Structural Surveys

Assessing the integrity of aging buildings, particularly in hospitals with extensions or modifications which are becoming more and more common. 

In the UK, there is no specific legal requirement that mandates a fixed frequency for completing structural surveys in hospitals. However, hospitals are generally required to ensure that their buildings are safe and well-maintained under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Building Regulations 2010. 

Typically, structural surveys or investigations should be conducted: 

• At least every 5 years for older buildings or where significant structural modifications or repairs have been made. 

• Whenever there are concerns about the structural integrity, such as following extreme weather events, incidents of damage, or reports of wear and tear. 

• After major construction work or changes to the building layout that could affect the structural stability. 

Additionally, healthcare buildings with high footfall and operational demands should have ongoing monitoring to identify any early signs of structural issues, ensuring that corrective actions can be taken promptly. 

Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs)  

Required under the Fire Safety Order to identify any potential fire hazards and ensure fire safety compliance of your building. 

Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) must be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain valid and up to date. Under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person is legally required to review the assessment: 

• Routinely, to ensure ongoing compliance 

• Whenever there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid 
• Following significant changes to the premises, operations, or fire safety measures, including alterations, extensions, or changes in building use 

Regular reviews help maintain compliance and ensure fire safety provisions remain effective, particularly in healthcare environments where building layouts and operational demands frequently change. 

Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)   

A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) should be completed for healthcare facilities in line with PAS 9980:2022 guidance and where required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. While there is no legally mandated fixed frequency, the FRAEW should be conducted: 

• When there is uncertainty about the fire performance of external wall materials 

• Whenever significant changes are made to the building’s external walls, such as recladding, refurbishments, or window replacements 

• Following a fire risk assessment (FRA) if external wall risks are identified as a concern 

• As part of ongoing fire safety management for hospitals and care facilities, particularly for multi-storey buildings or those housing vulnerable occupants 

Healthcare settings, especially hospitals and care homes, should ensure FRAEWs are regularly reviewed alongside general fire risk assessments to maintain compliance and occupant safety. 

Fire Door Surveys 

A Fire Door Survey should be completed in healthcare facilities regularly to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, BS 9999, and BS 8214. While specific requirements vary, best practice recommends: 

• At least every 6 months in high-risk environments, such as hospitals and care homes, due to heavy usage and potential damage. 

• Annually as part of routine fire safety maintenance for general healthcare facilities. 

• Following any significant alterations, refurbishments, or fire safety concerns that could impact fire door performance. 

• After fire risk assessments (FRAs) if fire door integrity is flagged as a concern. 

Compartmentation Surveys

A Compartmentation Survey should be conducted in healthcare facilities to ensure fire compartments effectively prevent the spread of fire and smoke, in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, BS 9999, and HTM 05-02 (Healthcare Firecode). Recommended frequencies include: 

• Every 3 to 5 years as part of planned fire safety maintenance, depending on the building’s age, condition, and usage. 

• Following any structural alterations, refurbishments, or installation of new services that may have compromised fire-stopping integrity. 

• After fire risk assessments (FRAs) if compartmentation weaknesses are identified. 

• Immediately after any fire-related incidents to assess potential damage and ensure ongoing protection. 

Given the complexity of healthcare environments, regular monitoring and prompt remediation of breaches are essential to maintaining effective compartmentation. 

Asbestos Surveys

An Asbestos Survey in healthcare facilities is required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to manage asbestos risks and ensure patient and staff safety. The frequency of surveys depends on the type of assessment: 

• Management Asbestos Surveys Required for all buildings constructed before 2000 and should be reviewed at least annually, with regular re-inspections (typically every 6 to 12 months) to monitor asbestos condition. 

• Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys Must be conducted before any refurbishment, maintenance, or demolition work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). 

• Following any suspected asbestos disturbance Immediate reassessment is required if asbestos-containing materials are damaged or deteriorating. 

Healthcare environments, especially hospitals and care homes, must maintain accurate asbestos registers and management plans, ensuring all staff and contractors are aware of any identified risks. 

Overcoming Compliance Challenges 

Carrying out surveys in live healthcare environments presents challenges such as restricted access to key areas, patient safety concerns, and the need to maintain continuous operations. Firntec work in line with the guidance provided within the Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) insuring all elements and policies are up to date establishing best practices within a hospital environment Building managers can mitigate these issues by scheduling inspections during lower-footfall periods, working with surveyors experienced in healthcare settings, and ensuring staff are informed in advance to facilitate access where required. 

Acting on Survey Findings 

Gathering survey data is only the first step, acting on findings is essential to maintain compliance. Risks identified must be documented, prioritised, and addressed according to severity. Fire door defects, compartmentation breaches, and high-risk findings must be rectified immediately, while lower-priority concerns should be scheduled for corrective action. Maintaining thorough records of inspections, remedial actions, and ongoing compliance efforts is crucial.