Consultation on building fire safety assessment standard launched

A public consultation process for a new code of practice for fire risk appraisal, assessment of external wall construction and cladding of existing apartment blocks has been launched.

The British Standards Institution is looking for input from people in the construction, fire, housing and safety industries, as well as consumers and residents.

The new standard will be named PAS 9980: Fire risk appraisal and assessment of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice.

The standard will give recommendations and guidance on undertaking a fire risk appraisal and assessment (FRAA) of the external wall construction of a multi-storey, multi‑occupied residential building.

The purpose of a FRAA is to assess the risk to occupants from a fire spreading externally over or within the walls of the building and whether remediation is considered necessary.

The standard is intended for use by fire engineers and other building professionals tasked with advising on the fire risk of external wall construction of existing blocks of flats, as well as other building professionals who make decisions based upon the outcome of the FRAAs.

The consultation runs until 20 May. The standard is due to be published in September.