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PAS 9980:2026 is a code of practice for undertaking fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs) in existing blocks of flats. It provides recommendations on when an appraisal may be required and how it should be undertaken to support proportionate, evidence-based decision-making.
The code of practice supports competent building professionals in determining whether buildings require a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) and, if so, how it should be undertaken. The outcome of an FRAEW is intended to inform fire risk assessments (FRAs) of multistorey, multi-occupied residential buildings.
PAS 9980 is intended to improve consistency in assessments, reduce uncertainty and support confidence across the system for residents, building owners, lenders, insurers and regulators.
This 2026 revision clarifies aspects of the methodology, streamlines content and reflects industry developments to help ensure the PAS remains relevant and aligned with current good practice.
PAS 9980:2026 is intended for competent building professionals with relevant expertise in fire safety and external wall construction.
It provides a structured methodology for assessing fire risk associated with external wall systems, with findings intended to inform a building’s wider fire risk assessment.
The outputs of FRAEWs may also be valuable to those who commission them and those who make decisions based on their findings, including:
PAS 9980 is intended to improve consistency in assessments, reduce uncertainty and support confidence across the system for residents, building owners, lenders, insurers and regulators.
PAS 9980:2026 provides recommendations on how to determine whether buildings require a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) and how to undertake an FRAEW of an existing block of flats.
The PAS also addresses the assessment process, including:
It applies predominantly to multistorey blocks of flats of any height but can also be applied to buildings such as student accommodation, sheltered housing and buildings converted into flats where they are similar in nature to purpose-built blocks of flats from a fire strategy and evacuation perspective.
The methodology is intended to determine the need for risk-proportionate actions to protect occupants and other people who may be affected by a fire involving external walls.
It is not intended to address property protection, business interruption or firefighter safety.
PAS 9980 provides recommendations and guidance to support a consistent and proportionate approach to assessing external wall fire risk.
Using PAS 9980:2026 can help organizations and professionals to:
Duty holders may choose to use PAS 9980 as an accepted methodology to help demonstrate compliance with existing legal responsibilities under fire safety legislation and the wider building safety framework.
The 2026 revision provides greater clarity and streamlines aspects of the existing content. It reflects industry developments and helps ensure PAS 9980 continues to support consistency in assessments, reduce uncertainty and reflect current good practice in the fire risk appraisal of external walls.