Fire Risk Assessment Types

There are four main fire risk assessment types commonly referred to as Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. The difference between them comes down to which parts of the building are inspected and whether the assessment is non-destructive or destructive.

In simple terms:

• Type 1 covers common parts only and is non-destructive
• Type 2 covers common parts only and is destructive
• Type 3 covers common parts and flats and is non-destructive
• Type 4 covers common parts and flats and is destructive

If you are trying to understand the types of fire risk assessment in the UK, the key is not just the number. The right assessment depends on the building, the occupancy, the layout, the fire risks present, and how much investigation is actually needed. If you need the basics before comparing the different types, read what is a fire risk assessment.

Last Updated: 2026
Reviewed By: London Safety Certificate Compliance Team

Key Takeaways

• Type 1 Fire Risk Assessments focus on non-destructive checks of communal areas, which is ideal for initial safety evaluations.
• Type 2 Fire Risk Assessments involve destructive methods to uncover hidden hazards in complex buildings, requiring restoration post-assessment.
• Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments are comprehensive, non-destructive evaluations that include both communal and private areas in multi-occupancy properties.
• Type 4 Fire Risk Assessments are the most exhaustive, using destructive techniques in all areas. They are crucial for structures with historical safety concerns.
• Each assessment type is chosen based on factors like building complexity, occupancy, and previous safety outcomes to enhance targeted fire safety management.

What Are the 4 Types of Fire Risk Assessment?

The four main fire risk assessment types are used to match the assessment to the building and the level of investigation required.

A straightforward building with standard common parts may only need a Type 1 assessment. A more complex or older building, or one with concerns about hidden fire risks, may need a Type 2, Type 3, or Type 4 assessment instead.

The four types are:

• Type 1 fire risk assessment
• Type 2 fire risk assessment
• Type 3 fire risk assessment
• Type 4 fire risk assessment

Fire Risk Assessment Type 1–4 Comparison

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Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment

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A Type 1 fire risk assessment is a non-destructive assessment of the common parts only.

This is often the starting point for blocks of flats and other residential buildings with shared circulation spaces. The assessment focuses on visible fire hazards and fire precautions in communal areas such as corridors, stairwells, entrance halls, shared plant areas, and escape routes.

Because it is non-destructive, the assessor does not normally open up walls, ceilings, risers, or building elements as part of the inspection.

What is a Type 1 fire risk assessment?

A Type 1 assessment is used where the main purpose is to assess the fire safety of the common parts without intrusive investigation.

It is commonly used for:

• Blocks of flats
• Residential buildings with shared access areas
• Mixed-use buildings with communal escape routes
• Routine assessments of common parts

What does a Type 1 assessment cover?

A Type 1 fire risk assessment commonly looks at:

• Common escape routes
• Communal fire doors
• Emergency lighting in shared areas
• Fire alarm arrangements in common parts
• Visible fire hazards
• Housekeeping in shared areas
• Obvious issues affecting means of escape

Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment

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A Type 2 fire risk assessment is a destructive assessment of the common parts only.

This goes further than Type 1 because it allows limited opening-up work where needed to investigate concealed fire risks in communal areas. It is used where a visual inspection alone may not be enough.

What is a Type 2 fire risk assessment?

A Type 2 assessment is suitable where there is reason to investigate hidden fire risks in common parts, such as concealed defects, uncertain fire stopping, or structural details that cannot be properly assessed from a surface-level inspection.

When is a Type 2 assessment used?

A Type 2 fire risk assessment may be appropriate for:

• Older buildings with uncertain construction details
• Converted buildings
• Buildings with previous alterations
• Properties where hidden defects are suspected
• Situations where a Type 1 assessment would be too limited

Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment

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A Type 3 assessment is used where the relationship between the flats and the common parts needs to be assessed properly, without intrusive opening-up works.

This can be important in residential buildings where the conditions inside flats may affect the overall fire safety of the building, especially in relation to flat entrance doors, occupancy issues, and how the flats interface with common escape routes.

What does a Type 3 assessment cover?

A Type 3 fire risk assessment may include:

• Common escape routes
• Communal fire safety measures
• Flat entrance doors
• Relevant fire risks within flats
• Issues that affect the safety of occupants beyond the shared areas
• The interface between private dwellings and common parts

Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment

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A Type 4 fire risk assessment is the most detailed and most intrusive of the four main fire risk assessment types. It covers common parts and flats and allows destructive inspection where necessary.

What is a Type 4 fire risk assessment?

A Type 4 assessment is used where a detailed examination of both shared and private areas is needed, and where opening-up work may be required to investigate concealed fire risks.

This is the most comprehensive of the Type 1–4 assessments and is usually reserved for situations where a non-destructive approach would not be enough.

When is a Type 4 assessment used?

A Type 4 fire risk assessment may be suitable where there are concerns about:

• Hidden fire stopping issues
• Compartmentation defects
• Concealed structural fire risks
• Older buildings with uncertain construction details
• Previous building alterations
• Previous findings that justify a more intrusive assessment

Type 1 and 2 Fire Risk Assessments: What Is the Difference?

