Insurer Reports 100% Increase in Construction Plant Fire Claims in 2020

• UK claims data shows construction plant fire claims increased in the second and third quarter of 2020.
• Increased claims coincided with construction industry playing catch up on project delays.
• Hydraulic hose failures and electrical faults are the common causes.

A SPECIALIST CONSTRUCTION PLANT INSURER reports that UK construction plant fire claims doubled in 2020.

A review of claims data highlighted a surge in construction plant fire claims in the second and third quarter of 2020. Insurers, HSB says the rise reflects the impact of pandemic-related project delays on the construction industry.

The claims data shows that the fires were due to increased hydraulic hose failures and electrical faults – a sign that plant and equipment was being worked harder.

Fires, caused by hose failure, often occur if the hydraulic fluids are sprayed onto hot working parts of equipment. Running plant with constantly low fluid levels can also present a substantial risk of fire and damage.

John Nicholls, Product Lead-Construction at HSB, said “Our claims data provides a clear indication that the pandemic has impacted on the number of plant fire claims we have seen.

“As construction sites re-mobilised after the first lockdown and contractors sought to steer projects back on schedule, plant was worked harder than usual; placing additional stress on working parts and electrical systems. With projects typically operating to tight deadlines, the repercussions of out of action equipment can be costly.”

HSB recommends regular visual inspections of working parts, hydraulic lines, fluid levels, the engine bay, electrical system and electrical control, coupled with scheduled maintenance, to mitigate the risk of operational fires. There is further guidance on safeguarding construction plant and equipment from HSB.

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