Building standards - managing fire risks associated with use of external wall systems: research

4. Guidance Tool

23. The Guidance Tool was developed primarily based on the authors’ experience of carrying out desktop studies and site inspections for external wall systems, for example as part of work relating to EWS/1 forms. Typical observations based on the authors’ experience have fed into the preparation of the Guidance Tool, some examples of these are presented in the Appendix.

24. There are three key stages to carrying out a thorough review of external wall systems:

• Stage A: Gather and review technical datasheets and product specifications.
• Stage B: Gather and review proposed external wall detail drawings
• Stage C: Inspect the standard of workmanship

25. Stages A and B are used during the Building Warrant application stage and Stage C is used during the construction stage when carrying out independent site inspection verification.

26. This Guidance Tool is intended to be compatible with the current Building Warrant application process.

27. The Guidance Tool in the Appendix was developed based on the authors’ experience and was then tested against the five case studies as part of this research.