Building structural failure
Risks and causes
Causes
Consequences
BEFORE
Check out our general advice to follow in an emergency.
DURING
- Are you indoors?
- Take shelter under a table, desk or other solid piece of furniture. Protect your head and torso from falling objects.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or other tissue.
- Are you trapped under the rubble?
- Use a flashlight, whistle or tap your hand, leg or object on pipes or ducts to alert others to your position.
- Only shout if you hear someone nearby. That way, you will avoid inhaling unnecessary dust, and save your energy.
- Is it safe to leave your current location?
- Head for an open area.
- Crouch down if there is fire or smoke.
- Are you outside? Go to a safe place. Call 112.
AFTER
A building collapse can have various consequences. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe an extreme building failure. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- One or more "Consequence Class 3" buildings collapse. These are buildings open to the general public, buildings containing dangerous substances, etc.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Weak
Human impact
Weak
Societal impact
Weak
Environmental impact
Very weak
Financial impact
Weak
What do the authorities do?
The regional authorities monitor compliance with housing quality standards.
- Housing quality standards (Flanders)
- Housing (Brussels)
- WPS Territory and Housing (Wallonia)