PAS 9980: 2026: Updated Code of Practice

The BSI has published a revised version of PAS 9980, the Code of Practice for the fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats. The document contains an updated risk-based methodology to support “more consistent and proportionate assessments.”

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The revised PAS supports communication between assessors, reviewers and those responsible for managing building safety. It also establishes recognised competency expectations, promotes consistent assessor training and provides a clearer framework for Professional Indemnity-focused insurance professionals.

PAS 9980:2026 adopts an holistic, risk-based approach that considers the overall level of risk presented by a building. It combines both quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques, while recognising that the available evidence, testing data and technical information can vary significantly between different buildings and construction systems. As a direct result, professional judgement remains a central component of every fire risk appraisal focused on external walls.

The revised voluntary Code of Practice provides recommendations on:

  • determining when a fire risk appraisal of external wall systems is required and when the risk of fire spread via external walls is sufficiently low that a specialist appraisal is unnecessary
  • the competencies and expertise required to undertake a fire risk appraisal of external wall systems
  • carrying out proportionate and evidence-based appraisals tailored to the individual characteristics of a building
  • assessing whether any increased risk of fire spread remains tolerable
  • identifying proportionate measures in order to reduce both the likelihood and consequences of fire spread where appropriate

 PAS 9980:2026 aims to promote greater consistency in the way that fire risk appraisals of external wall systems are undertaken and reported by providing a structured methodology, common terminology and clearer documentation requirements.