Structural Safety Reports (SSR): Key Contents
For Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), residential buildings over 18 metres or seven storeys with at least two residential units, the Building Safety Act 2022 requires the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) to prove that the risk of structural failure is understood and managed.
One of the most effective ways to meet this duty is by commissioning a Structural Safety Report (SSR). This document forms a core part of the building’s Safety Case and is vital for obtaining a Building Assessment Certificate from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
A strong SSR follows recognised engineering practice, is digital-ready for the Golden Thread, and provides the regulator with clear evidence of the building’s structural stability.
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Overview of the Building and Its Structure
A comprehensive SSR begins with a clear description of the building, including:
- Location, height, number of storeys and occupancy type.
- Primary structural system (e.g. reinforced concrete frame, steel frame, load-bearing masonry).
- Key materials, construction era and any known design features affecting stability.
- Previous major refurbishments, conversions or extensions.
This section gives the regulator and future owners a quick understanding of the building’s load paths and structural history.
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Assessment of Structural Integrity
The report should document a structural appraisal, a professional review of how the building currently performs. It normally includes:
- Visual inspections of accessible structural elements.
- Review of drawings, calculations and records (where available).
- Consideration of age-related deterioration, movement, corrosion or water damage.
- Checking for overloading or modifications that may have compromised strength.
- Recommendations for intrusive investigations if critical information is missing.
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Risk Analysis of Potential Structural Defects
An SSR should identify and assess credible structural risks, such as:
- Cracking or movement in load-bearing walls and cores.
- Sagging or deflection of floors and roof slabs.
- Corrosion of reinforcement or steel members.
- Degradation of balconies, parapets or cantilevered elements.
- Weakness caused by unauthorised alterations or poor workmanship.
Each risk should be rated for severity and likelihood, with control measures outlined.
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Monitoring and Maintenance Plan
The SSR should set out a forward plan to keep the structure safe, for example:
- Routine inspections and monitoring schedules.
- Crack monitoring, deflection checks or movement joint surveys.
- Planned repairs, strengthening or load management strategies.
- Record-keeping recommendations for the Golden Thread.
This proactive approach reassures regulators and residents that safety risks are being actively managed over time.
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Competence and Certification
The report should confirm that it has been prepared by a competent, suitably qualified engineer, ideally a Chartered Structural Engineer with HRB experience.
This strengthens regulatory confidence and reduces the risk of challenges during the Safety Case review.
How We Can Help
At Structures Made Easy, our BSR-ready Structural Safety Reports include all essential elements:
- Competence and Chartered sign-off
- Proven HRB experience
- Fast turnaround for compliance deadlines
- Portfolio pricing for multiple buildings
- Clear, regulator-focused reporting format
We help Principal Accountable Persons produce robust SSRs that support Safety Case submissions and long-term risk management.
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