Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for most buildings in the UK. However, not all fire risk assessments are the same. The type of fire risk assessment required depends on the building, its use, its construction, and the level of risk identified.
In the UK, the terms Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 fire risk assessments are widely used to describe different levels of inspection and intrusion. These classifications are most commonly applied to purpose-built blocks of flats and other residential buildings, but the underlying principles are also relevant to complex or multi-occupied premises.
This guide explains the four types of fire risk assessment, what each involves, when they are appropriate, and how to determine which assessment is suitable for your building.
Contents
- 1 Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment
- 2 Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment
- 3 Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment
- 4 Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment
- 5 Choosing the Right Fire Risk Assessment Type
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Fire Risk Assessment
- 6.1 What are the different types of fire risk assessment?
- 6.2 What is a Type 1 fire risk assessment?
- 6.3 When is a Type 2 fire risk assessment required?
- 6.4 What is a Type 3 fire risk assessment?
- 6.5 What is a Type 4 fire risk assessment?
- 6.6 Are Type 1–4 fire risk assessments a legal requirement?
- 6.7 How do I know which type of fire risk assessment I need?
- 6.8 Can a fire risk assessment become more intrusive later?
- 6.9 Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment
Common Parts Only (Non-Destructive)
A Type 1 fire risk assessment is the most common and widely used assessment for purpose-built blocks of flats. It is designed to satisfy the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in relation to common parts.
This assessment is non-destructive and focuses on:
- Means of escape from common parts
- Fire detection and warning systems in common areas (where present)
- Emergency lighting and fire safety signage
- Fire doors to common areas and flat entrance doors (sampled)
- General condition of compartmentation, as far as can reasonably be seen
The assessor does not enter individual flats, other than inspecting a sample of flat entrance doors from the common side.
Where accessible and safe to do so, limited checks may include:
- Demountable ceiling tiles in common parts
- Service risers that can be opened without damage
If no obvious concerns are identified, a Type 1 assessment is usually suitable and sufficient for most modern, well-maintained purpose-built blocks.
If concerns arise around compartmentation, fire stopping, or construction integrity, these must be clearly recorded, and further investigation may be recommended.
Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment
Common Parts Only (Destructive)
A Type 2 fire risk assessment covers the same areas as a Type 1 assessment but includes targeted destructive inspection of the building structure.
This allows the assessor to:
- Open up walls, ceilings, floors, or risers
- Inspect fire stopping and compartmentation in detail
- Confirm whether construction performs as intended
Because this inspection is destructive, it usually:
- Requires a contractor to make good afterwards
- Is carried out in vacant areas or flats where possible
- Must be carefully planned and justified
Type 2 assessments are not routine. They are typically recommended only where a Type 1 assessment has identified reasonable doubt about the fire-resisting construction — for example, due to poor workmanship, extensive alterations, or known defects.
Age of a building alone is not a sufficient reason for a Type 2 assessment.
Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment
Common Parts and Flats (Non-Destructive)
A Type 3 fire risk assessment extends beyond the common parts and includes non-destructive inspection inside a sample of flats.
In addition to the checks carried out in a Type 1 assessment, this may include:
- Means of escape within flats
- Smoke alarms and domestic detection arrangements
- Fire resistance of internal flat doors (visual inspection)
- General fire safety arrangements affecting residents
This type of assessment goes beyond the strict scope of the Fire Safety Order but may be appropriate where there is concern that risks within flats could affect other residents, such as:
- Older buildings with uncertain fire separation
- Evidence of widespread unauthorised alterations
- Poor maintenance or inconsistent standards between flats
Access limitations may apply, particularly in long-leasehold properties where entry cannot be enforced.
Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment
Common Parts and Flats (Destructive)
A Type 4 fire risk assessment is the most comprehensive form of assessment.
It combines the scope of a Type 3 assessment with destructive inspection in both:
- Common parts
- A sample of flats
This may involve opening up walls, ceilings, floors, and service penetrations to fully assess:
- Compartmentation between flats
- Fire stopping around services
- Construction methods and materials
Type 4 assessments are exceptional and are generally only appropriate where:
- The building’s construction history is unknown
- Serious concerns exist about fire spread
- A new owner has acquired a block with limited records
Because of the intrusive nature of this assessment:
- Vacant flats are usually required
- Contractors must attend to reinstate finishes
- Asbestos registers must always be reviewed first
Choosing the Right Fire Risk Assessment Type
Selecting the correct assessment type is essential. An assessment that is too limited may fail to identify serious risks, while one that is overly intrusive may be unnecessary and disruptive.
In most purpose-built blocks of flats:
- Type 1 is appropriate for routine compliance
- Type 2 or 3 is used where specific concerns arise
- Type 4 is reserved for exceptional circumstances
A competent fire risk assessor should justify the assessment type and clearly explain why any further investigation is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Fire Risk Assessment
What are the different types of fire risk assessment?
In the UK, fire risk assessments are commonly described as Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. These types indicate the scope and level of intrusion involved in the assessment, ranging from non-destructive inspections of common parts to fully intrusive assessments of both common parts and individual units.
What is a Type 1 fire risk assessment?
A Type 1 fire risk assessment is a non-destructive assessment of the common parts only. It is the most common assessment used for purpose-built blocks of flats and is generally suitable for routine compliance where there are no known concerns about construction or compartmentation.
When is a Type 2 fire risk assessment required?
A Type 2 fire risk assessment may be required where a Type 1 assessment identifies reasonable doubt about the fire-resisting construction. It includes targeted destructive inspection of common parts to confirm compartmentation and fire stopping integrity. It is not routine and must be justified.
What is a Type 3 fire risk assessment?
A Type 3 fire risk assessment includes non-destructive inspection of both common parts and a sample of flats. It may be appropriate where risks within flats could affect other residents, such as in older buildings or where there is evidence of widespread alterations.
What is a Type 4 fire risk assessment?
A Type 4 fire risk assessment is the most comprehensive form of assessment. It includes destructive inspection within common parts and flats and is usually reserved for exceptional circumstances, such as buildings with unknown construction or serious concerns about fire spread.
Are Type 1–4 fire risk assessments a legal requirement?
The law requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, not a specific “type”. The Type 1–4 classifications are industry-recognised descriptors used to explain the extent of inspection needed to meet legal duties under fire safety legislation.
How do I know which type of fire risk assessment I need?
The correct assessment type depends on the building design, construction, use, history, and level of risk identified. A competent fire risk assessor should justify the assessment approach and clearly explain why any additional or intrusive inspection is necessary.
Can a fire risk assessment become more intrusive later?
Yes. A fire risk assessment may begin as a Type 1 assessment, but if concerns are identified, the assessor may recommend a progressive approach, moving to a Type 2, 3, or 4 assessment where justified.
Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
Fire risk assessments must be carried out by a competent person — someone with sufficient knowledge, experience, and understanding of fire safety principles, building construction, and relevant guidance to identify hazards and assess risk appropriately.
