Latest news from Howler

Strengthening Tender Submissions with a Temporary Fire Safety Design Intent

At tender stage, contractors are expected to demonstrate competence, planning, and compliance across every aspect of a project. Yet temporary fire safety is often one of the least clearly articulated elements of a tender submission. Fire safety intent can be fragmented, overly generic, or left to be addressed once work is already underway. This creates […]

Read the article

The Golden Thread: Keeping Your Temporary Fire Safety Compliance Connected 

Construction projects involve numerous teams, stages, and lots of information. Ensuring fire safety compliance across a project can be challenging, especially when information is scattered. This is where the concept of the Golden Thread comes in.  What is the Golden Thread? The Golden Thread is a recognised government framework for the continuous, accessible, and accurate flow of information throughout […]

Read the article

The 12 Days of Fire Safety

Winter brings unique fire risks to construction sites – colder temperatures, darker days, reliance on temporary heating, and year-end shutdowns. To support safer, compliant sites this winter, we’ve created the 12 Days of Fire Safety: a practical day-by-day guide to help teams prepare, check, and secure their sites during the winter period. We’ll be sharing […]

Read the article

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Sales Director End-of-Year Review

As 2025 draws to a close, our Directors have been meeting with customers across the UK to reflect on the year, share key achievements, and look ahead to 2026 with confidence and clarity. A Year of Resilience and Progress This year has seen its share of challenges across the construction sector, with project starts slowing […]

Read the article

Managing Fire Risk on Construction Sites with Solar Panels and Renewable Energy Installations

As the use of renewable energy solutions such as PV solar panels and EV charging stations becomes more common on construction sites and completed buildings, new fire risks are emerging. While building regulations focus on fire performance of roofing and cladding materials, recent examples have shown that fires can start within PV arrays or faulty […]

Read the article

Our Fire Safety on Construction Sites Training Course CPD Is Fully Accredited

We’re delighted to announce that our “Fire Alarms for Construction Sites” CPD is officially accredited by the CPD Certification Service. The focus of our recent Hot Topics session delivered by Martin Woodfield, the session provides a clear, practical understanding of fire detection and alarm requirements across construction environments – one of the most challenging areas […]

Read the article

Hot Topics: Temporary Fire Alarm System Design for Construction Sites

Discover best practice in fire alarm design for welfare units and construction sites at our upcoming Howler Hot Topics session. Presented by Martin Woodfield, this half-day CPD-accredited course covers how fire detection systems can help protect extended escape routes, with practical case studies and interactive discussion. What you can expect to learn: Principles of temporary […]

Read the article

Howler Safety Solutions Support Historic London Tower Project

In one of the most remarkable engineering projects London has seen in recent years, the 700-year-old tower of All Hallows Staining has been temporarily lifted on stilts to make way for the development at 50 Fenchurch Street. As part of the “bottoming out” ceremony, more than 125,000 tonnes of earth have been removed from beneath […]

Read the article

CPD Feedback – Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!

At Howler, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality CPD sessions that make fire safety on construction sites easy to understand and implement. But don’t just take our word for it –  here’s what professionals are saying: “The course was well-presented, clear and precise, and addressed the construction fire risks in layman’s terms, making it easy […]

Read the article

New Whitepaper: Managing Fire Safety in Partially Occupied Buildings

We’ve published a new whitepaper that addresses the growing need for temporary fire alarm systems in partially occupied buildings – where construction or fit-out work takes place alongside areas that remain in use.  These hybrid environments present unique challenges: ensuring occupant safety, protecting high-value property, and maintaining continuity for businesses or residents still in the […]

Read the article

Building Data Centres, Building Safety: Howler’s Role in Protecting High-Risk Construction Sites

The demand for data centres in the UK is growing rapidly. With AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure expanding at pace, developers and contractors are under pressure to deliver vast, complex facilities at speed.  But the construction phase brings unique challenges. These sites are large, high-value, high-risk environments, often with live switch-rooms and partially operational […]

