PAS 9980 assessments · Infra Fire Safety Ltd
PAS 9980 assessments.
Understand external wall risk.
Fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs) for existing blocks of flats and other residential buildings within the scope of PAS 9980. Supporting building owners and managing agents across the North West and the UK.
A considered appraisal of the external wall system.
PAS 9980 provides a method for appraising fire risk associated with external wall construction and cladding on existing blocks of flats. It considers the wall system in the context of the building and its fire safety arrangements.
Infra Fire Safety Ltd helps establish the appraisal scope, review the available evidence and identify the investigations needed to support the judgement.
From records to recommendations
- Initial review: understand the building, the reason for the enquiry and whether a detailed appraisal is appropriate.
- Construction evidence: review drawings, product information, previous reports and evidence from inspections or agreed investigations.
- Fire risk appraisal: assess the relevant external wall risk factors and explain the basis, assumptions and limitations of the judgement.
- Recommendations: identify where further evidence, risk-management measures or remedial work should be considered.
Define the investigation early.
Where records do not establish the external wall construction, further investigation may be needed. Access arrangements, opening up, sampling and making good are discussed before the scope is confirmed.
The assessment should be usable by the people responsible for the building. We set out the information relied upon, matters that remain uncertain and how the findings relate to the wider fire safety position.
Connect the appraisal to the building’s fire safety work.
An FRAEW can inform the building’s fire risk assessment; it is a distinct scope of work. We can also discuss any linked fire strategy questions.
For background on when an appraisal may be needed, see the government’s guide to external wall fire risk appraisals.
Common questions
Does every block of flats need a detailed PAS 9980 appraisal?
No. The need for a detailed appraisal depends on the building and the concerns about its external walls. The starting point is to review the available information and establish the appropriate scope.
Will opening up be required?
It depends on whether the construction can be established from reliable records and inspection evidence. Where further investigation is needed, its extent and access arrangements are agreed as part of the commission.