What is Safe2Torch guidance?
Safe2Torch guidance, the NFRC campaign developed in collaboration with contractor and manufacturer members, aims to significantly reduce the risk of roof fires when using gas torches for drying out roofs or installing torch-on membranes.
Those who create risks have a duty to manage them, and the main message of Safe2Torch is to ensure the responsibility for potential fire risks is placed correctly. It is crucial to identify all fire risks during the survey stage and include them in the specification before it is written.
This means that if any fire risk is detected, or if it cannot be ruled out, the relevant parts of the specification must default to torch-free solutions. If later it can be shown that an area is safe (for example, when uncovering an area during a refurbishment project), the specification can revert to torch application with the agreement of all parties.
The Safe2Torch guidance is designed to help specification writers comply with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 and aligns with the HSE’s ‘Helping Great Britain Work Well’ strategy, which promotes a safer and healthier working environment.
In simple terms, Safe2Torch is a positive initiative that prioritises safety from the design stage onward.
Why do we need Safe2Torch?
Safe2Torch will directly impact at least 50% of all flat roofs installed in the UK.
Roof fires caused by gas torches, regardless of their severity, pose a serious threat to life, property, the industry’s reputation, and possibly even the long-term viability of torch-on as an accepted roofing method. The NFRC believes that, by working together, these types of fires can be prevented.
Safe2Torch will highlight the positive aspects of the industry, where safe specifications and working practices are second nature. It will assure clients that, by engaging with a Safe2Torch contractor or manufacturer like IKO, their roof works will be planned and installed according to the Safe2Torch guidelines.
