Why PAS 9980 Makes Digital Building Records Essential

Rupert Parker
Oct 6
2 min read

Since its publication in 2022, PAS 9980 has become the defining standard for assessing the fire risk of external wall systems in multi-storey residential buildings. It was created to bring clarity and consistency to an area long marked by uncertainty — helping assessors, owners, and regulators evaluate risk in a transparent, evidence-based way.

But as the sector embraces this new framework, one point stands out: compliance with PAS 9980 depends on the integrity of the underlying information.

A compliant external wall assessment under PAS 9980 relies on a complete, accessible, and permanent digital record of the building.

The Evidence Challenge

PAS 9980 requires every fire-risk assessment to be based on verifiable evidence — design drawings, product data, test reports, installation records, and photographs.

Yet, for many buildings, that information is dispersed across consultants, contractors, and previous owners. Missing or outdated evidence can delay assessments, increase costs, and undermine confidence in the outcome.

Without a central, enduring record of a building’s data, compliance becomes fragile. Future assessors, insurers, or regulators may have no reliable way to confirm what evidence was used or whether conclusions remain valid after any changes to the façade.

The Need for Permanence and Traceability

PAS 9980 aligns closely with the Building Safety Act and its Golden Thread of information. Both require building data to be structured, accurate, secure, and accessible throughout the life of the building.

That makes ad-hoc file sharing and scattered folders inadequate. Meeting the intent of PAS 9980 calls for a system of record that can:

Preserve documentation in an auditable, tamper-proof format
Track updates when materials or systems are changed
Record who uploaded each document and when
Provide controlled access for assessors, owners, and regulators
Maintain a clear lineage of safety-related decisions

In other words, the standard assumes the existence of a robust, digital infrastructure capable of ensuring accountability and continuity.

Continuous Review Requires Continuous Records

PAS 9980 isn’t a one-off exercise. The standard calls for periodic review of assessments — particularly when building works, refurbishments, or product changes occur. That ongoing cycle of evidence gathering and re-assessment demands a live, updateable platform, not a static archive.

A Digital System Is No Longer Optional

For many organisations, the only practical way to meet these obligations is through a permanent, structured digital building record.Such a record ensures that every PAS 9980 assessment — and all supporting evidence — is retained, traceable, and shareable with stakeholders who need to verify compliance.

It also brings efficiency and confidence: assessors can find what they need instantly; owners can demonstrate compliance proactively; and insurers or lenders can validate safety information without delay.

While different systems exist, only a dedicated digital building record offers the permanence, traceability, and control that PAS 9980 and the Building Safety Act now demand.

In Summary

PAS 9980 has raised expectations across the built-environment sector.Its focus on verifiable evidence and ongoing review means that digital building records are not just a convenience — they are a practical necessity.

Without them, compliance risks becoming fragmented, unverifiable, and unsustainable.