By Sarah Donnelly · Published 13 November 2026 · 2 min read
A Kent-based plumbing firm has been fined £20,000 after four workers narrowly escaped a roof fire at a 14-storey apartment block under construction in Surrey. The incident occurred at the Old Telephone Exchange development in Staines-upon-Thames on 26 July 2024.
Background
C Watkins Plumbing Limited was installing an air source heat pump on the roof. Sparks from welding ignited uncovered rigid foam insulation. The Health and Safety Executive found the company failed to plan, manage and monitor the hot works. Despite having internal policies, the firm had no risk assessment or method statement in place for the task. Crucially, no permit to work had been issued for the welding operation.
Industry implications
Fire safety during the construction phase of high-rise buildings is under intense regulatory scrutiny. C Watkins Plumbing Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. At Staines Magistrates' Court on 29 October 2026, the company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £8,270 in costs.
What contractors should do now
Principal contractors must rigorously enforce permit to work systems for all hot works. Subcontractors must produce task-specific risk assessments and method statements before commencing welding or cutting. Combustible materials, such as rigid foam insulation, must be protected or removed from the immediate vicinity of hot works.
Analysis
The prosecution demonstrates the HSE's willingness to prosecute under CDM 2015 even when no injuries occur. HSE inspector Stephanie Hickford-Smith noted the severity of the near miss. She said: "C Watkins Plumbing Limited failed to follow its own procedures for hot works. The company did not assess the risks and so had no control measures in place. The four men working on the roof were lucky to escape."
What happens next
With the Building Safety Regulator now fully operational, enforcement around fire safety during construction will only intensify. Contractors should review their hot works protocols immediately to ensure alignment with HSG168 guidance on fire safety in construction.
Sources
- FSM — Fire Safety Matters
- UK Safety News — UK Safety News
