The public consultation process for the new code of practice for fire risk appraisal and assessment of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats is now open until 20 May 2021.

BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, is seeking consultation from consumers and residents as well as people in the construction, fire, housing and safety industries. Comments can be registered online.

The standard, named PAS 9980: Fire risk appraisal and assessment of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice, will give recommendations and guidance on undertaking a fire risk appraisal and assessment (FRAA) of the external wall construction of a multi-storey, multi-occupied residential building.

The purpose of such an FRAA is to assess the risk to occupants from a fire spreading externally over or within the walls of the building, and to make a decision, whether in specific circumstances of the building, remediation is considered necessary. It is applicable where the risk is known, or suspected, to arise from the presence of combustible materials within the external wall build up.

The standard is intended for use by fire engineers and other building professionals tasked with advising on the fire risk of external wall construction of existing blocks of flats, as well as other building professionals who make decisions based upon the outcome of the FRAAs.

Following consultation, the standard is due to be published in September 2021.