A Type 1 assessment considers the visible fire precautions, common escape routes, management arrangements, relevant doors and other accessible features without destructive inspection. Where important matters cannot be verified, the report should say so and recommend proportionate further investigation where necessary.
What the assessment looks at
The assessment considers how fire could start and spread, the means of escape, compartmentation insofar as it can be assessed non-destructively, fire doors, smoke control, emergency lighting, warning arrangements where relevant, housekeeping and the management systems needed to maintain fire safety.
What it does not prove
A Type 1 assessment cannot automatically confirm concealed construction. It does not prove the condition of hidden cavity barriers, fire stopping behind finishes or the full build-up of walls and floors merely because no visible defect is present. Those limitations should be recorded rather than disguised by assumptions.
When further investigation may be needed
Further investigation can be appropriate where the building history, visible evidence, previous reports or known defects raise a reasonable concern that cannot be resolved during the non-destructive assessment. The next step might be targeted opening-up, specialist inspection or obtaining reliable construction and commissioning records.
Why the building history matters
Purpose-built blocks, older conversions and post-1991 conversions can require different considerations. Understanding the age, conversion history, evacuation strategy and available records helps the assessor judge what can reasonably be expected and where uncertainty matters.
What the report should include
The report should give a clear description of the premises, the evacuation strategy, significant findings, limitations, risk conclusion and prioritised actions. It should enable the Responsible Person to manage the building rather than simply provide a checklist of observations.