The Building Safety Act—a groundbreaking legislation designed to enhance accountability, safety, and quality in the construction industry. In this guide, we will explore the key aspects of the Building Safety Act you need to know to ensure you’re compliant.
Skip to:
The Building Safety Act is a comprehensive law that aims to improve safety standards in the construction industry. It establishes a new set of rules for design, construction, and maintenance, ensuring that buildings are safe and secure.
The Act focuses on holding accountable those involved in the construction process to protect occupants from potential hazards, such as fire and structural failures.
"The Building Safety Act represents a fundamental shift in how we approach building safety, placing a stronger focus on accountability, transparency, and a culture of safety throughout the entire lifecycle of a building." - Dame Judith Hackitt, Building a Safer Future Report Author
The Building Safety Act applies to various stakeholders in the construction industry. This includes building owners, developers, designers, contractors, engineers, building control bodies, and those responsible for ongoing building maintenance and management.
Additionally, the Act addresses higher-risk residential buildings, which require additional scrutiny and specific requirements.
Between April 2023 and October 2023.
For compliance with the Building Safety Act, it is necessary to register all buildings covered by the Act with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Registrations are expected to take place between April 2023 and October 2023.
The Higher-Risk Buildings (Key Building Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2023 specify the key building information that must be submitted within 28 days of registering the building or by 30 September 2023, whichever is later.
The Building Safety Act incorporates three checkpoints, known as gateways, to ensure building safety throughout the construction process. Gateways are critical stages in the building process where independent checks and inspections are conducted and each must be approved before the project can progress.
The Building Safety Act introduces specific provisions for higher-risk residential buildings (HRRB) are defined as new or existing high-rise residential properties that are at least 18 metres in height, or have at least 7 storeys, and have at least two residential units.
These buildings will undergo stricter safety measures, regular inspections, and requirements for information management and the appointment of accountable persons.
To ensure clear lines of accountability, the Building Safety Act introduces several important definitions, including:
The Building Safety Act has several primary objectives, including:
The Building Safety Act implementation follows a phased approach, with important dates to remember, including:
Implementing the Building Safety Act brings numerous benefits, such as:
Golden Thread Information Management: The Act introduces the golden thread concept, which involves keeping a digital record of design, construction, and maintenance information. Creating the golden thread allows for easy access to comprehensive building data, making building management more convenient and effective.
{We created Sablono to seamlessly integrate the golden thread in your projects. Our digital audit trail provides a fully automated, accountable record of everything that happens on your project. Learn more here: Quality Audit Trail}
Digital Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM technology creates and manages detailed 3D digital models of buildings. It helps in planning, design, construction, and maintenance, providing a collaborative platform for stakeholders to visualise and share building information. BIM improves communication, coordination, and accuracy in implementing safety measures.
Digital Building Control Approvals: Developers may need to seek building control approval through digital platforms. This simplifies the application and review process, allowing for efficient communication between developers, building control bodies, and regulatory authorities. Digital platforms ensure faster and more accurate approvals, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Digital Reporting and Compliance Monitoring: The Act may introduce digital reporting mechanisms to monitor building safety and compliance. Digital platforms enable data collection, analysis, and reporting on building inspections, assessments, and remediation activities. This promotes transparency, accuracy, and effective monitoring of safety standards.
Digital Fire Safety Systems: Advanced digital fire safety systems, including fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems, are essential for building safety. These systems utilise digital technology to detect and respond to fire hazards swiftly, providing early warnings and facilitating rapid emergency response.
Preparing for compliance with the Building Safety Act involves several important steps:
Stronger Safety Standards: The Building Safety Act introduces stricter safety standards to ensure the well-being of occupants in buildings, especially those at higher risk.
Clear Accountability: The Act defines clear roles and responsibilities for building owners, developers, designers, and building control bodies, emphasising the importance of accountability and compliance with safety regulations.
Digital Information Management: The Act promotes the concept of the "golden thread," which means maintaining a digital record of design, construction, and maintenance information. This helps in effective building management and ensures critical safety information is easily accessible.
Independent Checks at Gateways: The Act establishes gateways in the building process where independent inspections and assessments occur to ensure compliance with safety standards. These checkpoints maintain a high level of safety throughout construction.
Focus on Higher-Risk Buildings: Special attention is given to higher-risk buildings, such as tall or complex structures. The Act introduces additional safety measures, frequent inspections, and specific requirements for fire safety and structural integrity.
Resident Engagement and Transparency: The Act emphasises the involvement of residents and promotes transparency in higher-risk buildings. Building owners must provide clear information on safety measures, evacuation procedures, and any ongoing remediation work to keep residents informed and address their concerns.
Collaboration and Coordination: Building safety is a joint effort involving various stakeholders, including owners, developers, designers, contractors, and building control bodies. The Act encourages collaboration and coordination among these parties to foster a safety-focused culture and ensure compliance with regulations.