Fire Risk Assessment Types
Whether for a block of flats, commercial or industrial premises there are four different Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) types that can be carried out. They differ in the extent to which the building is inspected. It is important that the type of fire risk assessment be appropriate to the premises and the amount known in respect of the structural protection. The responsible person must be clear on what they need to know, why and how it is going to be achieved.
Check our Frequently asked questions page to find out if you are the responsible person.
An inappropriate type assessment will have a negative impact on your wallet and / or the property. The more in depth an assessment is the more it is going to cost; and in some instances the costs could be considerable.
A property can also suffer if the risk assessment type is in appropriate. Invasive inspections may result in damage, that if not dealt with quickly, could potentially impact the passive safety measures installed or result in unsightly repairs.
Our fire risk assessors are highly qualified and able to fulfil your fire risk assessment requirements with the minimum of disruption. On the more invasive assessments we will arrange all the other trades required so you only have to deal with one company.
Outlined below are guidelines to the four different types of fire risk assessments available, to help you define exactly the type of fire risk assessment you need.
Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment: Common parts only (non-destructive)
The most common fire risk assessment type; which is a non-destructive inspection of the communal and managed areas of a residential property.
Although it does not include demised areas it does consider the construction of the property, apartment doors and the separation between apartments. Service risers, roof areas and above false ceilings, where installed, could be accessed during the inspection.
Unless it is suspected that there are serious deficiencies in structural fire protection for example inadequate compartmentalisation, or poor fire stopping – a Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment would normally be sufficient for most buildings and apartment blocks.
Need a Type 1 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help
Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment: Common parts only (destructive)
Type 2 fire risk assessments are similar to those of a Type 1 fire risk assessment, except that there is a degree of destructive inspection, carried out on a sampling basis to check the separating construction of the property.
This fire risk assessment type is usually a one-off exercise, which is carried out only if there is good reason to suspect serious structural deficiencies that could lead to spread of fire beyond the point of fire origin.
A Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment is a serious undertaking requiring time and resources to complete. Several trades as well as the fire risk assessor may be needed to work together. Properties built before the year 2000 will also need a specialist asbestos assessor to be present as these materials may be hidden within the structure.
A building contractor will also be required; both to help gain access to the structure of the property and to make necessary repairs. Although most good fire risk assessment companies will use an endoscope in order to minimise the damage.
Need a Type 2 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help
Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment: Common parts and flats (non-destructive)
A Type 3 fire risk assessment covers what is involved in a Type 1 fire risk assessment and is non-destructive. Going beyond the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 but not the scope of the Housing Act.
Assessments of this type consider the arrangements for means of escape and fire detection (i.e. smoke alarms) within at least a sample of the flats. Within the flats, the inspection is non-destructive, but the fire resistance of doors to rooms is considered.
Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment may be appropriate for rented flats if there is reason to suspect serious risk to residents in the event of a fire in their flats. (This might be, for example, because of the age of the block or reason for suspicion of widespread, unauthorised material alterations).
Type 3 fire risk assessments are not usually possible in the case of long leasehold flats, unless there is something seriously wrong, as there is normally limited rights of access for freeholders and managing agents.
Need a Type 3 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help
Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment: Common parts and flats (destructive)
A Type 4 fire risk assessment has the same scope of work as a Type 3 fire risk assessment, except that there is a degree of destructive inspection, in both the common parts and the flats, carried out on a sampling basis.
This is the most comprehensive fire risk assessment type, but will only be appropriate in exceptional circumstances – such as when the history of works carried out is unknown and there is reason to suspect serious risk to residents.
A Type 4 Assessment is a major undertaking requiring time and resources to complete. Several trades as well as the fire risk assessor will need to work together. Properties built before the year 2000 will also need a specialist asbestos assessor to be present or on call as these materials may be hidden within the structure.
A building contractor will also be required; both to help gain access to the structure of the property and to make necessary repairs. Although most good fire risk assessment companies will use an endoscope in order to minimise the damage.
Need a Type 4 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help