Guidance on Temporary Protective Covering Materials on Scaffolding

More recently, awareness has been shifted to temporary protective covering materials (TPCMs) on construction sites. Considering this and uncertainty within the industry, SOCOTEC would like to remind you of the recommendations for TPCMs in the UK and safe practices on construction sites.

Guidance

The Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Constructions Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation (JCoP)[1] sets out the following recommendations for TPCMs:

“10.3 When flexible materials are used to clad scaffolding, these materials must conform to the requirements of LPS 1215: Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing for fire performance of containment net and sheet materials for external use on construction sites (ref 15) or Warringtonfire Certifire Technical Schedule 62, Reaction to fire performance requirements: materials used to clad scaffolding (ref 16). The material shall be manufactured in accordance with a quality assurance and certification programme, and the scaffolding covering material shall be approved by a third-party certification body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. The relevant approval mark shall be printed on the material”.

The same recommendation on the use of flame retardant[2] materials used for scaffold sheeting can be found in HSG168[3]:

“207 If the scaffold is intended as part of the means of escape the scaffold sheeting must be to a flame-retardant standard and you must carefully consider the extent of the sheeting. Do not use the sheeting to enclose scaffold stair towers or escape ladders (see Figure 7). This is to minimise smoke in the escape route and make fire and rescue service access easier. Flame-retardant sheeting is also recommended in other circumstances such as on a structure containing exposed timber or flammable insulation material or on an occupied building. An example of sheeting that satisfies flame-retardant criteria is that which complies with the Loss Prevention Standard LPS 1215 or equivalent, such as TS62: Technical Schedule 62: Reaction to fire performance requirements: materials used to clad scaffolding, CERTIFIRE product certification scheme. Products compliant with either standard will be marked with the relevant certification. If the sheeting is printed with an image or colour this may affect its compliance with the flame-retardant testing.”

Next steps

With this information in mind, SOCOTEC recommends construction firms review any covering materials currently used on their sites.

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Our website has all the information needed to make start on your own Construction Fire Safety Strategy, click here for more information.

Disclaimer: This communication is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While SOCOTEC UK has taken reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or suitability of this information for any particular purpose.

This guidance should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation and advice specific to your project circumstances. SOCOTEC UK recommends that you seek appropriate professional advice before making any decisions based on this information.

SOCOTEC UK accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or expense arising from reliance on this communication. All regulatory requirements, standards, and best practices should be verified independently and may be subject

[1] “Fire Prevention on Construction Sites - The Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation”, 10^th edition, incorporating amendments 2023 ad 2025, published by the Fire Protection Association

[2] Flame retardant materials slow and hinder ignition and the growth of fire; it should not ne confused with fire resistance

[3] “Fire safety in construction”, Health and Safety Guidance Note 168, 3^rd edition, 2022, published by the Health and Safety Executive