A Guide to Type 1 Fire Risk Assessments

For property managers, building owners, and those responsible for residential blocks, navigating fire safety legislation is a critical part of the job. Among the most essential documents in your compliance toolkit is the Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). But not all FRAs are the same. Understanding the specific purpose and scope of a Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is key to ensuring legal compliance and providing a safe environment for your tenants.

This guide will explain exactly what a Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is, why it is the most common type of FRA for residential buildings, and what you need to know to ensure it is carried out correctly.

What Is a Type 1 FRA ( Fire Risk Assessment ) ?

A Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is a non-intrusive survey that focuses on the common parts of a building. It is the standard type of FRA required for multi-occupied residential buildings, such as blocks of flats, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO 2005).

The primary purpose of a Type 1 FRA is to assess fire hazards and risks in areas that are shared by residents and frequented by the public. This includes:

Corridors, stairways, and lobbies
Plant rooms, bin storage areas, and electrical cupboards
The external façade and roof (from a non-intrusive, visual perspective)
The means of escape and fire-fighting access
The effectiveness of fire doors separating common parts from residential flats

Crucially, a Type 1 FRA does not involve entering individual flats. It assumes that the front doors of the flats and the internal fire safety measures within them are compliant with the relevant Building Regulations at the time of their construction.

Why is a Type 1 FRA Essential for Property Managers?

Conducting a Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is not just a best practice—it is a legal requirement under the FSO 2005. The Order places a clear duty on the “Responsible Person” (who is often the property manager or building owner) to take general fire precautions and ensure a suitable and sufficient FRA is in place

The Legal Framework

The FSO 2005 is the cornerstone of fire safety law in England and Wales. Recent legislation has further strengthened this framework:

Fire Safety Act 2021: This act clarified that the FSO 2005 applies to the external walls, structure, and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings. A Type 1 FRA must therefore now include an assessment of these elements, albeit from a non-intrusive viewpoint.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: These regulations place new, specific duties on the Responsible Person for high-rise residential buildings, requiring them to share information with fire and rescue services and provide clear wayfinding signage, among other things. A Type 1 FRA provides the necessary information to comply with these duties.

For a property manager, having a valid and up-to-date Type 1 FRA demonstrates that you are meeting your legal obligations and prioritising the safety of your tenants.

Who is Qualified to Carry Out a Type 1 FRA?

A building safety assessment is only as good as the professional who conducts it. The FSO 2005 states that the person carrying out the FRA must be “competent.” While the law does not provide a definitive list of qualifications, a competent person should have:

Extensive knowledge of fire safety principles and legislation.
Relevant training and experience in conducting FRAs for similar buildings.
Accreditation from a recognised third-party scheme.

Look for professionals who are members of industry-recognised bodies and schemes, such as:

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Fire Risk Assessors Register
BAFE SP205 (Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment)
The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) / National Association of Fire Risk Assessors (NAFRA)
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Choosing an accredited professional provides confidence that the assessment will be conducted to a high standard, using the PAS 79 methodology, which is the gold standard for fire risk assessments.

The Key Benefits of a Professional Type 1 FRA

Beyond legal compliance, a professionally conducted FRA Type 1 offers significant benefits for any property manager.

Enhanced Tenant Safety: By identifying and mitigating fire hazards in communal areas, you are directly contributing to the safety of all residents.
Reduced Risk and Liability: A robust FRA helps you manage risks proactively, which can reduce the likelihood of a fire and protect you from potential legal action or fines in the event of an incident.
Informed Safety Management: The report provides a clear action plan, allowing you to prioritise remedial works and budget for future safety improvements.
Insurance and Lender Requirements: Many insurers and lenders now require a recent FRA as a condition of coverage or financing, and a professional, PAS 79-compliant report is essential.

Conclusion

A Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is a foundational element of effective fire safety management for property managers. It is a crucial tool for meeting your legal obligations under the FSO 2005 and ensuring your residential building is a safe environment. By understanding its scope and insisting on a report from an accredited, competent professional, you can achieve both legal compliance and peace of mind.

To ensure your building’s fire safety assessment is completed to the highest standard, you should always consult with a trusted and qualified expert.

Request a quote for a professional Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment today

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Insurance-Approved EWS1 Reports

This quick, easy form takes just a few minutes to complete. We’ll ask for your building’s key details along with any existing plans, Fire Risk Assessments (Types 1–4), or other fire-related reports. The more information you provide, the faster our accredited fire engineers can prepare an accurate, fixed-scope Fire Strategy Report quote.

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Building Details

Building Name/Number(Required)

Building Postcode(Required)

Building Type

Building Height / Number of Floors(Required)

Year of Construction (if known)

Only Accredited FRA Experts. No Exceptions.

We only work with competent, insured fire risk assessors accredited under recognised third-party schemes. Every FRA, from Type 1 through to Type 4, is carried out in strict compliance with PAS 79 methodology.

Our assessors hold industry-recognised accreditations such as the IFE Fire Risk Assessors Register, BAFE SP205, and IFSM. Each professional is fully vetted, with memberships, qualifications, and insurance verified. All reports are PAS 79–compliant, clearly risk-rated, and written to meet the requirements of lenders, insurers, and regulators.

Whether you need a straightforward Type 1 common-parts inspection or a comprehensive Type 4 intrusive survey, we provide the right qualified assessor and take care of access, permits, and logistics from start to finish.

A Guide to Type 1 Fire Risk Assessments

What Is a Type 1 FRA ( Fire Risk Assessment ) ?

Why is a Type 1 FRA Essential for Property Managers?

The Legal Framework

Who is Qualified to Carry Out a Type 1 FRA?

The Key Benefits of a Professional Type 1 FRA

Conclusion

Start Your FRA Type 1-4 Quote

Accredited Fire Engineers — Nationwide Coverage

Fully Compliant with the Building Safety Act

Trusted by Property Managers Across the UK

Fast Turnaround — No Hidden Costs

Insurance-Approved EWS1 Reports

Accredited Fire Engineers — Nationwide Coverage

Fully Compliant with the Building Safety Act

Trusted by Property Managers Across the UK

Fast Turnaround — No Hidden Costs

Insurance-Approved EWS1 Reports

Building Details

Floor Plans, Fire Reports & Other Documents

Only Accredited FRA Experts. No Exceptions.

Compliance Assured

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