Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments for External Wall Fire Risk

External wall systems can significantly affect how a fire spreads across a building. For this reason, Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments play a critical role in identifying risk, protecting life, and supporting proportionate remediation decisions.

At Evolution Safety Solutions, we deliver Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments for all buildings, including buildings over 18 metres and higher-risk buildings. As a FRAEW Assessor Panel Member, we provide clear, evidence-based assessments that meet regulatory, lender, and insurer expectations.

Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments – At a Glance

Our Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments include:

• External Wall Fire Risk Assessments (FRAEW)

• Support aligned with the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS)

• Assessment of external wall systems and materials

• Evaluation of external fire spread risk and consequences

• Consideration of building height, use, and occupancy

• Clear reporting for dutyholders, lenders, and regulators

• Practical, proportionate risk management advice

As a result, dutyholders gain clarity, confidence, and defensible evidence.

Definitions and Key Terms

What Is the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS)?

The Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) is a UK government-funded programme that addresses unsafe cladding on residential buildings. It focuses on reducing the risk of external fire spread and supporting remediation where necessary.

CSS primarily applies to residential buildings over 18 metres. However, Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments remain relevant for all buildings where external wall construction may present risk.

For official guidance, refer to information published by the UK Government and the Health and Safety Executive.

What Is an External Wall Fire Risk Assessment (FRAEW)?

An External Wall Fire Risk Assessment (FRAEW) evaluates the fire risk posed by a building’s external wall system. It considers materials, construction, fire spread routes, and potential consequences.

A competent FRAEW forms a key part of Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments, particularly where remediation decisions or funding applications depend on clear risk evidence.

What Is an External Wall System?

An external wall system includes cladding panels, insulation, cavity barriers, fixings, balconies, and decorative finishes. Each element can influence fire behaviour and fire spread.

What Is a Higher-Risk Building?

A higher-risk building is typically residential and over 18 metres, or has characteristics that increase life safety risk. These buildings face higher regulatory and scrutiny thresholds.

Buildings Over 18 Metres and Higher-Risk Buildings

Buildings over 18 metres require particular care. In these buildings:

• External fire spread can have severe consequences

• Evacuation is more complex

• Regulatory expectations are higher

• Lenders and insurers require robust evidence

For this reason, Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments must be thorough, proportionate, and defensible. Generic or poorly scoped assessments are not acceptable.

Our Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessment Services

We deliver structured CCS & FRAEW Assessments tailored to each building. Our services typically include:

• Review of construction records and available information

• Visual inspection of external wall systems

• Assessment of materials, cavities, and interfaces

• Consideration of balconies and attachments

• Evaluation of external fire spread risk

• Clear, evidence-based conclusions

• Practical recommendations aligned with risk

Where intrusive inspection or testing is required, we clearly explain the rationale.

FRAEW Assessor Panel Membership and Competence

Evolution Safety Solutions is a FRAEW Assessor Panel Member, confirming that our assessors meet recognised competence standards for external wall fire risk assessment.

This ensures our CCS & FRAEW Assessments:

• Follow accepted industry methodology

• Align with current professional guidance

• Are suitable for regulatory review

• Provide confidence to lenders and insurers

Our Approach to Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments

Our approach is clear and risk-based.

Firstly, we establish the building context and risk profile.
Next, we assess the external wall system methodically.
Finally, we explain conclusions clearly and set out proportionate next steps.

Because of this approach, our CCS & FRAEW Assessments support informed decision-making.

Why Choose Evolution Safety Solutions?

• Experience across complex and higher-risk buildings

• Independent, objective advice

• FRAEW Assessor Panel Member status

• Clear, proportionate recommendations

• Joined-up fire safety expertise

We also provide related services, including Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Door Inspections, and Compartmentalisation Surveys, allowing a coordinated approach to building safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Cladding Safety Scheme apply to all buildings?

CSS focuses on residential buildings over 18 metres. However, Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Assessments remain important for all buildings where external wall risk exists.

Are FRAEW assessments required below 18 metres?

Sometimes. Height alone does not remove risk. Construction type, materials, and occupancy also matter.

Who should carry out a FRAEW?

A competent assessor with suitable knowledge and experience. FRAEW Assessor Panel membership provides assurance of competence.

Speak to a Cladding Safety Scheme & FRAEW Specialist

If you are responsible for a building with an external wall system, early engagement is essential. This applies to all buildings, and especially to buildings over 18 metres and higher-risk buildings.

Call: 03333 399 037
Email: info@evolutionsafetysolutions.co.uk