Building Safety Act 2022, England
Building Safety Case Reports
A Building Safety Case Report brings together the evidence that fire and structural risks in a higher-risk building are understood, controlled and actively managed. AL23 Safety helps Accountable Persons and dutyholders prepare reports that stand up to scrutiny from the Building Safety Regulator, residents and stakeholders, with chartered engineering delivered in-house.
What a Building Safety Case is
A consistent, proactive approach to managing risk
The purpose of a Building Safety Case is to make sure those accountable for a building take a consistent, proactive approach to managing safety risk. It is the full body of information and evidence covering general, fire and structural safety for a higher-risk building. Once it is established, it is kept up to date and summarised in a Safety Case Report, which is provided to the Building Safety Regulator when requested.
Building Safety Case
The complete picture: all the information and supporting evidence that shows how the risks of fire spread and structural failure are being managed. It is the reasoned, evidenced argument that the building is safe.
Building Safety Case Report
The summary of that case. It presents the key evidence, sets out the main fire and structural hazards and demonstrates the steps taken to manage them, alongside progress against the safety management plan.
Which buildings need one
Occupied higher-risk residential buildings
The requirement applies to occupied higher-risk buildings. In the in-occupation regime, a higher-risk building is one that is at least 18 metres tall or has at least seven storeys and contains at least two residential units.
Some building types are deliberately excluded from this in-occupation regime even where they meet the height threshold, including care homes, hospitals, hotels, secure residential institutions and military barracks because they are already regulated under other arrangements such as the Fire Safety Order. The Building Safety Case Report requirement is therefore a duty for residential higher-risk buildings.
Why they were introduced
Reform after Grenfell
The Building Safety Act 2022 reformed building safety law in England following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, in which 72 people died. The reforms drew on Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of building regulations and fire safety, which called for a more rigorous, accountable approach to managing risk in higher-risk buildings. The safety case duty sits at the heart of that approach, placing responsibility clearly with the Accountable Person.
The aim of the Safety Case Report
In short, the report demonstrates that the building is safe and that the Accountable Person is managing the risks effectively. It aims to:
- Prevent major incidents related to fire and structural failure.
- Ensure a proactive and consistent approach to managing building safety risk.
- Provide the Building Safety Regulator with evidence of safety measures and compliance.
- Give a clear account of the building’s safety status and the steps taken to manage risk.
What a Safety Case Report includes
A Safety Case Report typically brings together:
- Basic building information
- The people responsible for the building
- Construction methods and materials
- The structural condition of the building
- A record of building work, refurbishment and remediation
- Fire safety measures
- Building safety risk assessments
- The emergency plan
- The safety management systems in place
Alongside the report, the Accountable Person needs a Resident Engagement Strategy and Mandatory Occurrence Reporting arrangements in place to obtain a Building Assessment Certificate.
How we help
Alongside you at every stage
We work with you to prepare your Safety Case Report and guide you through the requirements, helping you gather the evidence you need to comply.
- 1
Initial set up
We run through the process with you and give you a clear overview of the documents and evidence you will need.
- 2
Data gathering
We set up a system for gathering data, identify who provides which evidence and break the report into manageable sections, with a schedule to keep it on track.
- 3
Build the Safety Case Report
We develop the report itself, bringing the evidence into a clear, logical narrative that demonstrates how risks are controlled.
- 4
Review and ongoing support
We advise on review cycles, on updating the case after any change to the building and on how it fits with your wider fire risk management.
Why AL23 Safety
A report that stands up to scrutiny
In-house chartered engineering. The fire safety expertise a safety case rests on, delivered by our own engineer.
A structured, defensible report. A clear, logical account that stands up to regulatory scrutiny.
An integrated view. Your safety case linked to your fire risk assessments, fire strategy and asset records rather than sitting in isolation.
Practical next steps. Recommendations that are realistic, proportionate and prioritised.
Support across England. Wherever your building is, we can help.
Building safety case knowledge hub
Common questions, answered
What is a Building Safety Case Report?
It is a structured document that sets out how a building’s safety risks, mainly fire and structural risks, are identified, controlled and kept under review. It draws policies, procedures, surveys, technical reports and operational controls into a single narrative that demonstrates the building is being managed safely.
Which buildings require a Building Safety Case Report?
Occupied higher-risk buildings, meaning those at least 18 metres tall or with at least seven storeys, containing at least two residential units. Care homes, hospitals, hotels, secure residential institutions and military barracks are excluded from this in-occupation regime.
Who is responsible for the Building Safety Case Report?
The Principal Accountable Person, supported by any other Accountable Persons for the building. The duty to prepare the report sits with them and we work alongside them to produce it.
What information should be included in a Safety Case Report?
Building information, the responsible people, construction methods and materials, structural condition, a record of building work and remediation, fire safety measures, building safety risk assessments, the emergency plan and the safety management systems in place.
How often should a Building Safety Case Report be reviewed?
It should be kept up to date, reviewed regularly and revised whenever there is a material change to the building or its management. The Accountable Person must keep the Regulator informed when the report is prepared or revised.
How can a Building Safety Case Report support wider compliance?
Done well, it pulls your fire risk assessments, fire strategy, structural information and management systems into one coherent picture. That makes the rest of your compliance easier to evidence and gives the Regulator, your board and your residents a single, clear account of how the building is kept safe.
Talk to us about your safety case
The time to start is now
If you are an Accountable Person for a higher-risk building and need help preparing your Safety Case Report, get in touch and we will get back to you quickly.
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