FireNet Community
FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: Suttonfire on February 11, 2021, 01:24:09 PM
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I note that the following gov guidance state that where less than 20% of the external area of a building which is under 18m is cladded, it is classed as ?insignificant? cladding and that an EWS1 form is not required - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-safety-programme-estimates-of-ews1-requirements-on-residential-buildings-in-england/building-safety-programme-estimates-of-ews1-requirements-on-residential-buildings-in-england (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-safety-programme-estimates-of-ews1-requirements-on-residential-buildings-in-england/building-safety-programme-estimates-of-ews1-requirements-on-residential-buildings-in-england)
I believe that this is something which can be taken into account by fire risk assessors when determining whether to recommend that the external walling system should be subject to a specialist appraisal when carrying out an FRA.
I wondered whether there is any similar guidance now available on balconies, i.e. whether there is a similar coverage area type figure/percentage which can sensibly be applied to lower rise buildings at which it is not considered that a significant life safety risk is presented? (having also taken into account the building layout/use etc). thanks
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Word of warning - so far as I understand the EWS1 form and its associated process is solely a component in a particular mechanism that applies to the mortgage market... it has nothing to do with fire safety risk assessment under legislation (either current or forthcoming).
It is, frankly, one of the most admirably motivated yet appallingly executed processes that has ever been conceived, within the built environment.
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BS 8579:2020Guide to the design of balconies and terraces