British Standards Institution announces opening of public consultation process for PAS 9980

In its role as the UK’s national standards body, the British Standards Institution (BSI) is seeking the considered opinions of consumers and residents as well as those involved directly in the construction, fire, housing and safety industries. Comments can be registered online at: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2020-01838

The Code of Practice will highlight recommendations and guidance on undertaking a fire risk appraisal and assessment of the external wall construction of a multi-storey, multi‑occupied residential building. The purpose of such an appraisal and assessment is to assess the risk posed to occupants from a fire spreading externally over or within the walls of the building and take a decision as to whether remediation is considered necessary. It’s applicable where the risk is known – or suspected – to arise from the presence of combustible materials within the external wall build‑up.

Ultimately, the British Standard will be intended for use by fire engineers and other building professionals tasked with advising on the fire risk of external wall construction of existing blocks of flats, as well as other building professionals who make decisions based upon the outcome of a given fire risk appraisal and assessment.

Following on from the consultation process, the British Standard is due to be published in September this year.