Purpose

Assign C1, C2, C3 or FI from present/credible safety consequence and evidence, not solely from BS 7671 nonconformity.

Learning objectives

• Choose the correct document
• State extent and responsibility truthfully
• Code safety consequence consistently
• Close defects with traceable evidence

Classification codes communicate urgency: C1 danger present, C2 potentially dangerous, C3 improvement recommended, and FI further investigation required because safety cannot yet be determined.

Core theory

C1 requires immediate action to remove danger and immediate verbal/written notification. C2 identifies a credible dangerous condition requiring urgent remedial action.

C3 is improvement recommended where no danger/potential danger is established. An older installation can remain satisfactory; absence of a current-edition feature is not automatically C2.

Use FI sparingly after reasonable inspection/testing cannot determine whether danger exists; state what investigation is needed. Only the most serious applicable code is assigned to one observation, supported by location and evidence.

Assumptions: Observations describe the supplied installation state; Inspector has competent access to relevant evidence.

1. Consequence: Direct contact danger exists now.
2. Code: Assign C1.
3. Action: Make safe immediately where authorized and notify the client verbally and in writing.

C1: danger present, with immediate risk control and notification.

Reasonableness check: The conclusion follows document purpose and present safety consequence rather than age, aesthetics or commercial pressure.

Knowledge check

Answer: No. Code actual safety consequence and context; age alone is not potential danger.

Practical exercise

Code supplied observations, state evidence/action and reject examples based only on age or cosmetic preference.

Summary

• Form choice follows the work and responsibility
• Extent and limitations bound the conclusion
• Codes describe safety consequence, not simple noncompliance