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The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 fire risk assessments is simple:

• Type 1 is non-destructive
• Type 2 is destructive

Both focus on the common parts only, but a Type 2 assessment goes further because it allows opening-up work where needed to investigate concealed fire risks.

If a routine visual review of shared areas is enough, a Type 1 may be suitable. If there are concerns about hidden defects in those same shared areas, a Type 2 may be more appropriate.

Type 3 and Type 4 Fire Risk Assessments: What Is the Difference?

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The difference between Type 3 and Type 4 fire risk assessments is also straightforward:

• Type 3 is non-destructive
• Type 4 is destructive

Both cover common parts and flats, but Type 4 allows a deeper investigation where concealed defects or construction issues need to be examined properly.

Which Fire Risk Assessment Type Is Used for Flats?

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For blocks of flats, the type of fire risk assessment depends on how much of the building needs to be inspected.

In most cases:

• If the assessment is only for shared corridors, stairs, entrance halls, and other communal areas, it is usually Type 1 or Type 2
• If the assessment also needs to go inside individual flats, it is usually Type 3 or Type 4

So for flats, the correct type depends on the scope of the inspection, not just the fact that the building contains flats. For more detailed guidance, visit the Fire Safety in Purpose Built Blocks of Flats Guide.

Which Fire Risk Assessment Type Is Used for Flats?

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For blocks of flats, the type of fire risk assessment depends on how much of the building needs to be inspected.

• Type 1 covers the common parts only and is non-destructive
• Type 2 covers the common parts only but includes a more intrusive inspection
• Type 3 covers the common parts and the flats and is usually non-destructive
• Type 4 covers the common parts and the flats and includes a destructive or more invasive inspection where needed

In most cases:

• If the assessment is only for shared corridors, stairs, entrance halls, and other communal areas, it is usually Type 1 or Type 2
• If the assessment also needs to go inside individual flats, it is usually Type 3 or Type 4

So for flats, the correct type depends on the scope of the inspection, not just the fact that the building contains flats. For more detailed guidance, visit the Fire Safety in Purpose Built Blocks of Flats Guide.

Types of Fire Risk Assessment in the UK

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In the UK, the Type 1 to Type 4 fire risk assessment system is most commonly linked to residential buildings, especially blocks of flats and properties with communal areas.

• Type 1 to Type 4 assessments are mainly used for residential buildings
• They are most relevant where there are common parts, shared escape routes, and communal areas
• These types help define whether the inspection covers common areas only or includes individual flats as well
• In commercial premises, fire risk assessments are more often based on the overall risk profile, building use, and inspection scope

This means the Type 1 to Type 4 system is usually the clearest way to describe fire risk assessments in residential blocks, while commercial properties are assessed using a broader risk-based approach. If you need the compliance side in more detail, read what is the legal requirement for fire risk assessments.

Fire Risk Assessment Methods and Methodology

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Fire risk assessment methods and methodology refer to the scope and level of the inspection being carried out.

In residential buildings, especially blocks of flats, the main distinction usually comes down to two factors:

• whether the inspection is non-destructive or intrusive
• whether it covers common parts only or common parts and individual flats

These distinctions form the basis of the four main fire risk assessment types:

• Type 1 – Non-destructive inspection of common parts only
• Type 2 – Intrusive inspection of common parts only
• Type 3 – Non-destructive inspection of common parts and flats
• Type 4 – Intrusive inspection of common parts and flats

The methodology therefore depends on how extensive the inspection needs to be and which parts of the building must be assessed.

How to Choose the Right Fire Risk Assessment Type

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Fire risk assessment methods and methodology refer to the scope and level of the inspection being The correct fire risk assessment type depends on the building, the scope required, and the reason the assessment is being carried out.

The main factors usually include:

• The building type
• Whether the property is residential, mixed-use, or commercial
• Whether only common parts need to be assessed
• Whether flats or private areas need to be included
• Whether there are concerns about hidden defects
• The age and alteration history of the building
• Previous assessment findings

A smaller, simpler building may only need a Type 1. A more complex building, or one with concerns about concealed risks, may justify a Type 2, Type 3, or Type 4 depending on the scope needed. For business premises, see legal requirements for businesses to have fire risk assessment.

Final Answer

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The four main fire risk assessment types are:

• Type 1 – Common parts, non-destructive
• Type 2 – Common parts, destructive
• Type 3 – Common parts and flats, non-destructive
• Type 4 – Common parts and flats, destructive

If you are comparing types of fire risk assessment, fire risk assessment type 1-4, types of FRA, or levels of fire risk assessment, the key difference is always the same: which parts of the building are included and how intrusive the inspection needs to be.

If you need a fire risk assessment in London, London Safety Certificate can help arrange residential and commercial fire risk assessments and advise on the right scope for your property. If you also need to know review frequency, read how often should fire risk assessments be reviewed minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions