Following public comment, the most widely-adopted code of practice for fire risk assessment has finally had its biggest update since 2012. Now split into two separate documents, PAS 79-1 covers ‘Premises Other Than Housing’ and PAS 79-2 deals with ‘Housing Premises’.
The new documents give further guidance on the consideration to be given to external wall construction and cladding, which takes into account knowledge, current at the time of publication, arising from the fire disaster at Grenfell Tower, a high-rise block of flats in London, in 2017.
Other notable changes:
– technical content subject to amendment in light of experience from the use of the 2012 document
– recognition of pre-occupation fire safety assessments
– greater emphasis on competence of fire risk assessors, and reference to future competence related standards
– new British Standards have now been incorporated into the document
PAS 9980 is in the course of preparation at the moment, and this will give further recommendations for fire risk appraisal and assessment of external wall construction and cladding of blocks of flats.
You can buy the new documents here:
PAS 79 Part 1: https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030401958
PAS 79 Part 2: https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030401959
Richard Franks
MIFSM DipFD FSIDip
Technical Operations Manager – Pyro Fire Services
Richard’s specialist area is compartmentation (walls and soffit) and fire door surveys, specifically, intrusive inspections in all areas within the buildings, including all risers and produce a fire stopping and compartmentation survey report of identified observations. This background knowledge has been key in helping him to become a highly proficient fire risk assessor and validator, recently achieving the highest level of recognised competence, on the IFSM’s National Accredited Fire Risk Assessors Register at Tier 3 level.
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We recognise the importance of maintaining high levels of accreditation as a company, and as individuals. Our certifications include The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), and The Fire Industry Association (FIA). We’re third-party accredited by BAFE for Fire Risk Assessments, and our assessors are registered on the IFSM Fire Risk Assessors Register.
