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Independent Section Assessments Under the Higher-Risk Buildings Regulations.
An independent section review assesses a defined section of a wider building or structure to determine whether it meets the statutory criteria for an “independent section” under the Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023.
A section that meets the statutory definition of an independent section can be considered separately when determining whether it falls within the higher-risk building regime.
What Is an Independent Section?
The statutory definition is essentially that an independent section:
- Has access that can be reached from anywhere within the section for people to enter and exit the wider building; and
- Either has no access to another section, or only has access to another section that does not contain a residential unit.
Access intended only for exceptional/emergency use or maintenance is excluded from the definition.
For further information on Independent Section Assessments
Get in touchIndependent Section Review Services Include:
Review drawings, layouts, building use, height/storeys, residential units and the relationship between the proposed section and the wider structure.
Assess entrances, exits and connections between the proposed section and other sections.
Determine whether connections are genuinely limited to exceptional, emergency or maintenance purposes, where relevant.
Assess whether the section, considered separately, meets the applicable higher-risk building criteria.
Provide a documented assessment setting out:
- information reviewed
- relevant statutory provisions
- assumptions and limitations
- assessment methodology
- findings
- conclusion
Get In Touch
We are a commited exprienced team and can undertake reviewing of a defined section of a wider building or structure to determine whether it meets the criteria of an under the Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023. please get in touch to find out more.
Why Does an Independent Section Assessment Matter?
Determining whether part of a higher-risk building (HRB) qualifies as an independent section can have a significant impact on whether the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and building control requirements apply.
An independent section assessment helps establish the correct regulatory position for the building and whether proposed work falls within the scope of the higher-risk building regime.
For HRB design and construction, the Building Safety Regulator acts as the building control authority, and relevant building work must receive BSR approval before construction begins.
Obtaining a clear, robust assessment at an early stage can help ensure the correct approval process is followed, reduce regulatory uncertainty and avoid potential delays to the project.
Faq
What is the Building Safety Act 2022?
The Building Safety Act 2022 received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022 and makes ground-breaking reforms to give residents and homeowners more rights, powers, and protections – so homes across the country are safer. The Building Safety Act 2022 will bring in several measures intended to make buildings safer. The Act is divided into six parts (see below) with the majority of the substantive detail and reforms set out in parts two to five.
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: The Regulator and its Functions
Part 3: Building Act 1984
Part 4: Higher-Risk Buildings
Part 5: Other Provision about Safety, Standards, etc.
Part 6: General
What is the definition of a higher-risk building (HRB)?
A higher-risk building (HRB) is a building in England that: is at least 18 metres high or has at least 7 storeys; and contains at least 2 residential units, or is a hospital or care home. The exact criteria can vary depending on the type of building and work being carried out, so the current Building Safety Regulator guidance should be checked for each project.
The Building Safety Regulator provides further criteria for determining whether a building is a higher-risk building.
