A government-issued building safety guide has been updated to help accountable persons assess safety risks in high-rise residential buildings.
Applying to England, the detailed guide from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) covers information about the risk assessment team, what to assess, all reasonable steps, risk assessment methods, and how to record assessments.
Aimed at non-specialists to help them with assessing the risk of the spread of fire and structural failure, the guidance states:
“Your assessment will help to demonstrate that you understand the risks and manage them effectively. It will also help you to demonstrate that you have taken ‘all reasonable steps’ to manage building safety risks.
“You’ll find it easier to decide what to do to prevent building safety incidents or reduce their severity. You may also identify other reasonable steps you can take to reduce the risk further.”
As detailed in the guidance, a risk assessment team should include those with knowledge and experience in safety management systems, fire safety, and structural safety, though it adds that such teams do “not have to include consultants or other specialists”.
“You and your organisation know your building better than anyone else and you may be able to assess the risks yourselves.”
You can read more on the FPA website.