Regulation 15

a visual inspection of the façade of the building, consisting of a visual survey carried out to observe and assess the condition of the entire façade —

using the method, technology and equipment described in paragraph (3) and in the manner allowed by regulation 16; or

using such other equivalent method, technology or equipment as may be approved by the Commissioner and in the manner allowed by regulation 16; and Example Drone or similar unmanned aircraft designed for aerial survey.

a close-range inspection of the façade of the building to observe and assess the condition of the façade, carried out on suitable parts of each elevation of the building (being at least 10% of the surface area of each elevation) directed towards ascertaining whether there are defects beneath the surface of the façade material (such as hollowness or corrosion of concealed connections) —

using the method, technology and equipment described in paragraph (4) and in the manner allowed by regulation 16; or

using such other equivalent method, technology or equipment as may be approved by the Commissioner and in the manner allowed by regulation 16. Examples Robotic automated tapping device. Automated scanning equipment for close‑range inspection. Infrared and ultrasound scanners.

at an appropriate distance from ground level or other suitable vantage points; and

using photographic cameras whereby photographs or still images of the entire façade may be taken.

at suitable parts of every elevation along a vertical drop or trail, or multiple vertical drops or trails, from the top floor to the ground floor of the building or vice versa; and

using —

a probing tool (such as a tapping rod or rubber mallet);

a borescope or scanning equipment which does not require special training to operate or use; or

a combination of equipment in sub‑paragraphs (i) and (ii).

reasonably suspects or is of the opinion that there is any sign of excessive erosion, corrosion, wear, fatigue, stress or strain in the façade, or any other situation or circumstance relating to the façade, that gives rise or is likely to give rise to a probability of the occurrence or potential occurrence of the collapse (wholly or partly) of the façade and death or injury to individuals, or damage to other property, within or outside the building; and

is of the opinion that it is necessary to carry out a full façade investigation of the façade in order —

to ascertain the cause of the excessive erosion, corrosion, wear, fatigue, stress or strain in the façade, or the other situation or circumstance relating to the façade; and

to recommend appropriate measures or other building works necessary to prevent the occurrence or potential occurrence of collapse (wholly or partly) of the façade of the building,the appointed competent person must, and only with the prior approval of the Commissioner, with reasonable diligence carry out a full façade investigation of the façade.

taking all reasonable steps to obtain information relating to the design, construction, maintenance and history of the façade of the building from the owner of the building, the builder of the building and any other person involved in the construction or maintenance of the building;

carrying out or causing to be carried out, in accordance with the proposal provided under paragraph (7)(c) —

design checks on the façade and the supporting structures of the façade by —

checking with reasonable diligence the structural plans of the façade and the calculations contained in the plans; or

if the plans cannot be obtained, reconstructing with reasonable diligence such structural plans where the Commissioner so requires;

tests on the condition of the façade of the building and the supporting structure of the façade; and

tests on the materials used in the construction of the façade of the building and the supporting structures of the façade; and

carrying out or causing to be carried out any other steps in assessing the condition of the façade of the building and the supporting structures of the façade, that the Commissioner may specially require when granting approval for the full façade investigation.

an interim report containing a detailed description of the visual inspection and close‑range inspection of the façade of a building under paragraph (2);

the information relating to the design, construction, maintenance and history of the façade of the building concerned; and

a proposal describing in detail —

the percentage of the total surface area of each building elevation to be subject to the full façade investigation; and

the manner in which the design checks and tests mentioned in paragraph (6)(b) are to be carried out.