FRA FAQ
In UK housing the four types are Type 1 (common parts, non-destructive), Type 2 (common parts, destructive), Type 3 (common parts plus flats, non-destructive) and Type 4 (common parts plus flats, destructive). Type 1 is the default; the others are commissioned when there is reason to look deeper.
Types 1 and 2
A Type 1 assessment inspects the communal areas, considers flat entrance doors, and takes a view of the external walls and structure on a non-destructive basis, since the Fire Safety Act 2021 put those explicitly in scope. It is the type the vast majority of blocks need, repeated on a cycle set by risk. Its limitation is honest and stated: it can only report what is visible without taking anything apart.
A Type 2 assessment is commissioned when there are grounds to suspect the construction itself: signs of poorly sealed service penetrations, a refurbishment with no fire-stopping records, or defects found during maintenance. Contractors open up small areas of walls, floors or risers so the assessor can see the compartmentation, then make good afterwards. It is usually targeted at sampled locations rather than the whole building, often using a vacant flat or an accessible riser.
Types 3 and 4
A Type 3 assessment extends the non-destructive inspection into a sample of flats, looking at the means of escape within the dwelling, detection inside the flat and the visible condition of compartmentation. It suits buildings where the flats themselves raise questions: conversions with uncertain histories, stock with known unauthorised alterations, or a portfolio where an incident suggested flat interiors may not perform. Access has to be arranged with residents, which is why sampling is the norm.
A Type 4 assessment is the rarest and most disruptive: common parts plus flats, with destructive exposure in both. It is justified when there is serious, specific doubt about construction concealed inside dwellings, such as a conversion completed without building control sign-off or defects discovered after a fire. Choosing between the types is a judgement for the responsible person on advice from a competent person; the blocks of flats guide covers how that decision usually gets made.
FAQ
None by name. The Fire Safety Order requires an assessment that is suitable and sufficient for the building; the Type 1 to 4 convention describes how far you look to achieve that. For most purpose-built blocks a Type 1 is adequate, escalating only when evidence says so. The contents test is covered under what should a fire risk assessment include.
The responsible person, normally on the advice of the assessor. A competent assessor recommends escalation from Type 1 where findings justify it and records the reasoning, rather than defaulting to intrusive work. Who is allowed to do the work for a block is covered under who can do a fire risk assessment for flats.
No. They work on a sample sized to the confidence needed. Access is arranged with residents, and destructive work in occupied flats is unusual; vacant flats and void periods are used where possible, with making good included in the commission. Lease and tenancy terms shape what can be required of occupiers.
FRA Flow structures evidence capture for Type 1 to Type 4 assessments and drafts the reviewer-signed report. BS 9792-native, free tier included.
