All You Need to Know about FRAEW

(Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls)

At PAS 9980 Survey Services, we perform fire risk assessments of external walls for buildings throughout London and the surrounding neighbourhoods. But what is a fire risk appraisal of external walls?

Commonly known as FRAEW, it’s an assessment that involves identifying risk factors that can cause the spread of fire within or over the external walls of the building. If there are such factors, the assessment will define the work needed to mitigate them. This entire process is known as the Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW).

Conducting the survey requires competent professionals who can undertake the process using the new PAS 9980 guidance code.

These professionals use their judgment skills to identify possible risks and provide recommendations to mitigate them.

Important Things to Know About the

PAS 9980 and FRAEW

The purpose of the PAS 9980 is to determine which buildings may be susceptible to fire spreading through the external walls. It assists qualified professionals with directions on using the relevant tools and processes to carry out the FRAEW.

Experts in the building and fire control sectors gave their advice for the guidelines of the PAS 9980. It outlines the steps for competent and qualified professionals to reduce fire risk.

Moreover, it offers a format for a report that compiles the findings of the analysis and recommendations.

These guidelines are for professionals involved in various elements of external wall construction, such as:

• Principal engineers

• Facility managers

• Contractors

• Architects

One thing to note is that the new code does not mean that all the buildings require a fire risk assessment. In certain circumstances, a qualified fire risk assessor will confirm that there is no danger of human loss from the fire spreading, given there are no combustible materials used in the construction of external walls over time.

Also, not all buildings that do need an appraisal would have to go through the mandatory intrusive inspection.

Comprehensive Overview of the FRAEW (Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls)

According to the PAS 9980 Code of Practice, assessors take a 5-step approach when performing a risk assessment. It provides a methodology that helps spot risk factors that can influence the building's overall risk rating.

As qualified assessors, we also provide recommendations on how clients can reduce a high rating. The purpose of designing the PAS 9980 was to assist the professionals carrying out the Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) survey.

With the publication of PAS 9980, experts believe that it will see the complete enforcement of the Fire Safety Act 2021. It is the responsibility of the building owner or manager to make a report of fire risks according to the standards in the PAS 9980.

It is vital for skilled and qualified professionals to carry out this assessment. This includes experts such as safety officers, fire engineers, and safety consultants.

They should have specific training to perform inspections and conduct technical analyses according to the PAS 9980.

FRAEW (Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls) Experts

Our team at PAS 9980 Survey services includes more than just individuals who excel in fire design engineering and fire safety strategy planning.

We are equipped to provide advice regarding all aspects of fire safety service and regulatory compliance throughout various stages of the design and consultation process including most importantly PAS9980 surveys and FRAEW (Fire risk appraisals of the external walls) and External Wall Fire Risk Assessment.

Don't hesitate to reach out and speak to our team of experts. We are eager to discuss the ways in which we can assist you as well as guide you through your building safety journey.