed in the UK.
Kevin Taylor, head of technical services at NFRC, explained: “Roof fires caused by gas torches, no matter how minor, pose a serious threat to life, property, the image of the industry and possibly even the long-term future of torch-on as an accepted method of covering a roof. NFRC believe that by working together, fires of this nature can be prevented, which is why we have launched our Safe2Torch campaign.”
The Safe2Torch campaign is designed to support specification writers to comply with the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) 2015.
The CDM regulations state that, ‘The person who selects products for use in construction is a designer and must take account of health and safety issues arising from their use. If a product is purpose-built, the person who prepares the specification is a designer and so are manufacturers, if they develop a detailed design.’
The guidance includes an illustrated document which is free to download and includes an updated safe specification checklist. This checklist will form the basis of an electronic surveying app, which the NFRC is due to launch. Users will be able to upload photos and notes via a smart phone or tablet, with a webcast setting out the main points of Safe2Torch for those conducting the surveys as well as tips on how to use the surveying app.
The Safe2Torch guidance also covers the reduction of fire risks in general; including drying out decks and hot works permits etc.
