Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW): Purpose, Process, and UK Legislation

The Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) is a structured assessment process used to evaluate the fire performance and risk of external wall systems in existing residential buildings in England.

FRAEW was developed as part of the response to systemic fire safety concerns identified following the Grenfell Tower fire (2017), and it supports compliance with UK fire safety legislation and risk management obligations.

Assessments are carried out in accordance with PAS 9980:2022, which provides a methodology for competent professionals to appraise external wall construction and materials.

Legislative and Regulatory Framework

The FRAEW process sits within a defined legal framework:

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO)

• Places a legal duty on the Responsible Person (RP).
• Requires a fire risk assessment to be undertaken.
• Requires identification of hazards, including external wall risks.

Fire Safety Act 2021

• Clarifies that the FSO applies to external walls, including cladding, balconies, and insulation.
• Includes flat entrance doors opening into common parts.

Building Safety Act 2022

• Introduces enhanced duties for higher-risk buildings.
• Establishes the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
• Reinforces understanding of façade fire risk.

PAS 9980:2022

• Provides a risk-based methodology for FRAEW.
• It is widely recognised but not legislated.
• Supports holistic risk assessment.

What FRAEW Seeks to Achieve

The FRAEW process is designed to:

• Identification of combustible materials and fire spread pathways.
• Evaluation of the likelihood and consequences of fire spread.
• Proportionate risk management.
• Support for compliance and evidence-based decision-making.

What FRAEW Evidences

A FRAEW assessment typically documents:

• External wall construction and materials.
• Fire performance characteristics.
• Compliance and deficiencies.
• Risk rating outcomes.
• Clear, prioritised recommendations for mitigation

Importance of the FRAEW Process

FRAEW plays a critical role in:

• Supporting life safety.
• Ensuring legal compliance.
• Enabling evidence-based decisions.
• Providing assurance to stakeholders.
• Supporting market and regulatory confidence.

Competency Requirements

FRAEW assessments must be undertaken by suitably competent professionals, typically chartered fire engineers or specialists with demonstrable expertise in façades, materials, and fire behaviour.

Conclusion

FRAEW is a critical component of the UK building safety framework, providing a structured and risk-based approach to assessing external wall fire performance.

By aligning technical analysis with legislative requirements, FRAEW enables stakeholders to make informed decisions, prioritise remediation where necessary, and ultimately maintain a clear focus on life safety.

About The Author

Scott is a highly experienced technical consultant with more than 30 years in the construction and fire industries, having worked in roles ranging from contracts manager to fire engineer and façade manager.

With experience in stakeholder engagement, he has developed, implemented, and managed policies and procedures for compliance with building regulations, gathered data for as-built reviews, and assessed building fire risk, including surface spread of flame and unseen spread within the cavity, in high-rise residential buildings.

Ready to work with our fire safety expert?

For independent, risk-based FRAEW assessments, contact Scott today.

This article is intended to provide general information and insights into prevailing industry practices. It is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, technical, or professional advice. The content does not replace consultation with a qualified expert or professional regarding the specific facts and circumstances of any particular matter.