Fire Risk Assessment Types
The most common Fire risk assessments are Type 1 and 4
Type 1
A Type 1 fire risk assessment is the basic fire risk assessment required for the purpose of satisfying the FSO.The inspection of the building is non-destructive. But, as well as considering the arrangements for means of escape and so forth, the fire risk assessment includes examination of at least a sample of flat entrance doors. It also considers, so far as reasonably practicable, the separating construction between the flats and the common parts without any opening up of construction.
Type 2
Type 2 fire risk assessment are generally 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. This will usually necessitate the presence of a contractor for the purpose of opening up construction and making good after the inspection. In order to check the integrity of separating construction, the areas in which destructive inspection is carried out might sometimes include a sample of flats.
Type 3
A Type 3 fire risk assessment includes the work involved in a Type 1 fire risk assessment, but goes beyond the scope of the FSO (though not the scope of the Housing Act). This risk assessment considers the arrangements for means of escape and fire detection (ie 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 4
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. However, the nature of the work is such that, often, destructive inspection within flats can only be carried out in those that are vacant. This is the most comprehensive fire risk assessment.