Dangerous structures

If a structure is dangerous, we have a duty to make is safe.

We will do this in the shortest possible time.

Buildings can become dangerous for many reasons including:

• settlement or old age
• vehicle impact
• vandalism
• design defects
• fire
• explosion
• storm damage

Buildings can become dangerous at any time.

We operate a 24 hour call out service.

Dangerous structures fall into two categories:

Imminently dangerous

Structures which are at risk of imminent collapse and must be secured for public safety.

There is usually a charge to the owner for emergency works carried out.

Hazardous structures which are unstable but are not imminently dangerous

We will give the owner a reasonable amount of time to remove the danger.

Failure to respond may result in a Magistrates Court Order being obtained.

We work with:

• Police
• Fire Brigade
• Health and Safety Executive
• Environment Agency

All buildings which appear to be dangerous should be reported to us.

We will treat the matter with the utmost urgency.

If a building is imminently dangerous, we can request immediate evacuation.

We can request, or take, any action necessary to protect the public.

Such action may involve:

• temporary road closures
• barricading
• shoring
• scaffolding
• repairs
• demolition