Dangerous Structures
Dangerous Structures
Local Authorities have a duty of care to protect the public from dangerous buildings or structures under Sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984. Buildings and other structures may become dangerous due to old age, rapid deterioration, inclement weather or by more dramatic causes such as fire, explosion or vehicle impact.
Howard Ruse Associates offers a rapid response service to Local Authorities, emergency services and building owners. On receipt of a call-out, a chartered engineer will attend and inspect the building, assess whether there is a danger and, if so, whether it is potentially or imminently dangerous.
Where the danger is immediate and life threatening, we will liaise with the emergency services to close off the danger area and arrange emergency temporary works such as scaffolding or shoring to make the building safe until permanent work can be arranged. Alternatively, we will organise the removal of the hazard by demolition.
If the structure requires attention to make it safe but is not immediately dangerous at the time of inspection, we will ensure that it is isolated by effective cordoning off.