Type 1 FRA
Type 1 FRA
This is probably the most common type of FRA and is usually suitable for most blocks of flats, purpose built or conversions. It is a non- destructive assessment of only the communal areas of the building.
For this type of survey the assessor would not normally require access to private apartments unless there was an immediate risk to life safety or the assessment was to include the front door of the flat.
The assessor may make a recommendation that a more detailed investigation is needed and in these circumstances clear evidence and justification will be provided.
Type 2 FRA
Type 2 FRA
This assessment is similar to the Type 1 as it includes only the common parts of the building however, it does require some invasive investigation work. This will usually require a contractor to be present with the assessor so that small bore holes can be drilled and an borescope camera used to better understand if there are any fire or smoke related breaches in non-visible areas.
This type of assessment is usually only required if there is a concern over the robustness of fire compartmentation design. An FRA Type 2 report can also be used if a Variation Order is being considered in order to amend the overall fire strategy of the building.
Type 3 FRA
Type 3 FRA
Similar to a Type 1 report this is a non-invasive assessment of the communal areas but extends inside the apartments to understand levels of fire detection, compartmentation and means of escape.
It is only usually considered appropriate if there is considered to be a fire risk inside the flats.
Type 4 FRA
Type 4 FRA
This is similar to a Type 2 report in that it is an invasive inspection covering the communal areas as well as inside the apartments. This is a more comprehensive assessment than the other types of FRA and also like the Type 3 FRA it does require the full co-operation of flat owners / tenants in providing access. A contractor will also be required to assist in the opening and making good of the sampling work.
This type of assessment is useful if there are concerns around flat to flat compartmentation and checking fire stopping around routed services.
Compartmentation Assessments
Your FRA may identify and raise concerns about compartmentation of flats or communal areas. If so then we can attend the site and provide a survey to determine compartmentation suitability. This could be for the communal areas only or can include a representative sample of flats. The report will identify any fire breaches or deficiencies, their location, the required remediation and a rating of risk.
We can provide this type of assessment with or without a smoke test as cracks and gaps are not always visible to the ‘naked eye’.
Contact us
For further information on the range of our risk assessment services please fill out our contact form below or alternatively you can call us on 0345 002 4420 or drop us an email at customerservice@osterna.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!