PAS9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls in Blocks of Flats

Start and Finish Time – 1000hrs to 1600hrs

Synopsis

The scope of fire risk assessments is changing with the Fire Safety Act 2021. This workshop aims firstly, to explain the content of PAS 9980:2022 “Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of Practice” and examine how these impacts on Fire Risk Assessments.

Secondly, we will examine how Fire Engineers and other professionals plan and undertake intrusive inspections of external walls and how fire safety is assessed and reported. The day will include extensive use of illustrative material and case studies.

Learning Objectives

This one-day workshop will provide you with:

• • An understanding of the different types of external walls & construction materials
  • Insight into the principles and scope of the new code of practice for fire risk appraisal of external walls
  • An awareness of the process of planning, undertaking and reporting on the site survey and inspection
  • Guidance on assessing the suitability and fire performance of existing types of external wall construction

  
  Session 1 – Construction of different types of external walls

  a. Traditional construction of walls
  b. Evolution of wall finishes and cladding: materials, components, and systems
  c. Risks posed following refurbishment of existing buildings
  d. Mechanism of external fire spread

  Session 2 – Methodology for basic assessment of suitability of existing walls

  a. Principles and scope of the fire risk appraisal of external walls
  b. Determining the risk rating: fire performance, façade configuration, hazards & fire strategy
  c. Five step approach to the basic level of assessment
  d. Risk ratings of different cladding types

  Session 3 – The FRAEW site survey and investigation

  a. Information required
  b. Planning the survey
  c. Undertaking the site survey in occupied blocks
  d. Case studies

  Session 4 – Scope and format of the FRAEW report

  a. Fire Safety Act 2021 and changes to the FRA
  b. Commissioning a survey
  c. Report content and structure
  d. Outcome of the FRAEW and implementing report recommendations