Preparing safety case reports: Structural - vehicle damage
Preparing safety case reports: Risk
of vehicle damage
This information is for Accountable Persons (APs) of high-rise buildings to assist them in preparing safety case reports for Building Assessment Certificates that include risk of vehicle damage.
The safety case report must demonstrate that all reasonable steps have been taken to prevent building safety risks happening from the risk of vehicle damage and reduce the seriousness if they do.
Scenario
Risk of vehicle damage to the building.
Background and possible reasons
This may be identified from an inspection or report.
Alternatively, there may have been an incident that led to damage
Short term responses
If there hasn’t been an incident, you should assess the risks and identify what needs to be done.
You will then need to take any short-term actions.
For example, you may decide to close off parking spaces closest to the building to stop vehicles getting close. Or put up signs or paint markings on the ground as a warning.
Whether there has been an incident or not, you should assess the risks and what needs to be done.
Depending on how bad the damage is, you may need help from a specialist such as a structural engineer.
Only risks from the spread of fire and structural failure are covered by the Building Safety Act.
However, damage caused by vehicles may also pose a risk to passers-by or residents. This includes loose bricks, blocks or cladding and should also be assessed.
Again, you should take any short-term measures identified. For example putting barriers around the damage to prevent people getting too close.
The local authority may be able to help if nearby roads or footpaths could be affected.
You may also wish to contact your insurance company as they may expect you to take specific actions.
Additional responses
If damage has been caused, you will need to arrange for repairs to be completed.
You should ensure these are carried out to the required standard by competent people.
Whether or not an incident has happened, arrange for any measures needed to prevent vehicle strikes or further incidents to be put in place.
Common measures include barriers or bollards.
Ongoing management
Make sure you have a system in place for reporting, investigating and repairing damage to buildings or protective measures designed to prevent vehicle damage.
Other useful 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
Building safety guidance and resources
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