EWS1 Forms
An EWS1 form is a crucial document used to assess the safety of external cladding and fire risks of residential buildings. The completion of an EWS1 form requires a professional evaluation by a qualified surveyor or fire engineer who has experience with construction and fire safety regulations. That’s where we come in.
At Appraise Fire Engineering (AFE Consultants), our qualified fire engineers have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, and we’ll guide you through the process to ensure your property meets all necessary safety requirements.
What is an EWS1 form?
An EWS1 form, or an External Wall System form, is a document that allows building owners to confirm the building’s external wall system has been assessed by a qualified fire engineer or surveyor. It provides lenders, valuers, residents, buyers and sellers assurance that the external walls of a building meets fire safety standards and is safe for habitation.
The form came into effect in December 2019 and was created by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Building Societies Association and UK Finance.
Once the assessment of the external wall system has been completed by an accredited expert, they can complete one of two options on the EWS1 form, dependent on their findings:
- Option A – a building that does not contain materials likely to support combustion, but only to an attachment, such as a balcony.
- Option B – a building that contains combustible primary materials in the external wall system. This will include any external cladding, insulation, support framework and substructure.
Whichever option the expert completes, they can further clarify the risk associated as per their findings in the specific sub-categories that follow.
When is an EWS1 form required?
An EWS1 form is required for multiple situations, for example when you’re completing a purchase of a residential property, re-mortgaging or insuring a property. The purpose of the form is to assess the fire risk of the external walls of a building and determine if any remedial work is necessary to ensure the safety of residents.
Whilst acquiring an EWS1 form isn’t a legal requirement, most mortgage lenders will request a form before considering an application. It’s also extremely important to know it is a legal requirement for building owners to ensure the safety of buildings and residents according to The Fire Safety Act 2021. This means you’ll be required to have external walls assessed as part of a fire risk assessment, which will progress to a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) as part of a PAS 9980 appraisal.
How to get an EWS1 form
If you’re required to produce an EWS1 form, it’s important you choose a qualified fire professional or company to carry out an assessment of your building’s external wall system, so they can ensure your property meets the necessary fire safety standards.
Request an EWS1 form with AFE Consultancy
At AFE Consultants, you can be sure our team of accredited fire engineers will provide you with an EWS1 form that gives you, and everyone involved, peace of mind. Our extensive experience in the fire safety industry means we can provide you with an assessment and a report that has had proper care and attention placed throughout.
