By James Whitaker · Published 5 November 2026 · 2 min read
A Kent-based plumbing contractor has been fined £20,000 after four workers were forced to escape a rapidly spreading fire on the roof of a 14-storey Surrey tower block. The incident occurred during the installation of an air source heat pump at the Old Telephone Exchange development in Staines-upon-Thames.
Background
The fire broke out on 26 July 2024 when sparks from welding work ignited uncovered rigid foam insulation. The blaze quickly engulfed the entire roof space. The four subcontractors, working under the control of C Watkins Plumbing Ltd, had to escape through a single floor opening and climb down a ladder to the 14th floor. According to the Health and Safety Executive, there were no fire extinguishers, no means of raising the alarm, and no alternative escape routes.
Industry implications
This prosecution highlights the severe legal and financial risks of failing to manage hot works on high-rise projects. C Watkins Plumbing Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The firm was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £8,270 in costs at Staines Magistrates Court on 29 October 2026. The case demonstrates that having written policies is insufficient if they are not enforced on site.
What contractors should do now
Site managers must ensure that a specific permit to work is issued for all welding activities. Combustible materials, such as rigid foam insulation, must be covered or removed from the immediate vicinity of hot works. Contractors must also verify that adequate fire extinguishers and clear, multiple escape routes are available before any hot works commence.
Expert view
HSE inspector Stephanie Hickford-Smith confirmed the contractor failed to follow its own procedures. She stated: "It did not assess the risks and so had no control measures in place." The rapid spread of the fire across the roof space underscores how quickly uncovered insulation can ignite, turning a routine installation into a near-fatal incident.
What happens next
The HSE is expected to maintain strict oversight of hot works on high-rise developments following this near miss. Principal contractors will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their supervision of specialist subcontractors. Companies must review their hot works permitting processes immediately to avoid similar enforcement action.
Sources
- Construction News — Construction News
- Construction Enquirer — Construction Enquirer
