Beyond Fire Safety: Why Structural Risks Demand Immediate Attention

For years, fire safety has been the primary compliance focus in property management. However, the Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced a broader risk management approach, with structural integrity now under increasing scrutiny.

The recent delay in issuing a Building Assessment Certificate due to the absence of a Structural Risk Assessment (SRA) is a game-changer. It signals that the Regulator is not just looking at fire risk, they expect a complete understanding of all potential building failures, as required under the Act.

In this article, we explore why structural risk assessment for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) must be prioritised, how it fits into compliance frameworks, and what steps property professionals should take to mitigate risks.

Why is structural risk a growing concern?

The Grenfell Tower tragedy led to major regulatory reforms, with the need for property owners, and those accountable, to justify building safety not only to the new Regulator, but also to residents.

Most property owners and professionals have for years been used to completing fire risk assessments on a regular basis, but the concept of undertaking an SRA is- under the Act- new. For many, they do not understand what’s involved, or why they are required. For others, their importance is often misunderstood, and for some, their need is just simply ignored; an annoyance that will hopefully ‘go away’.

However, the recent decision by the BSR to delay issuing a Building Assessment Certificate due to a missing SRA, proves that structural risks are, under the Act, just as critical as fire risks in compliance frameworks for HRBs.

Structural failures have severe consequences

While fire events are more visible, structural collapses are much more silent threats, the results of which often become apparent when it’s far too late.

In recent years, a number of structural failures in residential and other buildings- including car parks and blocks- have resulted in large numbers of fatalities, and significant legal action. The collapse of the Champlain Towers South in 2021 is a case in point. A 12-story beachfront condominium located in Miami, Florida, collapsed in around 12 seconds due to numerous issues, resulting in the death of 98 people.

The overlooked risks: What property professionals must consider

• Unassessed aging structures- As highlighted by a recent report, many buildings in the UK were constructed before modern safety standards, and may contain hidden defects. Older concrete structures are at higher risk of degradation, especially where maintenance has been
• Retrofitting and unintended consequences­ Renovations often compromise structural and load-bearing walls or introduce inappropriate Poorly managed upgrades can create unintended weak points in the structure.
• Poorly maintained facades and external walls­ Recent cladding-related compliance efforts have improved fire safety, but have left structural issues unaddressed. External wall assessments do not consider structural integrity, and a recent report suggests that this needs to be reconsidered.

How to ensure structural risk compliance

• Incorporate Structural Risk Assessments into compliance plans – just like Fire Risk Assessments, Structural Risk Assessments should be part of standard compliance arrangements, especially for They need to be documented, reviewed, and updated regularly by competent engineers. The absence of a SRA could now prevent certification or lead to enforcement action.
• Ensure a holistic approach to building safety- Fire safety cannot be separated from structural integrity, both must be addressed Property professionals should work with specialists who understand the synergy between fire safety and structural resilience.
• Leverage technology for better oversight-Platforms like QUOODA®provide real-time tracking of safety risks, ensuring structural assessments are not Digitally managing inspections, repairs, and assessments can streamline compliance.

Conclusion: The future of compliance is structural AND fire safety

With the Building Safety Regulator now actively enforcing structural risk requirements especially within HRBs, property professionals cannot afford to prioritise fire safety at the expense of structural resilience.

Is your property portfolio structurally compliant? Don’t wait until enforcement catches up, take action today.