Q. Do plastic sheets constitute acceptable temporary barriers in and around construction areas?
A. Flammable plastic sheets, DO NOT! Even though flammable plastic sheets taped across an opening may form a dust seal, they are completely and utterly incapable of controlling fire. The only thing they can do is keep air from moving around. This is a good thing for controlling dust and its associated infection control implications. It's also good on a limited basis for stopping smoke caused by a fire in the construction zone, but these sheets do absolutely nothing to stop the fire itself.
EC.5.50 EP 2 states that temporary construction partitions [should be] smoke tight and built of noncombustible or limited combustible materials (sheet rock, gypsum board) that will not contribute to the development or spread of fire." Be sure that you can furnish evidence of "limited combustibility" if you are questioned during survey.
Our position is that plastic sheet barriers of a limited combustible type are "tolerated" for short term use. In addition, if the project includes any high risk construction techniques (i.e., torch cutting, welding, burning, open flame, etc.) that non-combustible barriers should be erected.