Read the article

Protecting Lives and Projects – The Fire Safety Role of Linear Heat Detection on Scaffold

Howler is urging contractors and fire risk professionals to consider the hidden risks of scaffold fires on cladding and insulation projects – especially when buildings remain occupied during works.  Recent high-rise fires on refurbishment projects have drawn attention to the vulnerabilities created when scaffolding wraps around occupied buildings – especially those using timber scaffold boards […]

Read the article

Developer and Director Sentenced Over Fire Safety Failings – What Went Wrong, and How to Avoid It

A recent court case has highlighted the serious consequences of neglecting fire safety responsibilities – and what could have been done differently to protect residents and reputations. The Case: Cliff House, Felixstowe In July 2025, Dragon Wood Homes Ltd and its director were sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court after failing to comply with a Fire […]

Read the article

Important Fire Safety Update: Changes to the Joint Code of Practice (Amendment 2 – May 2025)

The Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation has been updated with Amendment 2 to the Tenth Edition, published in May 2025. This latest amendment introduces significant changes to the fire safety requirements for temporary buildings and temporary accommodation on construction sites. Key updates include: […]

Read the article

Why Our Net Zero Journey Just Got More Real

At Howler, we’re known for fire safety. But now we’re aiming to raise the bar in another area: sustainability. We began our journey by measuring our carbon footprint – but we knew that data alone wouldn’t drive change. That’s why we’re now targeting ISO 14001 certification by the end of 2025. This will put in […]

Read the article

Construction Firm Fined £165,000 for Repeated Fire Safety Failings

A construction company has been fined £165,000 after persistently failing to implement adequate fire safety precautions during a major renovation project in Preston. Glovers Court Ltd was converting a former city centre warehouse into 35 apartments when a visit by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) uncovered serious fire safety risks — including no fire […]

Read the article

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 […]

Read the article

Meet the People Behind Our Values

At Howler, our values aren’t written on a poster. They’re lived every day — on site, in the warehouse, in the office, and on the road. We call them our Diamond Culture, and they represent the behaviours that help us serve better, work smarter, and grow stronger together. Each face of the Diamond — Care, […]

Read the article

Why Construction Site Professionals Must Read the JCoP

The Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation—commonly known as the JCoP—is a must-read for anyone involved in construction site management. Why it matters The JCoP isn’t just another document to tick off your list—it’s industry-backed best practice supported by insurers, developers, and principal contractors. It […]

Read the article

Remembering the Bradford City Fire – 40 Years On

This month marks the 40th anniversary of the tragic fire at Valley Parade stadium in Bradford, where 56 lives were lost and hundreds more changed forever. On May 11, 1985, what started as a small fire beneath the wooden stands quickly became one of the worst disasters in British football history. As we pause to […]

Read the article

CE Mark vs. Chinese Export – Know the Difference Before You Buy

When purchasing equipment for use on construction sites, safety professionals often look for the CE mark as a sign of compliance. But did you know there’s a deceptively similar logo that could be putting your site at risk? What Is the CE Mark? The Conformité Européenne (CE) mark is the European Union’s mandatory conformity mark […]

Read the article

AFFF Foam Extinguisher Ban

The myth There are several articles online that incorrectly suggest a total ban on AFFF foam extinguishers will come into effect in July 2025.  This is leading to people being worried they must remove all AFFF foam extinguishers from their sites. The reality Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) extinguishers have been under scrutiny due to trace […]

Read the article

Meet the Team: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Howler

  At Howler, we believe in fostering a fun and collaborative work environment, where every team member plays a vital role in our mission to set the standard in fire safety. To give you a glimpse into our dynamic and talented team, we’ve put together a series of special videos that introduces the personalities behind […]

Read the article

Construction Site Safety in Winter: 7 Essential Tips

Winter brings unique challenges to construction sites, from freezing temperatures to reduced daylight hours. Without proper precautions, these conditions can increase the risk of accidents, delays, and even serious injuries. As we move into 2025, ensuring that your site is well-prepared for winter weather is more important than ever. Here are key measures to keep […]

