Fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs)
Information about fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs).
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This page brings together guidance on fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs).
It is for:
- building owners
- landlords
- managing agents
- responsible persons
- residents of blocks of flats
The guidance explains:
- when an FRAEW may be needed
- how to commission an FRAEW
- what to expect in an FRAEW report
- how FRAEWs help manage fire safety risks in residential buildings
Assessors carrying out FRAEWs should be familiar with PAS 9980 and carry out appraisals in line with its requirements.
Understanding fire risk appraisals of external walls in blocks of flats
Learn what an FRAEW is, when it may be needed and how to understand the findings.
Residents’ guide to fire safety in blocks of flats
Information about fire safety responsibilities and how fire risks are managed in residential buildings.
Step-by-step guide to commissioning an FRAEW
Guidance for building owners, landlords and managing agents on arranging an FRAEW.
What to expect in an FRAEW executive summary
Information about the key findings, recommendations and risk outcomes in an FRAEW report.
Recognising quality in your FRAEW report
Guidance on understanding whether an FRAEW report contains the information you need.
An overview of FRAEWs
A fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) is a structured assessment of the fire risks associated with a building’s external wall system.
This includes features such as:
- cladding
- insulation
- cavity barriers
- balconies
- windows and doors
An FRAEW helps building owners and responsible persons understand the level of fire risk associated with external walls and identify any action that may be needed to reduce risk.
An FRAEW can help:
- assess the level of fire risk associated with the external wall system
- inform decisions about proportionate remediation and other risk reduction measures
- provide information for residents, regulators, lenders and insurers
An FRAEW is only one part of managing fire safety.
It does not replace a fire risk assessment (FRA). The FRA remains the main assessment of fire safety in a residential building. Where needed, the FRAEW supports the FRA by providing a detailed assessment of external wall risks.
All residential blocks with two or more flats are required to have a fire risk assessment (FRA), which should identify whether an FRAEW is required for the building based on the potential risk of the external walls. However, if the risk is sufficiently low, for example if all the walls are masonry / brick built, then an FRAEW may not be required.
Related guidance
Managing high-rise residential buildings
Managing safety risks in high-rise residential buildings: a detailed guide