Structural Risk Assessments (SRA): A New Essential for High-Rise Safety
The Building Safety Act 2022 has transformed how Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), residential blocks over 18 metres or seven storeys with at least two residential units, are managed.
One of the most important changes for structural safety is the introduction of the Structural Risk Assessment (SRA).
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) now expects owners and Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) to provide clear evidence that the risk of structural failure is understood and controlled. In fact, the BSR has already delayed issuing Building Assessment Certificates (BACs) for some HRBs where a proper SRA was missing. SRAs are no longer optional; they are a core compliance requirement.
What Is a Structural Risk Assessment?
A Structural Risk Assessment (SRA) is a structured, evidence-based process carried out by a competent structural engineer to:
- Identify all credible ways a building’s structure could fail (collapse, instability, overloading).
- Assess the likelihood and impact of each risk.
- Recommend control measures such as monitoring, repairs or strengthening to keep the structure safe.
An SRA goes beyond a simple condition survey. It is an analytical, risk-based review that aligns with the safety case approach required under the Act.
Why SRAs Are Now Essential
- Regulatory compliance: The BSR expects an SRA to be part of the Safety Case for any HRB.
- Building Assessment Certificates: Applications can be delayed or rejected if a proper SRA is missing or inadequate.
- Better risk management: Identifying and ranking potential failure modes enables proactive maintenance and avoids emergency repairs.
- Insurance and lending confidence: A well-documented SRA demonstrates due diligence to insurers, lenders and residents.
Skipping this step exposes owners to regulatory delays, legal liability and reputational risk.
What a Strong SRA Includes
A well-prepared Structural Risk Assessment should cover:
- Review of existing records: Original drawings, calculations, as-built information and previous reports.
- Visual and, if needed, intrusive inspections: To verify load-bearing elements and condition.
- Assessment of key risks: Such as corrosion, deflection, cracking, overloading, alterations or foundation movement.
- Risk ranking: Prioritising risks by likelihood and impact.
- Control plan: Actions to mitigate or monitor each risk (e.g. repairs, monitoring regimes, structural strengthening).
- Competence declaration: Confirmation that the assessment was prepared and signed off by a Chartered Structural Engineer or equivalent.
Integrating SRAs Into the Safety Case
Your Structural Risk Assessment feeds directly into:
- The Structural Safety Report (SSR) forming part of your Safety Case Report.
- The Golden Thread of information, ensuring accurate, digital safety records.
- The Building Assessment Certificate application satisfying the regulator’s requirement for documented structural risk control.
How Structures Made Easy Can Help
At Structures Made Easy, we provide competent, BSR-ready Structural Risk Assessments that integrate seamlessly into your Safety Case and Safety Case Report. We offer:
- Chartered Engineer sign-off for SRAs and structural reports
- Proven HRB experience and regulator-focused methodology
- Fast turnaround to avoid delays in obtaining a Building Assessment Certificate
- Portfolio pricing for owners with multiple buildings
- Digital-ready reporting for the Golden Thread
With our expertise, you can meet the Building Safety Act requirements and avoid costly certification delays.
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