Read the article

Enhance Your Team’s Knowledge with Accredited Fire Safety CPD Learning Sessions

Fire safety is more than a legal obligation – it’s a fundamental aspect that safeguards your construction project, your team, and your reputation. That’s why we’re offering accredited CPD (Continuing Professional Development) learning sessions, designed to empower your team with essential fire safety knowledge and skills. Why Fire Safety Training Matters Did you know that, […]

Read the article

Howler Hot Topics: Health & Safety Leaders Discuss Fire Safety Challenges in Construction

On 26th November, we proudly hosted our first Howler Hot Topics event at The Shard in London. The roundtable discussion focused on addressing challenges in adhering to JCoP guidance for site accommodation located within buildings under construction or refurbishment. In partnership with Westgate Global, the event brought together experts from construction, insurance and fire safety […]

Read the article

Water-Based Fire Extinguishers For Use On Live Electrical Equipment Spark Debate

Lately, water-based fire extinguishers claiming to be safe for use on live electrical equipment have surfaced, stirring debates in the fire safety industry. With the recent update of British Standard BS 5306-8: 2023, which has clear guidelines on electrical risks, we think it is necessary to address this growing concern in a precise and transparent way.

Read the article

The Shift to Simultaneous Evacuation – How to Keep Residents Safe

In the wake of the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in 2017, concerns around fire safety in residential buildings have been at the forefront of discussions. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) issued guidance to address these concerns, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the ‘stay-put’ policy in the event of a fire. This aticle explores […]

Read the article

ProLink® – Putting Life Safety First

Howler put life safety first. The ProLink® fire alarm system signifies another huge step in our dedication to protecting buildings, people and projects. Find out more about the ultimate professional fire alarm system.

Read the article

Hire vs Purchase, which is more sustainable?

Equipment rental on construction sites is part of every project. It’s convenient, cost-effective, risk-free and enables companies to invest in their core business without having to worry about managing a fleet of equipment. It’s also better for the world around us; as the European Rental Association (ERA) confirm, ‘Rental is an inherently circular and sustainable […]

Read the article

Which fire alarm is suitable for your construction site?

In this blog, we go back to basics and review some of the most commonly used Fire Alarm systems for construction sites. To start with, let’s recap on why a fire alarm system is needed on a construction site.  Firstly it’s about life safety – there’s a simple message if there’s a fire; GET OUT! […]

Read the article

The ‘Big Switch’ – Upgrade to the SafetyHub now

Big Switch?  What’s the deal? Well, let’s take a step back and just recap on what Safetyhub is all about. Simply put, SafetyHub is fast becoming the ‘best practice’ product for all major building sites. Why? Because it’s putting fire safety firmly on the list as an item that needs to be right, every time […]

Read the article

Your guide to Planned Preventive Maintenance for your Fire Safety Equipment

We know construction sites are very dynamic environments, with changes happening daily.  These changes affect not only the audibility of the fire alarm system but also the travel distances to fire points in the event of a fire, the number and type of extinguishers required and the wireless signal between devices. As well as being fast-paced, […]

Read the article

Howler Maintenance-Plus: managing site safety for you

MaintenancePlus is designed to give you peace of mind and save you money. It makes it easier both to maintain fire safety equipment on site and to successfully re-use equipment on multiple sites. In a nutshell, we supply and maintain equipment on site, then repair and store equipment between projects, leaving you to get on with the […]

Read the article

Construction Site Fire Extinguishers: Whats Required?

