Public comment sought for updated BS 8674 framework on fire risk assessor competence

Public invited to comment on revised fire risk assessor competence framework

An update to the British Standard BS 8674 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice has been released for public comment.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) announced that public comments will be accepted from 15 August 2024 until 15 October 2024.

This update focuses on recommendations for competence criteria required for individuals conducting fire risk assessments.

These assessments evaluate the probability and consequences of fire in occupied buildings.

The standard outlines recommendations for non-invasive fire risk assessments, which are limited to visual examinations of existing fire safety measures.

The scope also includes relevant records, such as those from previous assessments, and the measures in place for fire prevention and fire safety management.

Three levels of competence established in BS 8674

The revised BS 8674 identifies three levels of core competence for fire risk assessors: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced.

The Advanced level is designed for assessors who are required to handle more complex assessments in buildings constructed with conventional materials and systems.

The recommendations reflect the need for higher levels of competence in some situations, especially when additional specialised guidance may be required.

This updated standard does not cover invasive or destructive fire risk assessments, nor does it address the competence of organisations or processes such as fire risk appraisals of external wall cladding, which are covered by other guidelines like PAS 9980.

Exclusions in BS 8674’s recommendations

The BS 8674 framework is not designed to cover areas such as fire engineering, product verification, or specialised fire safety engineering measures.

The standard also does not include audits or assessments related to compliance with building design or the responsibilities of duty holders.

Additional exclusions include fire risk assessments in offshore, chemical, or nuclear installations, which require more advanced competencies and specialised fire safety engineering beyond the Advanced level outlined in BS 8674.

Comment period and further information

BSI’s CPB/1 Committee on Competence in the Built Environment is responsible for overseeing the updates to BS 8674.

Members of the public are encouraged to provide feedback during the open comment period, which will close on 15 October 2024.

The updated standard reflects evolving best practices in the fire risk assessment field and aims to ensure that individuals conducting assessments meet the necessary competence criteria for effective fire safety.

Public comment sought for updated BS 8674 framework on fire risk assessor competence: Summary

The British Standard BS 8674 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice has been updated and is open for public comment until 15 October 2024.

The updated standard outlines three levels of core competence—Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced—applicable to non-invasive fire risk assessments.

It excludes invasive inspections, fire engineering, and fire risk assessments in specialised environments.