A late-stage Fire Risk Assessment found that a Grade A communal fire alarm system had been installed contrary to the building’s fire strategy, highlighting the cost of bringing independent oversight in too late.
- Client Housing association (confidential)
- Service Development fire safety oversight
- Contract start September 2025
- Contract term 2 + 1 + 1
- Value delivered to date £600k
Overview
Clear Safety provides quality assurance audits of Fire Risk Assessments, checking that assessments address relevant guidance while remaining proportionate. We also complete post-inspection audits of fire safety actions to confirm that remediation works meet the original assessment requirements.
The Challenge
Following our development and remediation oversight work for other clients, we received a late request to complete a pre-occupation Fire Risk Assessment at a newly developed block of flats. The assessment identified several issues involving fire stopping, fire doors and signage. The principal concern was a Grade A fire alarm system with heat detectors in flat entrance halls linked to communal detection, sounder bases and call points. This did not align with the fire strategy, which specified a stay-put evacuation policy.
Our Approach
Our assessment documented the non-compliance and provided the evidence needed for the client’s development team and other relevant parties to investigate the design and installation.
- Completed a pre-occupation Fire Risk Assessment.
- Recorded defects affecting fire stopping, doors and signage.
- Highlighted the conflict between the installed alarm system and the fire strategy.
- Supported escalation of the issue before residents occupied the building.
The Outcome
After an investigation lasting more than two weeks, the parties confirmed that an error had been made at design stage and that the alarm system should not have been installed. Remedial work delayed handover, and the client funded hotel accommodation for families who had been due to move in.
- Prevented occupation before a significant fire strategy conflict was resolved.
- Exposed a design error that had remained unidentified despite existing project assurance roles.
- Provided a clear case for introducing independent inspection and reporting earlier in construction.
- Highlighted the financial and reputational consequences of late-stage discovery.
Ongoing Support
We provide fire safety inspections and reporting throughout design, construction, handover and occupation. Design reviews, site inspections and practical compliance advice help resolve issues earlier, while our review of Regulation 38 information, M&E certification, commissioning records and fire risk assessments supports the delivery of safe and compliant buildings.
Key Benefits
- Earlier challenge of design decisions against the agreed fire strategy.
- Reduced risk of late remediation and delayed occupation.
- Independent evidence for project governance and escalation.
- Stronger assurance from construction through to building occupation.
