Importance of Building Inspection: Ensuring Safety and Preserving Property Value
Risks and Benefits of ESG Investing
The significance of building inspection, particularly concerning facade and structural integrity, is vividly illustrated by real-life incidents that have shaken communities worldwide. One such poignant example is the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017. The blaze, which claimed 72 lives, was exacerbated by the building’s external cladding, installed as part of a renovation. The cladding, found to be highly flammable during investigations, contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the fire. Had a meticulous inspection of the facade been conducted, the questionable material might have been detected and replaced, potentially averting the disaster.
Another haunting incident unfolded in 2013 when the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh shocked the globe. The structural failure of the building, which housed garment factories, resulted in the tragic loss of 1,134 lives and left thousands injured. Investigations revealed that the structure had been expanded without proper permits and lacked adherence to safety regulations. A thorough inspection, emphasizing structural integrity, could have exposed the compromised building conditions, preventing the catastrophe and safeguarding the lives of those within.
Investigations revealed that the structure had been expanded without proper permits and lacked adherence to safety regulations.
Critical role Building Inspection
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the critical role building inspection plays in identifying facade vulnerabilities and ensuring structural stability. They underscore the need for rigorous assessments, not only to comply with regulations but, more importantly, to protect lives and communities from devastating consequences rooted in compromised building integrity. Building inspection, therefore, stands as an essential guardians, ensuring the structures we inhabit are not just functional but inherently safe.
Hong Kong faces a significant challenge due to its aging buildings and infrastructure. Instances like the collapse of a balcony in a 60-year-old building in 2017, fortunately without casualties, highlighted the pressing need for assessing the condition of older structures. Similar incidents occurred in 2010 and 2013, resulting in fatalities and displacements. These accidents, causing financial losses and endangering lives, emphasize the urgent need for maintenance and inspection.
To address this issue, the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) was introduced in 2012, requiring inspection every ten years for buildings aged 30 years or above. Despite concerns from owners regarding costs and inconvenience, the scheme became necessary to ensure public safety. According to the Building Department, Hong Kong has 40,758 privately owned buildings, with approximately 21,929 of them, constituting 53.8%, being over 30 years old. This necessitates a consistent and rigorous approach to inspection, emphasizing the critical importance of regular assessments of the city’s aging infrastructure.