Preparing safety case reports: Resident engagement – multiple languages
Help to prepare safety case reports
This information is for Accountable Persons (APs) of high-rise buildings to assist them in preparing safety case reports including resident engagement in multiple languages for Building Assessment Certificates.
The safety case report must demonstrate that all reasonable steps have been taken to prevent building safety risks happening from lack of engagement and reduce the seriousness if they do.
Resident engagement in high-rise buildings
Being able to communicate effectively with residents is essential for managing building safety risks.
This example relates to communicating a change in evacuation strategy, but there are many situations where you will need to engage with residents.
Similarly, the possible responses listed are not exhaustive. The key thing
is that communication is effective.
Scenario
The building’s fire evacuation strategy has changed from ‘Stay Put’ to ‘Simultaneous Evacuation’.
The change needs to be communicated effectively to residents, many who do not have English as a first language.
Background and possible reasons
500 residents live in the building, including 150 who do not have English as a first language.
15 different languages are spoken.
Short term responses
Infographics (as in information through pictures) do not rely on understanding a particular language.
You could:
- display infographics of the updated fire evacuation plan throughout the building
- post infographics of the updated policy under the door of each flat
- hand-deliver a booklet of more extensive information about the updated policy to each flat:
- for flats where the main language is known, translate the information accordingly
- where the main language is not known, provide information in English and add a QR code. This is a type of a matrix barcode
- Scanning the code links to translations in several alternative language
Additional responses
Liaise with the local fire service or community leaders as a ‘trusted voice’ for residents.
They may be able to help with communicating the change and addressing resident questions or concerns.
Ongoing management
Have a system for maintaining awareness of the languages spoken in your building(s).
As residents’ needs change, update the languages you provide information in.
Other practical examples
- Internal
- Resident engagement
- Structural
Other useful information
- Safety case report – GOV UK guidance
- Preparing a resident engagement strategy – GOV UK guidance
- Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats
- Safety in high-rise residential buildings: accountable persons – GOV UK guidance
- BSR to introduce more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments – GOV.UK
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