Understanding your building safety case report

The safety case report is a document that summarises the building's safety case. It identifies the building's safety risks and explains how the risks are being managed. Building safety risks are the risk of the spread of fire or structural failure in a high-rise residential building.

Safety cases are required by law under the Building Safety Act 2022 for our buildings which are above 18 metres or seven floors. It is a document that states the safety measures we have in place already, and ones we need to establish. These measures are to ensure the building is protected against fire and structural risks.

Southampton City Council's safety cases are submitted to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). The BSR are part of the Health and Safety Executive. They examine our safety case reports to ensure they are up to standard. They also check the main structural and fire risks have been considered and mitigated as far as possible. These safety cases are called in by them and submitted 28 days after they are requested.

Structural surveys are completed on the buildings. This is to ascertain the internal condition of the structure including walls, stairs and ceilings. Any issues identified are placed on an action tracker for works.

We also perform external building assessments. This looks at the features of the main structure and anything connected to it. This is to see if there are any possible issues which could cause a fire or allow it to spread up the face of the building. This also includes balcony areas.

We perform assessments and reactive works in communal areas as well as properties. This is to ensure there are no gaps where fire and smoke could spread. This is especially important round pipes that enter the property or any drilling that takes place.

Each flat is basically its own fire compartment which withstands fire for a set period of time. This includes your front entrance door. This allows us to maintain the 'Stay Put' policy. The flat of the fire evacuates while others can remain in their property until the situation is dealt with by the fire service. However, residents can always evacuate if they still feel unsafe.

We need to demonstrate we have set up a communication path where residents can both raise concerns and have their voice listened to by the council. It is important that we engage with residents in our work and you are able to raise concerns about your building. If you would like to get further involved, find out about the building safety group.

You can also view Building Safety Act 2022 information for residents.

We must also demonstrate to the regulator that maintenance is being conducted on the building on a regular basis. This includes fire alarms, sprinklers, and smoke control systems. This forms part of our golden thread of information cycle. The golden thread comprises two parts: building work and maintenance. This ensures that any modifications or enhancements to the building are accurately documented. It enables building owners to proactively identify potential risks or hazards. They can then take corrective action.

The Building Safety Regulator checks the reports and procedures. If they are satisfied, they will issue a building assessment certificate. This certificate will need to be displayed in a prominent part of the building, usually the reception area.

Just because we are issued with a certificate does not mean the process stops there. The building safety case requires constant updating to ensure it is relevant and measures are put in place to ensure you are as safe as possible.