Fire Risk Assessment vs FRAEW
Knowing the difference
A Fire Risk Assessment and a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls are not the same thing.
An FRA looks at the overall fire risk in a building and how it is managed.
An FRAEW focuses specifically on the external wall system and attachments.
An FRAEW can inform an FRA. It does not replace it.
Understanding the distinction matters for compliance, remediation decisions, lending, and long term record keeping.
Why this confusion happens
Since the introduction of PAS 9980 and the widespread use of EWS1 forms, many dutyholders have first encountered external wall appraisals before reviewing their wider fire safety documentation.
It is common to see:
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An FRAEW commissioned for cladding concerns
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An EWS1 obtained for valuation purposes
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Assumptions made that “fire risk has been covered”
In reality, these documents serve different purposes and sit within different regulatory contexts.
In simple terms
A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
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Covers the whole premises.
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Looks at fire hazards, evacuation strategy, detection, management controls and required actions.
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Supports legal fire safety duties.
A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)
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Focuses on the external wall build up and attachments.
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Assesses potential external fire spread risk.
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Often follows PAS 9980 methodology.
Both may be necessary. They are not interchangeable.
Where EWS1 fits
An EWS1 form is not a legal fire safety requirement.
It is used for valuation and lending.
It does not replace a Fire Risk Assessment.
It does not replace ongoing fire safety management.
Download the FRA vs FRAEW Guide
This page provides an overview only.
The full guide provides:
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A clearer breakdown of scope and purpose
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When you need each document
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Common mistakes
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Regulatory context
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Practical questions to ask before commissioning
Our approach
NBR guides are published to support clarity, consistency, and confidence across the property sector.
They reflect publicly available legislation and statutory guidance and are intended to support understanding and good practice. They are not legal advice and should always be read alongside the latest guidance published by the Building Safety Regulator and GOV.UK.
Where information is treated with care, structure, and accountability, safety management becomes predictable, defensible, and sustainable.
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