EWS1 Forms, Surveys, and Fire Safety Compliance: A Complete Guide

An EWS1 Form is a certification used to assess the fire safety of a building’s external wall system. It is often required by lenders before approving mortgages on flats in multi-storey buildings.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, concerns about the safety of cladding and external wall materials led to the introduction of EWS1 assessments to ensure buildings meet fire safety standards.

Buildings typically requiring an EWS1 survey include:

• Residential buildings above 18m
• Buildings under 18m but with risk factors (e.g., unsafe cladding, balconies)
• Multi-storey, multi-occupancy residential and commercial buildings

The assessment includes:

• Inspection of cladding materials
• Fire resistance evaluation
• Review of insulation, balconies, and fixings
• Determination of necessary remediation work

Only qualified fire engineers or chartered building surveyors with expertise in fire safety can carry out an EWS1 assessment. It is crucial to instruct a company that carries full professional indemnity insurance and has highly experienced fire safety engineers to conduct these assessments.

With recent events involving TriFire Ltd and its director Adam Kiziak, who was suspended and struck off from the Institution of Fire Engineers register, it is more important than ever to ensure your chosen fire safety consultant is credible and properly insured.

For reference, see the following reports:

• BBC News Report
• Inside Housing Investigation
• Engineering Council Statement
• IFE Official Announcement

Fire Safety Services has successfully conducted numerous EWS1 assessments, ensuring full compliance with regulations and high industry standards. Feel free to reach out to us if you require an EWS1 assessment from trusted and experienced fire engineers.

• A1, A2, A3: External wall materials are of limited combustibility or meet fire safety standards.
• B1: Some combustible materials present, but risk is manageable.
• B2: External wall system poses a high fire risk and remediation is required.

EWS1 certificates are valid for 5 years, but reassessment may be needed if significant changes to the external wall system occur.

Many mortgage lenders require an EWS1 certificate before approving transactions, particularly for flats in high-rise buildings.

Yes. A property will receive a B2 rating if the external wall system does not meet fire safety standards. This may impact property sales and valuations until remedial work is completed.

If a building receives a B2 rating, fire safety improvements such as removal of unsafe cladding or installation of fire barriers may be required to ensure compliance.

Costs depend on:

• The size and complexity of the building
• The level of fire risk assessment required
• Potential remedial works needed

Most EWS1 surveys take a few weeks, but remediation works can extend the timeline, particularly for large developments.

At Fire Safety Services, we provide:

• EWS1 fire risk assessments
• External wall fire safety consultancy
• Support for remediation planning and compliance

If you need an EWS1 assessment, fire risk evaluation, or expert guidance, contact Fire Safety Services today. We provide nationwide EWS1 consultancy for residential and commercial properties.