The draft of PAS 9980: Fire risk appraisal and assessment of external wall construction of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice is now open for public consultation. This important document has been developed by BSI Standards Limited, sponsored by the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

PAS 9980 sets out a methodology for conducting a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) on existing multi-storey, multi-occupied residential buildings. Its primary aim is to assess the risk of fire spread via external wall systems and determine whether remediation or mitigating measures are needed to safeguard occupants.

Who and What It Covers

The PAS is applicable to:

• Purpose-built blocks of flats;
• Student accommodation;
• Sheltered and specialised housing;
• Converted buildings with similar escape strategies to blocks of flats;
• Buildings with cladding or attachments that may pose a fire risk.

It guides when an FRAEW is likely to be required and how to carry one out. It’s particularly relevant where combustible materials or unusual wall constructions are suspected to be present.

It does not apply to:

• Single dwellinghouses;
• Traditional low-rise buildings (e.g. two-storey blocks);
• New buildings undergoing snagging prior to occupation.

The standard also addresses competence requirements for assessors and clarifies that PAS 9980 is not a route to demonstrate compliance with building regulations.

The consultation is open until 6th June 2025. The FIA will be reviewing the draft and submitting comments.

We invite our members to share their views with us. If you have feedback, please send it to [email protected] with the subject line: PAS 9980 Comments.

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