Fire Risks Created by Temporary Work Activities
Temporary work activities are often treated as low risk because they are short-term. However, many major fires in workplaces start during activities that were never meant to be permanent.
Hot work, maintenance tasks, temporary electrical connections, shutdown repairs, scaffolding work, cleaning operations, and construction modifications all introduce fire hazards that do not exist during normal operations.
The biggest danger is not the task itself, but the change in conditions it creates.
This article explains how temporary work activities create serious fire risks, why these risks are often underestimated, and how they should be controlled effectively.
What Are Temporary Work Activities?
Temporary work activities are tasks that:
• are not part of routine operations
• are performed for a short duration
• involve altered layouts or systems
• require temporary equipment or connections
Examples include:
• welding and cutting
• electrical maintenance
• hot tapping
• shutdown repairs
• scaffolding erection
• painting and solvent cleaning
• temporary power supply installation
• roof work and waterproofing
These activities disturb normal fire protection arrangements.
Why Temporary Work Creates Fire Risk
Temporary work often involves:
• open flames or sparks
• exposed combustible materials
• disabled fire systems
• unfamiliar workers
• poor housekeeping
• limited supervision
Fire protection measures designed for normal operations may not be suitable during these tasks.
Common Fire Risks Created by Temporary Work
1. Hot Work Ignition Sources
Temporary hot work is one of the leading causes of industrial fires.
Risks include:
• welding sparks traveling long distances
• cutting slag falling through gaps
• grinding sparks igniting dust
• heating of hidden combustibles
Even after work stops, smoldering fires can start hours later.
2. Temporary Electrical Connections
Temporary electrical arrangements often bypass safety controls.
Common issues include:
• overloaded extension cords
• loose joints
• exposed wiring
• damaged insulation
• unauthorized power tapping
Temporary power setups are rarely designed for continuous load, leading to overheating and short circuits.
3. Removal or Isolation of Fire Protection Systems
During maintenance or shutdowns:
• sprinklers are isolated
• fire alarms are disabled
• hydrants are blocked
• detectors are covered
This creates periods where the facility has little or no fire protection.
A small ignition can quickly become a major fire.
4. Accumulation of Combustible Materials
Temporary activities often generate waste:
• packing materials
• insulation scraps
• oily rags
• wooden supports
• plastic sheets
Poor housekeeping allows fuel to accumulate close to ignition sources.
5. Use of Flammable Chemicals and Solvents
Painting, cleaning, and coating work introduce:
• flammable vapors
• low flash point liquids
• volatile solvents
Without proper ventilation, vapor accumulation can lead to flash fires or explosions.
6. Untrained or Contract Workers
Temporary work often involves external contractors.
Risks include:
• lack of site fire safety knowledge
• unfamiliarity with emergency procedures
• improper equipment use
• poor hazard awareness
Contractors may not recognize site-specific fire risks.
7. Obstructed Escape Routes
Temporary work can block:
• exits
• staircases
• fire doors
• corridors
Scaffolding, cables, and materials often reduce safe evacuation options during emergencies.
8. Reduced Supervision During Off-Hours
Temporary work is frequently performed:
• during night shifts
• weekends
• shutdown periods
Reduced staffing means delayed detection and slower response to fire incidents.
Real Incident Example
During a plant shutdown, welding work was performed near insulation materials.
Although a hot work permit was issued, post-work monitoring was skipped.
Six hours later, smoldering insulation ignited, resulting in a large warehouse fire.
Investigation revealed:
• fire alarm was isolated
• no fire watch assigned
• combustible waste not cleared
The fire started from a temporary activity.
How to Control Fire Risks During Temporary Work
Effective controls include:
• task-specific fire risk assessment
• hot work permits with fire watch
• removal or shielding of combustibles
• temporary fire protection measures
• proper ventilation
• supervision of contractors
• housekeeping before and after work
• post-work fire monitoring
Temporary work must receive higher, not lower, attention.
Fire safety guidance published by internationally recognized fire protection organizations explains that non-routine activities such as maintenance, hot work, and temporary electrical installations significantly increase the likelihood of fire incidents. These organizations emphasize that strict permit systems, continuous supervision, and post-work fire monitoring are essential to control ignition sources introduced during temporary operations.
Conclusion
Temporary work activities create temporary conditions, but their consequences can be permanent.
Most major fires do not start during routine operations.
They start during maintenance, modifications, or short-term tasks.
Fire safety during temporary work requires:
• stronger controls
• higher supervision
• real accountability
Ignoring these risks is one of the most common causes of serious workplace fires.
Electrical Fire Safety Explained, Why Electrical Fires Start and How to Stop Them Before Ignition
Electrical Fire Causes Explained: Why Most Electrical Fires Start Without Warning
Preventing Short-Circuit Fires: Why They Happen and How to Stop Them Before Ignition
Safe Wiring Practices: How Proper Electrical Wiring Prevents Fires and Electrical Accidents
Overloading and Overheating Risks: How Electrical Systems Catch Fire and How to Prevent It
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are temporary activities more dangerous than routine work?
Because they change normal conditions and bypass established safety systems.
2. Is a hot work permit enough?
No. Continuous supervision and post-work monitoring are equally important.
3. Should fire systems be disabled during maintenance?
Only when absolutely necessary, and temporary protection must be provided.
4. How long should fire watch continue after hot work?
At least 30 to 60 minutes, and longer if combustible materials are present.
5. Who is responsible for contractor fire safety?
The site owner remains fully responsible.
