Building Safety Act 2022: Recent updates every AEC firm must know

The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) is a landmark piece of legislation that aims to improve the safety of buildings and residents in the UK. It was introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower fire, which highlighted the need for significant reforms to the way buildings are designed, constructed, and managed.

New Building Safety Regulator

The BSA has now established a new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and the  government has announced that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be the new BSR. 

The regulator will be responsible for:

• Registering building safety managers
• Certifying higher-risk buildings
• Enforcing the BSA's requirements
• Providing guidance and support to industry

New requirements for higher-risk buildings

The BSA has ushered in a more stringent set of regulations for High-Risk Residential Buildings (HRRBs), significantly reshaping the safety landscape. Higher-risk buildings are those that are over 18 metres tall or contain multiple dwellings.

There's now a mandatory requirement for HRRB proprietors to appoint a Building Safety Manager and ensure their buildings are officially listed with the Building Safety Regulator. This move is designed to enhance building safety from the ground up, ensuring every construction detail is managed.

The requirements include:

• A 'Golden Thread of Information' that must be maintained throughout a building's lifecycle
• New accountability structures to ensure that everyone involved in the design, construction, and management of buildings is held responsible for their actions
• New safety assessments and certifications that must be completed before construction can begin and before a building can be occupied

Accountability structures

As mentioned, the BSA also brings a revamped sense of responsibility to the construction industry. It introduces clearly defined roles and duties, particularly with the introduction of the Accountable Person, to maintain high safety standards across a building's lifecycle. The act incorporates 'Gateway Points', which serve as crucial checkpoints within the construction timeline to reinforce safety evaluations before advancing. These developments signal a shift towards greater accountability and precision in the building process.

The new accountability structures include:

• A new role of building safety manager
• A new account person role
• New duty-holder roles

The building safety manager will be responsible for overseeing the safety of a higher-risk building throughout its lifecycle. The accountable person role will be responsible for overseeing the safety of a higher-risk building during the construction phase. The duty-holder roles will be responsible for specific aspects of building safety, such as the design, construction, and management of fire safety systems.

Golden thread of information

For UK architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, adapting to the BSA means elevating their operational standards, with rigorous documentation and tracking of materials and practices throughout a building’s existence. This information includes:

• Design drawings and specifications
• Construction records
• Fire safety information
• Maintenance records

Embracing this framework is not only about compliance; it's a pathway to enhancing industry reputation and competitive edge. The 'Golden Thread of Information' is a key part of this process, reduce the risk of accidents and symbolising a commitment to safety and quality that will distinguish firms in the marketplace.

The Building Safety Act 2022: A Comprehensive Guide for UK AEC Firms

The BSA is a complex piece of legislation, but it has the potential to make a significant improvement to the safety of buildings and residents in the UK. The government's recent updates to the BSA provides important clarity and certainty for industry.

Discover how integrating technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins, and advanced data management solutions can enhance safety and efficiency in construction. Download your complimentary guide to gain a thorough understanding of the updates and gather knowledge that will assist your business in adeptly managing the new regulations and securing a prominent position in the market.