CROSS Safety Report
Ceiling collapse
This report is over 2 years old
Overview
A heavy ceiling in an entertainment building collapsed.
Key Learning Outcomes
For construction professionals and design engineers:
-
Ceiling design and installation should be given the same degree of attention as the primary structure during both design and construction to improve safety, reliability and longevity
-
Consider appointing a single entity (or Chartered Engineer) to have overall control of the design of the ceiling system. This would include overseeing its interfaces with the support structure and to assure the ability of the structure to support the applied loads.
Full Report
Find out more about the Full Report
The Full Report below has been submitted to CROSS and describes the reporter’s experience. The text has been edited for clarity and to ensure anonymity and confidentiality by removing any identifiable details. If you would like to know more about our secure reporting process or submit a report yourself, please visit the reporting to CROSS-UK page.
A heavy ceiling in an entertainment building fell down fortunately when nobody was there. The ceiling was connected to an overlying concrete slab by proprietary fixings which may not have been suitable for that application. It appeared to the reporter that the responsibility for selecting the fixings was unclear.
Submit a report
Your report will make a difference. It will help to create positive change and improve safety.
Our secure and confidential safety reporting system gives professionals the opportunity to share their experiences to help others.
Feedback
No feedback has yet been published for this page.
Expert Panel Comments
Expert Panels comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-UK Expert Panels page.
Surveys by the Construction Fixing’s Association have also revealed that a number of structural fixing details are changed on site without the involvement of the designer (see the 15th SCOSS Biennial Report). The design and installation of fixings should be properly assigned.