Howler Hot Topics #3: Industry Collaboration Ignites Fire Safety Insights

Date: 19th June 2025
Location: 180 Borough High Street, London

Our latest Howler Hot Topics event brought together contractors, fire safety professionals, and construction support specialists for a morning of practical collaboration and candid discussion.

With 30+ delegates in the room, the focus was sharp: fire alarm systems on construction sites and the growing risks around lithium-ion batteries — topics that continue to present serious challenges across the industry.

From evolving standards to site-level decision-making, this session was packed with useful takeaways, lived experience, and fresh thinking.

Key Topics Explored

• Fire Alarm Fundamentals: Designing alarms for safe site evacuation
• Temporary Accommodation Units (TAUs): BS 5839-1:2025 and third-party competence
• Linear Heat Detection: Best practice for scaffolding, recladding, and extended escape routes
• Dusty Environments: Using dual-chamber detectors to reduce false alarms
• Lithium-Ion Battery Risks: Managing charging, storage, and fire suppression
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Best practice in the absence of formal UK regulation
• Regulatory Grey Areas: Bridging the gap between JCoP, BS standards, and real-world risk

 

Guest Contributions

We were privileged to hear from:

• Craig Hook (Sir Robert McAlpine): Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – fire risk, design safety, and what insurers are expecting.
• David Stonier (AVD Fire School): Lithium-Ion Batteries – how fires behave, why suppression often fails, and what actually works.

 

What We Learned

Delegates raised a range of pressing concerns during the event, including:

• Confusion over fire alarm compliance for TAUs and occupied buildings
• Gaps in battery charging/storage protocols on site
• A need for more clarity and practical support around JCoP compliance
• Growing interest in BESS, alongside concern over regulatory gaps
• A strong appetite for hands-on CPD and clearer guidance

 

Thank You

Huge thanks to all who joined us. Your input and experience help move the conversation forward – and raise the standard for everyone involved in site fire safety.

This event proved once again that the best insights often come from open, collaborative discussion.

What’s Next?

We’ve captured the key insights from the event in a practical, straight-talking whitepaper – designed to support the decisions you make on site.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Clear guidance on fire alarm responsibilities and compliance
• Smart strategies for managing fire risk on evolving sites
• Real-world advice on lithium-ion battery hazards and safe storage
• What insurers expect when it comes to BESS and risk management

Download the Whitepaper and take the conversation back to your team.

Whether you’re reviewing your fire strategy or planning a new site setup, this is well worth a read.