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Type 1 vs. Type 4 Fire Risk Assessments: Which One Does Your Building Actually Need?

5th February 2026

For most property owners and managers, the phrase "Fire Risk Assessment" (FRA) suggests a standard walkthrough of a building to check for fire extinguishers and clear escape routes. However, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the more recent Building Safety Act 2022, the requirements for fire safety documentation have become significantly more sophisticated.

In the UK, FRAs are categorised into four types (Type 1 through Type 4). While Type 1 is the most common, there is an increasing demand, and in some cases, a legal necessity, for the far more rigorous Type 4 assessment. Understanding the difference between these two is critical for ensuring both the safety of your occupants and the validity of your insurance.

Type 1: The Standard Visual Inspection

A Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment is the "baseline" assessment. It is a non-destructive, visual inspection of the common parts of a building (such as hallways, stairwells, and plant rooms).

  • What it covers: An assessor will check the condition of fire doors, the presence of correct signage, the functionality of the fire alarm system, and whether escape routes are unobstructed.
  • The Limitations: Because it is non-destructive, a Type 1 assessment does not look "behind the scenes." The assessor will not open up walls, lift ceiling tiles, or check the integrity of the fire stopping where pipes pass through floors.
  • When it’s appropriate: A Type 1 FRA is generally sufficient for low-risk, modern buildings that have a clear history of certified construction and no previous fire safety concerns.

Type 4: The Intrusive "Deep Dive" Assessment

A Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment is the most comprehensive and demanding level of inspection. Unlike Type 1, this is an intrusive assessment, meaning it involves "destructive" elements to see what is happening inside the building's structure.

  • What it covers: In a Type 4 assessment, the assessor (often accompanied by a contractor) will physically open up samples of the building’s construction. This includes checking above suspended ceilings, opening up wall cavities, and inspecting the "hidden" compartmentation between floors and rooms.
  • Why it’s necessary: This assessment is designed to find hidden fire safety failures. It specifically looks for missing or incorrectly installed fire stopping, poor compartmentation, and structural defects that a visual check would never find.
  • The Link to the Building Safety Act: For "Higher-Risk Buildings" (HRBs), demonstrating the Golden Thread of Information often requires the level of detail only a Type 4 assessment can provide.

Which One Does Your Building Need?

Choosing between a Type 1 and a Type 4 assessment depends on your building’s risk profile and history. You should strongly consider upgrading to a Type 4 FRA if:

  1. You have a complex building: Large multi-occupancy blocks, hospitals, or older buildings with complicated layouts often have hidden compartmentation risks.
  2. Recent major works have occurred: If your building has undergone a significant fit-out, new cabling, or structural changes, there is a high risk that the original fire stopping has been breached.
  3. There is "reasonable doubt" about construction: If a Type 1 assessment identifies potential issues with how the building was constructed or if there is no evidence of certified fire stopping being installed, an intrusive check is the only way to confirm safety.
  4. Insurance requirements: Many insurers are now requesting intrusive surveys for older or high-rise properties before they will renew a policy or settle a claim.

The Value of Professional Expertise

The move from Type 1 to Type 4 is a significant step in terms of both cost and operational disruption. However, the cost of not knowing about a hidden failure is infinitely higher.

At Fire Stoppers, we specialise in the transition from assessment to action. Whether you need a standard Type 1 review or a comprehensive Type 4 intrusive investigation, our team provides the technical expertise and certified remedial solutions to fix whatever we find. We don't just identify the risks; we provide the Passive Fire Protection (PFP) expertise to close the gaps.

Ensure Your Building is Truly Protected

Don't settle for a "surface-level" understanding of your building's safety. In the modern regulatory environment, what you can't see can be your biggest liability.

Are you unsure if your current FRA is sufficient? Contact Fire Stoppers today.