Coventry Fire Safety (CFS), a division of JCH Safety, specialises in providing comprehensive fire risk assessments tailored to meet the needs of different organisations. We are Tier 2 third-party accredited by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), a prestigious recognition that guarantees high standards and reliable fire safety solutions. With fire safety regulations becoming more stringent and the need for compliance critical, understanding the various types of fire risk assessments is essential for keeping your property and occupants safe.
What Does Tier 2 Accreditation by IFSM Involve?
The Tier 2 accreditation is awarded to fire risk assessors who meet the rigorous standards set by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. This third-party accreditation demonstrates that our work:
Is assessed and validated by a respected independent body
Follows industry best practices and up-to-date fire safety legislation
Delivers accurate, competent, and reliable fire risk assessments
The accreditation ensures that all assessments carried out by CFS meet the highest professional standards, making us the best option for businesses and organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire. Our expertise and compliance guarantee that your premises are not only safe but fully compliant with legal requirements.
The Four Types of Fire Risk Assessments
Fire risk assessments can be categorised into four main types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type is suited to different levels of building inspection and fire safety requirements.
Type 1: Non-Destructive Assessment
A Type 1 fire risk assessment is the most common and involves a non-destructive inspection of the building. This means that no invasive inspection (such as removing walls or floorboards) is carried out. The assessment focuses on the accessible parts of the building and typically includes:
Inspection of fire doors, corridors, and escape routes
Checks on fire alarms, emergency lighting, and fire extinguishers
Reviewing the building’s fire safety policy and evacuation plan
Who Needs It: Most organisations, including offices, shops, schools, and small residential buildings, will require a Type 1 fire risk assessment.
Type 2: Non-Destructive Assessment with Limited Inspection
Type 2 assessments involve a more detailed inspection, but still without major disruption to the building structure. In addition to the checks conducted in a Type 1 assessment, a Type 2 inspection includes:
Examination of areas that are not easily accessible, such as above ceilings and in service ducts
Detailed testing of fire compartmentation, ensuring that fire-resistant materials are installed correctly
Who Needs It: Medium-sized businesses, multi-occupancy buildings, and older properties where potential fire compartmentation issues are suspected may benefit from a Type 2 assessment.
Type 3: Non-Destructive with a Wider Scope
A Type 3 fire risk assessment builds on the checks performed in Types 1 and 2 but extends to include individual dwellings or apartments within the building. It assesses both common areas and the living spaces within multi-occupancy buildings. The inspection covers:
Internal fire safety measures within apartments or flats, such as smoke alarms and fire doors
Escape routes and fire safety measures shared between units
Who Needs It: Housing associations, property management companies, and landlords of multi-dwelling buildings should consider Type 3 assessments.
Type 4: Fully Comprehensive and Destructive
Type 4 assessments are the most extensive and involve destructive inspections to uncover hidden risks. This may include removing parts of the building’s structure (e.g., walls, ceilings, floors) to identify any issues with fire compartmentation or structural fire resistance. The inspection checks:
Structural fireproofing and fire-stopping measures
Fire-resistant materials within concealed spaces
Risks that cannot be detected through surface-level assessments
Who Needs It: Large, complex buildings, high-rise blocks, and properties undergoing major refurbishments or fire safety upgrades may require a Type 4 assessment.
Why Organisations Should Have the Right Fire Risk Assessment
Choosing the correct type of fire risk assessment is critical for several reasons:
- Legal Compliance
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place. The type of assessment you need depends on the size, complexity, and use of the building.
- Protecting Life and Property
A thorough fire risk assessment ensures that potential hazards are identified and addressed before they cause harm. This includes ensuring that escape routes are clear, alarms are working, and fire compartments are intact.
- Tailored Safety Measures
Different buildings require different levels of fire safety measures. For example, a small office may only need a Type 1 assessment, while a multi-storey residential building with multiple tenants may need a Type 3 or 4 assessment.
- Insurance and Liability
Having the appropriate fire risk assessment can also impact your insurance coverage. Insurers often require proof of a recent fire risk assessment, and failing to provide one could result in claims being denied.
Why Coventry Fire Safety Is the Best Choice for Your Fire Risk Assessment
With our Tier 2 third-party accreditation from the IFSM, Coventry Fire Safety guarantees that you will receive expert guidance, thorough assessments, and practical recommendations to keep your property compliant and safe. We have years of experience working with businesses, schools, multi-occupancy buildings, and industrial facilities across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Let Coventry Fire Safety Help Protect Your Organisation
Coventry Fire Safety, part of JCH Safety, offers expert fire risk assessments tailored to businesses, schools, and multi-occupancy buildings in Coventry and across the Midlands.
For more information on our fire risk assessment services or to discuss your specific requirements, contact Coventry Fire Safety today.
Let us help you make fire safety a priority—because protecting lives and property should never be left to chance.
CFS is a division of JCH Safety who provide a wide range of health and safety services. To find our more click here.