Fire extinguishers are one of the most well-known and universally used forms of firefighting equipment. On a construction site, a fire extinguisher can make all the difference to fire control. Different fire extinguisher types are designed to combat specific classes of fires, ensuring effective suppression and increased safety in various scenarios. When it comes to […]

Read the article

How to choose the right fire alarm for your building site

Fire continues to be one of the most dangerous threats to life on a construction site. Managing and limiting the risks, given the number of people and variables found on temporary sites, is a big undertaking. However, site managers and responsible persons must take necessary fire safety measures to keep a site fire safety compliant […]

Read the article

Construction site safety in the winter

Construction is a high-risk industry but as the winter season rolls in with adverse weather conditions and a whole new set of hazards, new challenges and risks develop. During winter, a construction site will require season-specific countermeasures and risk assessments to ensure that the site remains safe and productive. Here are some key considerations for […]

Read the article

Temporary Fire Alarm System: The Best Option For Construction Sites?

Fires kill, injure and cause serious human suffering and financial loss every year in the construction industry. On many construction sites, the danger of fire is severe as high-risk activities such as hot work are frequently combined with environments and materials that help fires spread quickly and that may make escape difficult. Construction site fire […]

Read the article

Fire Safety Points: Why You Should Have Them On Site

Construction sites are large and busy places. Ignition risks such as electrical faults, hot works, inappropriate use/location of portable heaters and fuel, smoking and arson are significant contributors to the fires that happen on construction sites every year in the United Kingdom. These fires are responsible for causing damage to property, people and the industry. […]

Read the article

Common Causes Of Fire On Construction Sites

Construction site fires put workers lives at risk but also threaten the property of the public in surrounding areas. Construction sites need to have fire safety equipment and fire safety measures in place to deter, prevent and fight all types of fires. Read on to discover the most common sources of ignition on construction sites and […]

Read the article

NEW! Howler SafetyHub – A new concept in mobile safety equipment!

Configure your own SafetyHub! You’re looking to upgrade your site safety, make everything tidy, provide project and safety information important to your team, have a bespoke set-up for a specific site, or even multiple stations for different purposes… in short, you need to create a solution that fits YOUR particular requirements. The SafetyHub does all […]

Read the article

HowlerHalo Illuminated Switch System

Just over six months ago, we were delighted to announce the arrival of the HowlerHalo Illuminated Switch System!  We’re pleased to say they are proving a popular choice with our clients both new and old. These clever switches, available on two of our Howler GoLink site alarms illuminate when you press them, so you can be 100% […]

Read the article

Safe Use of Heaters on Site

Now’s the time you start wondering why you bought so many fans earlier in the year! British winter is with us again, so we’re dusting off the heaters and bringing out all the cold weather gear once more. Room heaters, both fixed and portable can pose a significant fire hazard, and space heating on construction sites […]

Read the article

JCoP: Larger and High Risk Sites

Clearly, very large sites and those classified as high risk require more stringent fire precautions and an intelligent attitude to fire safety. More people are involved, distances to safety are greater and there is a whole lot more activity on site. JCoP Sections 22 & 23 and HSG168 pages 52-56 cover this type of site in […]

Read the article

JCoP: Fire Safety in Temporary Accommodation Units (TAUs)

All but the smallest construction sites will have a site office or welfare unit, which are collectively known as TAUs – Temporary Accommodation Units. As they often house electrical equipment and other fire hazards, they require a specific fire risk assessment and a whole section of the HSG 168 ‘Fire Safety on Construction Sites’ document […]

Read the article

JCoP: Provision of Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers on Construction Sites

Fire Alarms There must be some means of raising the alarm on any construction site. HSG 168 states that the fire warning signal must be ‘distinctive, clearly audible above any other noise and…recognised by all the people on site’. on very small sites, ‘word of mouth’, or the provision of a small self-contained fire alarm […]

Read the article

NEW! Upgraded design: Howler ExtendiPole

Manufactured since 2013 in direct response to a client’s needs, the Howler Adjustable Detector Pole has been extensively site tested, refined and upgraded, culminating in the Howler ExtendiPole. Easy to use, Easy to move: the ExtendiPole makes automatic fire detection on building sites more user friendly and non-invasive. And because we’ve developed it in close partnership with our […]

