Fire Risk Assessor Panel News!
Published: 31/01/2023
We are delighted to confirm that Harris Associates are now on the Homes England MRS (now Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) Fire Risk Assessor Panel. The carrying out of a FRAEW is the first key requirement to achieve access to the MRS (CSS). This is of course a natural progression for us as we already carry out FRAEW and other related intrusive investigations on residential and mixed-use properties across the UK. Being on the panel further demonstrates our expertise, experience, and commitment to this critical and highly important area of work.
Following on from the Building Safety Fund (BSF), a scheme which funds the remediation of unsafe non-ACM cladding systems on residential buildings 18+ metres tall, the Medium-Rise Scheme (now Cladding Safety Scheme) is a new scheme for 11 to 18m blocks that will ensure that, where a responsible developer cannot be identified, access to funding is now available to pay for external wall system repairs and mitigations.
What will the Medium-Rise Scheme (Cladding Safety Scheme) cover?
The government will fund works on eligible medium-rise buildings where a responsible developer has not been identified, and where a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction (FRAEW) following the PAS 9980 methodology has recommended action to address life safety fire risks associated with external wall systems.
What do you need to do to apply?
Applications to the MRS(CSS) will require a Fire Risk Assessment External Wall (FRAEW), conducted to the PAS 9980 standard, by a suitably competent professional which is where Harris Associates will become involved in the process. Applicants must not get their FRAEW done beforehand and must apply to the MRS(CSS) scheme and then the government will provide a panel of approved Fire Risk Assessors who can undertake the required FRAEW. This will ensure that recommended action to address life safety fire risks associated with external wall systems are proportionate to risk and will ensure that only necessary works are carried out, minimising disruption for leaseholders and residents.
Harris Associates can offer a bespoke solution to enable you to comply with the latest legislation. We are experts in statutory compliance and fire safety-related matters with experienced and qualified technicians, surveyors, engineers, and project managers. We have national coverage and can help with all aspects of façade remediation from FRAEWs through to the coordination and delivery of complex façade remediation contracts.
For more information on our services, assistance, or advice on these latest developments or any related fire safety or regulatory matter please contact Shaun Harris, Tamer Duman, David Royal or Richard Stone via phone or email at shaun@harrisassociatesuk.com or tamer@harrisassociatesuk.com or david@harrisassociatesuk.com or richard@harrisassociatesuk.com call 0203 195 0857 or 0161 615 3679.
