Type 2 Fire Risk Assessments

For property managers and building owners, ensuring fire safety compliance is a primary responsibility. While the standard Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is sufficient for many buildings, certain situations demand a more thorough, intrusive approach. This is where a Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) becomes essential.

This guide will explain what an FRA Type 2 is, how it differs from other assessments, and the specific circumstances that might trigger the need for this more detailed and intrusive inspection.

What is a Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment?

A Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment is a specialized and intrusive inspection of a building’s common parts. Unlike a standard Type 1 FRA, which is non-intrusive and assumes the integrity of the building’s hidden structure, a Type 2 assessment involves a contractor opening up sections of walls, ceilings, and other communal areas to physically check for adequate fire stopping and compartmentation.

How It Differs from Other FRA Types:

FRA Type 1: Non-intrusive survey of common parts only. It is the most common and least disruptive assessment.
FRA Type 2: Intrusive survey of common parts only. It is used to verify the integrity of the building’s fire safety systems where visual inspection is not enough.
FRA Type 3: Non-intrusive survey of both common parts and a sample of individual flats. It is a more comprehensive visual assessment.
FRA Type 4: Intrusive survey of both common parts and individual flats. This is the most extensive and expensive type, reserved for situations where there is a serious, widespread concern about the building’s fire safety.

In short, an FRA Type 2 is the only type of intrusive assessment that focuses exclusively on the communal areas.

The Purpose of an Intrusive Fire Risk Assessment

An intrusive fire risk assessment is not carried out for every building. Its purpose is to address specific concerns raised during a standard visual inspection. An assessor might recommend a Type 2 FRA if they suspect:

Compromised Compartmentation: Compartmentation is the process of dividing a building into fire-resistant zones to prevent a fire from spreading. If there is evidence of poor workmanship, a lack of fire stopping around service pipes and cables, or previous unrecorded remedial works, a Type 2 FRA can confirm the extent of the issue.
Substandard Construction: In older buildings or those where construction records are incomplete, a Type 2 assessment can be used to verify that the original build meets the required fire safety standards.
Widespread Suspected Defects: If a Type 1 FRA reveals a major defect in one area of the building, a Type 2 FRA may be required to determine if similar defects exist in other parts of the building’s communal areas.

Scenarios Where a Type 2 FRA is Required

A Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment is most relevant for property managers of residential fire safety and commercial buildings where the communal areas are complex or where significant doubts exist about the building’s fire safety.

Practical Examples:

Suspected Fire Stopping Issues: A visual inspection in a plant room reveals gaps around service pipes, but it’s unclear if this is an isolated issue or a systematic problem throughout the building’s communal areas. A Type 2 FRA would involve opening up sections of walls and ceilings to check for fire stopping in other locations.
Uncertain Refurbishment History: A building has undergone a number of refurbishments, but records are missing. An FRA Type 2 can be used to check for the correct installation of fire barriers and compartmentation at the junctions of floors and walls in communal areas.
Older or Unconventional Buildings: For properties with unusual construction, or those built before modern fire safety standards were in place, an intrusive fire risk assessment can provide the necessary evidence of compliance for insurers and regulators.

Key Considerations for Property Managers

If your fire risk assessor recommends an FRA Type 2, it’s crucial to understand the implications before proceeding.

Cost and Disruption: A Type 2 assessment is significantly more expensive and disruptive than a Type 1, as it requires a contractor to carry out the intrusive works. You should always get a clear breakdown of costs and an explanation of the methodology.
Professional Expertise: The assessment must be carried out by a highly experienced and accredited professional. They must be competent to not only assess the fire risk but also to specify the intrusive works correctly and advise on the necessary remedial actions. Always choose an assessor who adheres to the PAS 79 methodology.
Communication with Stakeholders: You must communicate clearly and transparently with residents, leaseholders, and other stakeholders about the reasons for the intrusive assessment and the expected level of disruption.

Conclusion

A Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment is not a routine procedure, but it is an essential tool in your residential fire safety and commercial fire safety toolkit. It provides a definitive way to verify the hidden integrity of a building’s fire safety systems, ensuring that your property is safe and legally compliant. While it is more expensive and intrusive than a standard FRA, it provides peace of mind and the necessary evidence to satisfy insurers, regulators, and, most importantly, the people who live and work in the building.

If a recent FRA has highlighted concerns or you have doubts about your building’s hidden fire safety systems, it is vital to seek expert advice.

Request a quote for a professional Type 2 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.

Type 2 Fire Risk Assessments

What is a Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment?

How It Differs from Other FRA Types:

The Purpose of an Intrusive Fire Risk Assessment

Scenarios Where a Type 2 FRA is Required

Key Considerations for Property Managers

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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