Posted By STEVE Hi Does anybody know of any information regarding the speed it would take for a porta-cabin to burn down. I have was given this advice ages ago and can not remember the information now that I need it or where to obtain it. I have asked the supplier of the PORTA-CABIN but they would not give me any idea. I feel that there is a issue with porta-cabins as some are supplied with fire-extinguishers and some are not. Due to what they are made of should not all porta-cabins require them. I recently did a housekeeping inspection on some and was shocked at what I had found. 1=Clothing on portable heaters 2=Smoking had taken place due to cig-ends on floor. 3=Cooking equipment overloading sockets. 4= Storage of flammable aerosols in cupboards 5= No fire extinguisher in place Because of what porta-cabins are made of and their poor construction,with the added risks of flammable materials that are found in the cabins(papers,foam back chairs etc)I feel that in a worst scenario these cabins could become fatal. I am looking for some legislation,statistics or advice that would help my findings when I present them at the Safety Committee. Any help or guidance most welcome.

Posted By Richard Be careful everybody - I think Portacabin may be a trademark! Richard

Posted By John Murphy We have buidlings of this type of design at our Civic Centre and at one of our amenity sites. The Civic Centre ones are covered by our fire certificate and a recent extention to the amenity site was inspected by the Fire Brigade with no problems. For peace of mind about their suitability talk to your Fire Brigade Fire Prevention Officer. S/He will advise.

Posted By Martyn Hendrie From your initial message it is not clear whether you are looking for a temporary office/welfare facility with a suitable fire rating, or to find justification to condemn an existing portable building. However, I hope that the following helps. Following the introduction of an insurance & construction industry code of practice (The Joint Code of Practice for Fire Prevention on Construction Sites) some years ago, a number of temporary office/welfare cabins are now available with 30 minute fire rating. I am surprised that an reputable company that makes or hires this type of equipment would not/ or was unable to tell you the rating of a particular type of cabin. HSE guidance on Fire Safety in Construction Work (HSG 168) {ISBN 0-7176-1332-1} may also help with details of precautions to be taken relating to temporary buildings.