UK construction firms are being called on to install fire protection systems during the opening stages of a new building project.

Fire safety specialists Gunfire Limited issued the plea to contractors, stating passive fire protection isn't being implemented early enough to improve safety for construction workers.

James Reid, passive fire safety spokesperson at Gunfire, said: "While the understanding of passive fire safety has improved over the past decade, thanks to the Approved Document B, Building Regulations (2010), more still needs to be done to ensure a safer working environment for construction workers onsite.

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"When construction activities are not adequately controlled, safety is compromised and fires are more likely. We’ve been made aware of a number of cases where fire safety has been overlooked during a build and the consequences have been vast.

"All buildings are vulnerable to fire and until all fire protection measures are in place, the risk of fire spreading increases. It is therefore essential that as soon as the interior fit-out is under way a passive fire protection contractor should be sought and package confirmed."

(LM)