Read the article

JCoP: Further Sources of Ignition and Fuel 3: Electricity and Gas

In this article, we give you an overview of HSE’s requirements for the use of electricity and gas on site. Remember, for full guidance, please read the FPA’s JCoP on Fire Prevention on Construction Sites and the HSE guide to Fire Safety in Construction Electricity & Gas Electrical supply installations, both temporary and permanent, must be installed to […]

Read the article

JCoP: Further Sources of Ignition and Fuel 4: Plant, Vehicles & Smoking

In this article we go over the HSE requirements about location of plant on site, parking of vehicles and how to provide smoking areas. Remember, for full guidance, please read the FPA’s JCoP on Fire Prevention on Construction Sites and the HSE guide to Fire Safety in Construction Plant & Vehicles Stationary plant such as generators and compressors, should […]

Read the article

JCoP: Further Sources of Ignition & Fuel 1: Acetylene and Hot Work

In addition to the usual fire risks, many construction sites will have extra risks from time to time. These all need to be taken into account in the FRA, and the first article in our guide to the basic requirements for these types of risks is shown below. Remember, for detailed guidance, please refer to the FPA’s JCoP on Fire […]

Read the article

JCoP: Further Sources of Ignition and Fuel 2: Stored Materials & Waste Materials

In this article we give you a brief guide to storage of combustible materials on site and also advice on how important it is to store and dispose of waste materials safely. Remember, for full guidance, please read the FPA’s JCoP on Fire Prevention on Construction Sites and the HSE guide to Fire Safety in Construction […]

Read the article

Fire Safety: Mitigating Ignition Sources and Fuel Risks

Avoiding potential ignition sources is crucial. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there is, on average, a fire every hour on construction sites in the UK. These incidents encompass a spectrum of scenarios, from minor outbursts to colossal fires demanding the coordinated efforts of multiple firefighting teams. The JCoP and HSE’s Fire Safety […]

Read the article

BAFE Approved? Why is it important?

Did you know that an extinguisher is not compliant on-site until it has been commissioned by a competent technician, in accordance with BS 5306-3? Companies with third party accreditation such as the BAFE SP101 scheme can give you, the client, assurance that your extinguishers are fully compliant and safe for use. As a result of […]

Read the article

Fire Safety – Are you aware of your duties?

Fire safety on construction sites is a heavy responsibility but help is readily available to ensure you comply with the relevant regulations and keep your workers as safe as possible. Navigating the many guidance and legislative documents issued can be quite a minefield though, so we have put together a few points to assist you to understand […]

Read the article

Winter’s coming: be prepared!

With the onset of winter, it’s time to stock up on cold weather supplies: download our Winter Essential 2017 Brochure and have a browse. Whether you need salt, snow shovels or signage, just give us a call or contact us to arrange delivery to your door!

Read the article

New SafePost video!

‘Communication is key’ – we all know that, but is any communication better than no communication? That’s questionable, especially when there is so much information around that very little of it actually registers. In terms of site safety, it could be a serious problem if we don’t get the messages we need.  It must be: Relevant Simple. To-The-Point And […]

Read the article

New! Alarmed Switch Cover to prevent false alarms

Check out the latest addition to the Howler GoLink family – the new Alarmed Switch Cover! This little extra helps to prevent accidental or non-emergency activation so you can be sure that when the alarm sounds it’s for real. The cover has to be lifted in order to access the alarm switches, and has a […]

Read the article

BS EN54 – What is it all about?

There is a lot of discussion in the construction industry regarding BS EN54 and its application to temporary fire warning systems. For most people outside of the fire industry, it is a bit a minefield trying to navigate around the BSI’s multitude of standards, so we thought a brief overview might help some people out […]

Read the article

JCOP 9th Edition – No major changes

The 9th Edition of the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire on Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Refurbishment (popularly known as the JCOP), has been recently released. The main changes seek to bring the document in line with the CDM Regulations. As far as fire alarm systems are concerned there have been no significant […]

Read the article