Technical Appraisals
Look deeper. Make better decisions.
The Challenge
What's visible may only be part of the problem.
Questions may be raised about the original design, as-built construction, existing documentation, proposed alterations, or the quality of previous remedial work — but the available evidence is not always complete or consistent.
Drawings may not reflect the building as constructed. Products may have been installed differently from their tested application. Records may be missing, and concealed fire-protection measures may be difficult to verify.
The challenge is to establish what was required, what was intended, what has actually been provided, what evidence supports it, whether it is appropriate, what risks arise, and what action is proportionate.
How Tenos Helps
Focused investigation. Clear professional judgement.
Preliminary technical review.
An initial examination of the concern and available information to establish the principal issues, evidence gaps, and recommended scope of further investigation.
Documentation appraisal.
Reviewing fire strategies, drawings, product information, test evidence, certificates, installation records, and other relevant project records.
Building and site inspection.
Inspecting existing conditions to compare what has been installed or constructed with the available design information and supporting evidence.
Passive fire protection appraisal.
Providing opinion on the suitability of compartment walls and floors, fire doors, fire-stopping, fire dampers, structural protection, and cavity barriers.
Product and system review.
Assessing whether a fire-protection product or system appears suitable for the location, configuration, substrate, and performance being relied upon.
Risk-based recommendations.
Explaining the significance of the findings and setting out proportionate recommendations for further investigation, interim action, remediation, or ongoing management.
Why choose Tenos?
We fully understand the issue before deciding on the right response.
Gain an independent view.
Our appraisal is not tied to a particular contractor, manufacturer, product, or remedial solution.
Bring evidence together.
We consider the physical conditions, design information, product evidence, records, and the wider building context as a single connected picture.
Establish what is known.
We clearly distinguish between confirmed evidence, professional observations, assumptions, and areas requiring further investigation.
Understand the significance.
A defect or information gap does not exist in isolation — we consider what it means for the building, the fire strategy, and the people who may be affected.
Avoid premature conclusions.
A focused appraisal can help prevent unnecessary remedial work while identifying where meaningful risk reduction is required.
Prioritise proportionate action.
Our recommendations help clients understand what requires immediate attention, what needs further investigation, and what can be managed through a planned programme.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a fire safety Technical Appraisal?
A Technical Appraisal is a focused review of a particular fire-safety issue, combining document review, inspection, technical analysis, and professional judgement to establish what the evidence shows and what action may be appropriate.
How is it different from a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment considers the overall fire risk to relevant people and the general precautions in place. A Technical Appraisal investigates a specific design, construction, product, installation, or evidence-related concern in greater depth.
How is it different from a fire survey?
A survey primarily records observed conditions within an agreed scope. A Technical Appraisal can use those observations alongside drawings, specifications, and engineering judgement to consider the significance of what has been found.
What happens if documentation is missing?
Missing information is itself an important finding. We can identify the evidence gaps, explain their significance, and advise on whether inspection, opening up, testing, or further investigation may be appropriate.
Will an intrusive inspection be required?
Not always. The appropriate level of investigation depends on the question and the available evidence. Where important construction is concealed, carefully planned opening-up may be recommended.
Can a Technical Appraisal confirm compliance?
An appraisal can assess the available evidence and provide a professional opinion within its defined scope. Its conclusions will depend on the available information, access, and investigation, and any limitations will be clearly stated.
Can Technical Appraisals support property transactions or PFI handback?
Yes — Tenos’ existing services include advice during building purchases and sales, condition assessment, documentation review, compliance audits, risk profiling, and technical due diligence for complex estates and PFI handback.
Related Services
Explore our fire engineering expertise.
Talk to Tenos
We can help you make better fire safety decisions.
Whether you are investigating a construction concern, reviewing existing fire protection, assessing incomplete evidence, or considering a proposed remedial solution, our specialists can help you establish the facts and find a proportionate way forward.