How to Prepare a Structural Safety Case Report for an HRB:
A step-by-step guide for assembling the structural component of a safety case report:
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, owners and Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs),those over 18 metres or seven storeys with at least two residential units, must submit a Safety Case Report to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) when requested.
A core part of this report is the structural safety evidence, which proves the building’s structure has been competently assessed and that the risk of structural failure is being managed.
Preparing the structural component correctly helps avoid delays, additional regulator queries and costly remedial work.
Step 1 – Gather All Structural Records
Start by collecting existing structural information, including:
- Original design drawings and structural calculations.
- As-built or record drawings showing frames, slabs, cores and foundations.
- Details of any refurbishments, alterations or strengthening works.
- Historic inspection or condition reports.
- Manufacturer data for key structural systems (e.g. precast floors, steel frames).
If information is incomplete, a competent structural engineer can advise on what to obtain or whether intrusive investigations are required.
Step 2 – Commission a Structural Appraisal
A structural appraisal is a professional assessment of the building’s ability to support loads safely, based on the available information and current condition.
It includes:
- Visual inspections of accessible structural elements.
- Review of drawings, calculations and specifications.
- Assessment of load paths, stability systems and foundations.
- Consideration of deterioration, movement, overloading or poor alterations.
If knowledge gaps exist, further testing or opening-up works may be recommended.
Step 3 – Assess and Document Structural Safety Risks
The engineer identifies credible failure scenarios and their likelihood, for example:
- Excessive deflection or cracking of floors or roofs.
- Corrosion or weakening of steel or reinforced concrete.
- Overloading from change of use or additions.
- Progressive collapse risks from poor alterations.
For each risk, the report should describe control measures such as repairs, monitoring, load management or strengthening.
Step 4 – Integrate Findings into the Safety Case Report
The structural report should be clear, evidence-based and digital-ready for the Golden Thread. It normally includes:
- Executive summary of the building’s structural stability.
- Description of the structure and materials.
- Appraisal results, risk assessment and recommendations.
- Supporting photos, drawings and calculations.
- Statement of competence and chartered sign-off.
This section sits alongside fire safety evidence in the full Safety Case Report.
Step 5 – Ensure Competence and Regulatory Readiness
The BSR expects the structural section to be prepared by a competent, experienced engineer ideally a Chartered Structural Engineer with HRB experience.
A BSR-ready report uses clear language, objective risk assessment and shows how structural failure risk is being monitored and controlled.
How We Can Help
At Structures Made Easy, we make this process straightforward by providing:
- Competence and Chartered sign-off.
- Proven HRB experience.
- Fast turnaround to meet BSR deadlines.
- Portfolio pricing for multiple buildings.
- Clear, regulator-ready reporting format for the Golden Thread.
We help Principal Accountable Persons assemble the structural part of their Safety Case Report efficiently and confidently.
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