Building Safety Case

The concept of a building safety case plays a vital role in ensuring the overall fire safety of a building. It’s a comprehensive document outlining the fire risks associated with a building, the measures in place to mitigate those risks, and how the building’s safety will be maintained over time.

The responsibility of looking after the Building Safety Case (BSC) falls on the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) for a building. This is outlined in the Building Safety Act 2022.

EWS1 Surveyors Limited can assist the PAP with various aspects of the building safety case (BSC), but the ultimate responsibility for its creation, maintenance, and submission remains with the PAP.

Why is a Building Safety Case Important?

Building safety cases are mandatory for certain high-rise residential buildings and are highly recommended for complex buildings of any type. They serve several important purposes:

• Identifying Fire Risks: A building safety case compels a thorough evaluation of the building to identify potential fire hazards.
• Mitigating Fire Risks: The case outlines the steps taken to minimize identified fire risks, promoting a safer environment for occupants.
• Demonstrating Compliance: A building safety case serves as evidence that the building adheres to relevant fire safety regulations.
• Ongoing Management: The case establishes a framework for managing fire safety within the building over the long term.

Breakdown of the BSC and who’s responsible

• Building Safety Case: A document outlining fire risks, mitigation measures, and long-term fire safety management for a building.
• Principal Accountable Person (PAP): The individual or entity ultimately responsible for fire safety within a building.This could be the building owner, freeholder, or management company.

PAP’s legal duty to ensure the BSC

• Prepared: Working with qualified professionals, the PAP oversees the development of a comprehensive building safety case.
• Maintained: The PAP is responsible for keeping the building safety case up-to-date, reflecting any changes in the building or fire safety regulations.
• Submitted: When required by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), the PAP must submit the building safety case for review.