A FRAEW is an assessment of a building’s external wall systems, including cladding, insulation, and balconies, to identify potential fire risks and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. It often forms part of a fire risk assessment.

An FRAEW is essential for identifying fire safety hazards in a building’s external wall system, especially in high-risk buildings or those with combustible materials. It helps building owners meet safety standards and legal obligations under the Fire Safety Act 2021.

An FRAEW should be conducted by a competent fire safety professional with experience in assessing external wall systems. This typically includes fire engineers or chartered surveyors with the relevant expertise.

The need for FRAEW assessments is driven by the Fire Safety Act 2021, which clarifies that external walls are part of a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

An FRAEW is required:

• In high-rise residential buildings (over 18m or 7+ stories).
• Where external wall systems include combustible materials.
• When concerns about fire spread in external walls arise during a fire risk assessment.

The FRAEW process includes:

1. Reviewing building design and existing information (e.g., fire strategy, materials).
2. On-site inspections to assess external wall systems and materials.
3. Risk evaluation of potential fire spread, ignition sources, and mitigation measures.
4. Reporting findings with recommendations for remedial actions if needed

Buildings that typically require an FRAEW include:

• High-rise residential buildings.
• Mixed-use buildings with residential components.
• Care homes and student accommodations.
• Any building with suspected combustible materials on the external walls.

Common findings include:

• Combustible cladding or insulation (e.g., ACM, HPL).
• Poorly designed cavity barriers or firestopping.
• Gaps or weaknesses in balcony construction.
• Missing documentation on wall system compliance.

After an FRAEW, the responsible person will receive a report outlining:

• Identified fire risks.
• Recommendations for remedial actions.
• Prioritization of works based on risk level.
  The responsible person must act promptly to address critical life-safety issues to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.