Building the safety case
For an occupied higher-risk building, the Building Safety Act requires each accountable person (AP) to assess and manage fire-spread and structural-failure risks in its part. The principal accountable person (PAP) prepares and updates the safety case report using the assessments, measures and evidence supplied by all APs.
The golden thread
The golden thread of building information is the foundation of the safety case. It requires that key design, construction, maintenance and safety information is created, maintained and stored digitally throughout the building's life. For many existing buildings, the challenge is retrospectively assembling this information from incomplete records, previous consultants and managing agents.
The safety case report
The safety case report is the document that brings the evidence together. It sets out the building's fire and structural risks, the measures in place to manage those risks, the monitoring and maintenance regime, and the evidence that the regime is being followed. A visual structural appraisal and fire risk assessment are key supporting documents.
Ongoing management
The PAP should update the safety case report when the underlying information changes, including after improvement work or building work affecting building-safety risks. There is no mandatory statutory Building Safety Manager role: APs and the PAP may employ competent people to carry out tasks, but cannot transfer their legal obligations.
Common gaps and challenges
The most common gaps are missing or incomplete construction records, inadequate fire risk assessments, no systematic approach to recording and tracking safety-related works, and uncertainty about accountability within multi-stakeholder ownership structures. Addressing these gaps early is significantly less costly than responding to regulatory enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
What is a building safety case?
A structured collection of evidence and analysis demonstrating how building safety risks are being identified, assessed and managed. It includes the safety case report and supporting documents such as fire risk assessments and structural appraisals.
What is the golden thread?
The requirement to create, maintain and pass on key building information throughout the building's lifecycle. It must be accessible, accurate, up to date and stored digitally.
Who is responsible for the building safety case?
The PAP prepares and updates the safety case report. Every AP assesses and manages risks in its own part and supplies the PAP with relevant information. Consultants or managers can support those tasks, but the statutory duties remain with the APs and PAP.
What happens if the Building Safety Regulator inspects?
BSR can request the report and use Part 4 measures including compliance notices, urgent action notices, prosecution and an application for special measures where the statutory conditions are met.
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Links checked 18 July 2026. These primary and professional sources provide general context; they do not confirm how the guide applies to a particular building or appointment.
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Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.