What Is a Building Safety Case?

The building safety case is the complete evidence base that demonstrates a higher-risk building is safe for occupation. It is required by the Building Safety Act 2022 for all higher-risk buildings — those over 18 metres or 7 storeys containing at least two residential units. The building safety case must be produced by or for the accountable person and must be kept up to date throughout the life of the building.

A building safety case is not a single document — it is a structured body of evidence compiled from various sources, covering fire and structural safety, building information, management arrangements, and resident engagement. The building safety case report is the summary document that presents this evidence to the Building Safety Regulator.

What Does a Building Safety Case Contain?

• Fire safety assessment: A comprehensive assessment of the fire risks in the building and how they are managed, typically based on a fire strategy or retrospective fire strategy and supported by a current fire risk assessment
• Structural safety assessment: An assessment of the structural safety of the building and any structural risks that require management
• Key building information: As-built drawings, specifications, material certificates, O&M manuals and other technical information about the building
• Safety management evidence: Evidence of the fire safety management arrangements in place — maintenance records, testing schedules, contractor records
• Resident engagement records: Evidence of engagement with residents about building safety

The Five-Stage Building Safety Case Methodology

Fire Safety Services uses a structured five-stage approach for building safety cases:

• Stage 1 — BSR Registration: Registering the building with the Building Safety Regulator — required for all existing higher-risk buildings
• Stage 2 — Key Building Information: Gathering and compiling the key building information required by the Act — drawings, specifications, certificates
• Stage 3 — Safety Assessment: Conducting the fire and structural safety assessment, identifying any gaps in safety provision
• Stage 4 — Building Safety Case Report: Producing the building safety case report that summarises the evidence and presents it to the BSR
• Stage 5 — BSR Submission and Engagement: Submitting the building safety case report and engaging with the BSR through the registration process

For Developers: Building Safety Cases and New Builds

For developers of higher-risk buildings, the building safety case is not just a post-occupation concern. Gateway 2 requires a detailed fire and structural safety submission before construction begins — effectively the precursor to the building safety case. Gateway 3 at completion requires the handover of the golden thread — all the building information needed to maintain the building safety case. Developers who maintain good information throughout the construction process significantly reduce the cost and complexity of the post-occupation building safety case.