HHSRS Hazard 29 - Structural Collapse and Falling Elements

Hazard 29 - Structural Collapse and Falling Elements

This hazard covers the threat of whole dwelling collapse, or of an element or a part of the fabric being displaced or falling because of inadequate fixing, disrepair, or as a result of adverse weather conditions. Structural failure may occur internally or externally within the curtilage threatening occupants, or externally outside the curtilage putting at risk members of the public.

Externally, the hazard ranges from falling slates, eaves gutters, bricks or windows, to collapse of walls. Internally, it includes floor, ceiling and staircase collapse. The most common incident is for a fixture, such as a light fitting or kitchen cabinet, to fall from the ceiling or wall, because of a combination of poor fixings and vibration. However, the most common part of the fabric of buildings to fall and injure someone is ceiling plaster. Being hit by chimney pots and roof slates/tiles is much more rare.

Vulnerable Group: All ages

Defects & Justifications

• Structural movement - evidence of continuing movement.
• Structural cracks etc - cracks and/or bulges to external walls.
• Open joints - to brick, stone or block work to external walls or chimney stacks.
• Cladding defects - loose render or other insecure external finish to external walls.
• Loose coping(s) - to parapet or balcony walls or to chimney stacks.
• Loose guarding - to balconies, roof terraces etc.
• Structural damage - to balconies etc.
• Disrepair to lintels/sills - cracked lintels and/or sills or other disrepair around openings to external and internal walls.
• Insecure frames or hinges - to either windows or doors.
• Roof movement - sagging, distorted or spreading to the roof structure.
• Loose roof covering - loose or slipped roof slates, tiles etc.
• Loose pots - to chimney stacks.
• Insecure rainwater goods - including eaves gutters and/or external pipework.
• Staircase failure - springy, distorted or other indications of failure of staircase structure.
• Insecure guarding - to staircases and/or landings.
• Defective ceilings etc - cracked, damp and/or bulging ceilings.
• Defective internal walls - cracked and/or bulging internal walls.
• Insecure internal frames - loose door frames or hinges.
• Loose fittings or fixtures - loose cupboards, shelves or handrails.
• Height above ground - the height of the building or of the element above the ground or floor.
• Size/weight of element - the size, weight and nature of the object or element likely to fall.

Index of HHSRS Hazards