What are the different types of fire risk assessments?
Have you found yourself asking ‘what type of fire risk assessment do I need’? Whether you’re reviewing residential or commercial fire safety protocols, getting the right type of survey is crucial.
In the UK, there are four types of fire risk assessments to choose from, depending on the scope and invasiveness of the inspection. Each type of fire risk assessment serves a specific purpose, but which one do you need? We find out.
Type 1 Fire Risk Assessments – common parts only (non-destructive)
A Type 1 assessment is your basic survey, focusing on common areas like corridors, stairs and communal spaces to evaluate fire safety management practices. This type of survey is non-destructive, so it doesn’t involve invasive procedures like opening up walls.
During Type 1 fire risk assessments, a surveyor will look at aspects such as safety equipment and installations, including fire alarms, extinguishers and emergency lighting. They will also assess your fire escape routes, signage and fire door effectiveness.
Type 1 surveys are suitable for buildings having regular fire risk assessments where a destructive inspection isn’t necessary.
Type 2 Fire Risk Assessments – common parts only (destructive)
Type 2 fire risk assessments cover everything Type 1 surveys look at, and they are still limited to common areas. However, this type of fire risk survey has a more invasive approach, opening up the building’s hidden spots to inspect voids within walls, ceilings and floors.
A Type 2 survey will evaluate the structural integrity and fire resistance of concealed areas, identifying where a fire could spread in places not easily visible during your basic Type 1 assessment. A competent assessor will consider the condition and effectiveness of fire-stopping measures within the fabric of the property.
Type 2 fire risk assessments are chosen when there are concerns about hidden fire hazards or when previous non-destructive checks raised issues needing deeper investigation.
Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments – common parts and flats (non-destructive)
Type 3 fire risk assessments extend the scope of Type 1 surveys. This means assessing fire risks beyond common areas, covering individual flats within a building. Type 3 surveys are non-destructive, so they won’t involve invasive techniques.
During a Type 3 fire safety assessment, an assessor will conduct checks covered by Type 1 surveys, but they will also inspect individual flats, looking at smoke alarms, escape routes and fire doors. They may also look at how flats and common spaces interact, including exit plans and fire safety protocols.
Type 3 assessments are suitable for identifying fire risks throughout an entire building, providing more data for the building’s fire safety management plan.
Type 4 Fire Risk Assessments – common parts and flats (destructive)
Type 4 fire risk assessments are the most comprehensive and destructive, covering both common areas and individual flats.
The destructive methods used will uncover hidden fire risks, checking for concealed hazards. This can identify deficiencies in fire compartmentation and fire-stopping measures.
Type 4 assessments help to understand fire risks in complex buildings. They are also necessary when there are significant concerns about fire safety or compliance.
Request a new fire risk assessment today
MD Fire has trained fire risk assessors across London and the Home Counties, covering Surrey, Sussex and beyond. For a free quote, contact us.
