The British Standards Institute has released the most current guidance, PAS (publicly accessible specification), 9980/2022. This code is used to guide fire risk assessments, as well as the assessment and construction of external walls and cladding. This code was created to clarify the Consolidated Advice Note’s confusion that multi-occupancy buildings of any height would require an EWS1 Review.
What Goals Does PAS9980 Have?
These are the objectives outlined in the PAS9980.
- This tool allows firefighters to evaluate and assess the potential for fire spreading through walls.
- So recipients of FRAA can understand the process used and how the results were interpreted.
- To be used by non-firefighters to review and FRAA. To understand the impact of external fire on the building’s fire strategy.
- It aims at increasing understanding of fire risk in external wall constructions and limiting the potential for FRAA to be reached. This will ensure new construction is compliant with the new building standards.
- To allow frame users to use standard terms.
- For consistency in frames
- To establish a basis for documentation regarding FRAS.
- FRAA training for consistency and to increase the number FRAA certified professionals;
- For professional indemnity/pi insurers, a national standard provides consistency for FRAS.
To Whom Is The Guidance Of PAS 9980 Meant?
This guideline is for fire engineers and other building professionals competent in conducting appraisals and fire risk assessments. The code of ethics provides guidelines for ensuring that the professional performing the FRAEW, Fire Risk Assessments of External Walls (FRAEW), is qualified to perform such assessments. Provides clear guidance to qualified Facade Consultants professionals performing the assessments and encourages industry coherence.
How Does PAS9980 Guide Balconies?
The PAS 9980 breaks down balconies into the main categories.
- Those that are entirely built within the curtilage framework of the building
- These extend beyond the main building structure but use an extension on a floor slab.
- These are extensions beyond the primary structure fixed to an external wall.
It states that every material used to build a balcony must be examined, regardless of its material category. It is essential to examine the role of these materials in spreading flames during the FRAEW. A balcony with high-combustible material will affect the building’s rating.
It also specifies that any noncombustible material may be used as a replacement for any combustible material, such as wood in decking systems and composite decking. You can take help from FR Consulting in this aspect.
What Approach Recommends An FRAA For PAS?
The PAS 9980 introduces a five-step risk-based approach. It guides qualified personnel in identifying, rating and assessing the different fire risks in buildings. It offers advice on how to improve the risk rating. A building’s fire danger determines its fire risk classification.
What Does PAS9980 Mean For Building Safety?
PAS 9980 was established to reduce EWS1-exempt structures to help the industry. The EWS1 definition covers multi-story, multi-occupancy structures. However, it does not specify the minimum height. This could lead to professional indemnity lenders and mortgage lenders continuing to use the same practices that they did before. This can trap landlords and building owners in an endless cycle.
