Buildings over 18 metres tall

This page was last updated 11 May 2021

On this page, where we refer to the 18m height demarcation, it is important to note that we are referring to the government's definition of "high-rise residential multi-occupied buildings of 18 metres or more in height, or more than 6 storeys (whichever is reached first)."

We are finalising the surveys and reports for all our buildings in this category. We are carrying out this work as part of our building safety programme and EWS1 forms have been completed for each of the buildings where this is appropriate.

Across the country there are thousands of buildings that need these forms, and a limited number of qualified people who can do the work so it will take some time before our programme is complete.

Due to the Covid 19 outbreak this work was paused but has started again in the summer of 2020. Please note that some services are affected by the pandemic response and the need to work in a Covid-safe way. More information on our response to the pandemic is here.

What is an EWS1 form?

This form was developed by experts to help building owners record what assessment of the external wall construction of buildings over 18 metres tall has been carried out and the outcomes. Getting the information required to complete this form can often require significant intrusive testing of the fabric of the building. This is because, to comply with current government safety guidelines, building owners cannot rely on the fact a building received Building Control sign off at the time it was built.

When is an EWS form required on taller buildings?

For buildings over 18m or six storeys, an EWS1 form will be required where:

• There is cladding or curtain wall glazing on the building or

• there are balconies which stack vertically above each other and either both the balustrades and decking are constructed with combustible materials (e.g. timber) or the decking is constructed with combustible materials and the balconies are directly linked by combustible material.

For buildings of five or six storeys, an EWS1 form should be required where:

• There is a significant amount of cladding on the building (deemed as approximately one quarter of the whole elevation estimated from what is visible standing at ground level is a significant amount) or

• there are ACM, MCM or HPL panels on the building or

• there are balconies which stack vertically above each other and either both the balustrades and decking are constructed with combustible materials (e.g.timber), or the decking is constructed with combustible materials and the balconies are directly linked by combustible materials.

I live in a building over 18m and I need a copy of the EWS1 form.

We are happy to provide a copy of the EWS1 form for our buildings over 18m. Please email Sales Services.