Important Update on Fire Safety Inspections: Tri Fire

In line with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021) we carry out fire safety appraisals of external walls for all our blocks of flats. 

You may have heard, in November 2024, that the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) announced a sanction against one of its members who worked for the company Tri Fire. Although, as per an IFE statement this does not necessarily invalidate the historic work, they recommend seeking verification from other independent and qualified professionals. This is something PHG has been actively progressing to date.   

We’re aware that some lenders are rejecting EWS1 forms issued by Tri Fire and that this may cause complications or delays for leaseholders and shared owners when purchasing, remortgaging or selling their home. 

What is an External Wall System (EWS1) Assessment? 

An EWS1 form (External Wall System Fire Review) is a largely voluntary document created by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and UK Finance to verify the fire safety of a building's external cladding, for financial and lending purposes, it is not a legal requirement.   
Within RICS there is set criteria to state when an EWS1 is required. I.e. number of storeys, cladding materials and balcony type determine this. We are aware some lenders are requesting EWS1s for all residential blocks no matter if they meet the RICS criteria or not.  

We’re committed to reviewing all the buildings and will continue to prioritise properties where lender requests have been received. This is an extensive exercise, and a programme is under way to ensure the required assessments are undertaken in line with the RICS guidance note. 
 

What should you do next? Guidance and getting in touch  

If you are looking to sell your property, staircase or remortgage please contact the relevant teams below, at the earliest opportunity so we can investigate and progress accordingly.  

Staircasing  

Resales & Staircasing: 0333 200 7304 - Press Option 2 followed by Option 3. 

staircasing@platformhg.com 

Resales 

Resales & Staircasing: 0333 200 7304 - Press Option 2 followed by Option 3. 

resales@platformhg.com 

Re-mortgage 

• Home Ownership:  0333 200 7304 – Press Option 1 followed by Option 1. 

info@platformhg.com 

For lower rise (four story or less blocks) a section of the RICS guidance note is below; 

If you have any further questions about your home’s fire safety, please: 

Call:    0333 200 7304 
Email: info@platformhg.com