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CROSS Safety Report

Collapse of recently installed suspended ceiling

Report ID: 203 Published: 1 July 2011 Region: CROSS-UK

This report is over 2 years old

Please be aware that it might contain information that is no longer up to date. We keep all reports available for historic reference and as learning aids.

Overview

Bingo players had a narrow escape when the ceiling of the hall in which they were playing collapsed.

Key Learning Outcomes

For civil and structural design engineers:

  • Ceilings should be given the same degree of attention as the primary structure during both design and construction to improve safety, reliability and longevity

  • Selecting the correct fixings for the given environment and anticipated loads is important to ensure they perform as expected

For construction professionals:

  • Quality control and competent supervision on site can help to ensure that ceilings are built in accordance with the design

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.

 

Bingo players had a narrow escape when the ceiling of the hall in which they were playing collapsed. Nobody was injured due to the prompt action of a member of staff who evacuated the building just before the collapse.

A new suspended ceiling had been installed some two weeks previously. From an initial inspection by a reporter it appears that the new suspended ceiling was fixed onto an existing ‘hung’ ceiling. The fixings were inadequate for the weight of the two ceilings resulting in the collapse.

Expert Panel Comments

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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.

There are many examples of suspended ceiling failures, often due to issues with fixings. You can search for safety information on ceilings on the CROSS website.

Helpful guides are published by the Association of Interior Specialists

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