Not necessarily.
The existence of an outstanding survey does not, by itself, determine whether a safety case adequately demonstrates that building safety risks are being managed.
The more important questions are:
- Why is the survey required?
- What uncertainty is it intended to resolve?
- How significant is that uncertainty to the building safety risk?
- What is already known?
- What controls are currently relied upon?
- Is the risk adequately managed while the work remains outstanding?
- Is the proposed timescale proportionate?
Some investigations may be sufficiently safety-critical that they should be completed urgently. Others may reasonably form part of a planned programme of further assurance.
A strong safety case makes that distinction explicit.
It should not present every outstanding action as equally important.
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Find out moreRelated questions
- What if I cannot close an information gap before the BSR response deadline?
Be transparent. A safety case does not become stronger by disguising uncertainty. Explain what is unknown, why it matters, what is known, current controls and the planned programme.
- The BSR says there is insufficient evidence. Do I need to commission another survey?
Not necessarily. First establish whether evidence is genuinely missing, or whether the safety case has simply failed to explain the evidence that already exists.
- What if my safety case identifies outstanding actions?
Outstanding actions do not automatically make a safety case inadequate. The key is whether they are understood and appropriately managed.
Building safety legislation, regulation and Building Safety Regulator guidance can change. This page is general information, not legal advice — always refer to current legislation and official guidance for your building.