Type 2 Fire Risk Assessments are rare, they tend to be recommended if a Type 1 FRA concluded that there was structural flaws within the building, therefore, increasing the risk of fire and it spreading rapidly.
This type of FRA includes destructive sampling when there is a good reason to believe there is structural flaws which need further investigation. This is important to carry out when needed as, it could lead to breaches in compartmentation and the spread of fire throughout the building.
Type 3 FRA's are Fire Risk Assessments that include all work within scope of a Type 1 FRA. Therefore it is non-intrusive, but also takes into account the arrangements for means of escape and fire detection within at least a sample of the flats (usually 10% min.)
Within the flats, the inspection is non-intrusive, but the fire resistance of doors to rooms is considered.
A Type 3 FRA does not take into account measures to prevent fire, unless the measures are within control of the person on whose behalf the FRA is being carried out.
A Type 3 FRA is a key requirement for rented flats especially where there is a reason to suspect serious risk to residents in the event of a fire in their own flats or if you are unsure nor unaware of the risk.
As a Type 4 FRA, this survey involves a high degree of destructive exposure in order to appropriateness of the buildings compartmentation. The destructive assessment includes sampling of flats, as well as checking the integrity of the separating construction that protects both the common parts and other flats to assess the likelihood of the fire spreading;
from an individual flat to the escape route
between individual flats
beyond communal rooms and facilities
via common service risers and ducts
Additionally, Type 4 FRA's consider the precautions, such as; means of escape, fire detection within a sample of dwellings, the inspection of the respective dwelling entrance doors and all common areas.
A Type 4 FRA, provides the most comprehensive fire risk assessment, based on the access available. However, it must be acknowledged that whilst the building may not be fully compliant with current building regulations, the purpose of the report is to establish whether any departures from present benchmarks create significant risks. If these risks are apparent, a solution needs to be determined and implemented within the constraints of the existing structure and layout.
