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The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces significant changes to how buildings are designed, constructed, and managed. Understanding these requirements is essential for anyone involved in higher-risk building projects.
Overview
The Building Safety Act received Royal Assent in April 2022 and introduces the most significant changes to building safety regulation in a generation. The Act responds to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and Dame Judith Hackitt's Independent Review.
Key Changes
Higher-Risk Buildings
The Act introduces a new regulatory regime for higher-risk buildings (HRBs), defined as buildings that are:
- At least 18 metres in height or have at least 7 storeys, AND
- Contain at least 2 residential units
Gateway System
A new gateway system requires building control approval at three key stages:
- Gateway 1: Planning stage
- Gateway 2: Before construction begins
- Gateway 3: Before occupation
Duty Holder Regime
New duty holder roles include:
- Client
- Principal Designer
- Principal Contractor
- Designer
- Contractor
These roles have specific duties relating to competence, cooperation, and compliance.
Interaction with CDM 2015
The Building Safety Act duty holder regime is separate from CDM 2015 but has clear parallels. Organisations may hold roles under both regimes simultaneously.
Key differences:
- Scope: BSA applies only to higher-risk buildings; CDM applies to all construction
- Focus: BSA emphasises building safety throughout lifecycle; CDM focuses on construction phase
- Documentation: BSA requires "golden thread"; CDM requires Health & Safety File
Golden Thread
The Act requires a "golden thread" of building information to be created and maintained throughout a building's lifecycle. This digital record must be:
- Accurate and up to date
- Accessible to relevant parties
- Maintained during design, construction, and occupation
The golden thread ensures that critical safety information is:
- Available to those who need it
- Maintained throughout the building's life
- Updated when changes occur
Competence Requirements
The Act places significant emphasis on competence. Duty holders must demonstrate:
- Technical knowledge appropriate to their role
- Understanding of relevant building safety risks
- Ability to apply learning from past incidents
- Commitment to continuous professional development
How Matthews & Roberts Can Help
We support clients navigating the new regulatory landscape through:
- Gateway preparation and submissions
- Duty holder advisory services
- Golden thread documentation systems
- Competency assessments
- Compliance audits
- Integration of BSA and CDM requirements
Our team understands both the Building Safety Act and CDM 2015, ensuring your project meets all applicable requirements without duplication or confusion.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your higher-risk building projects: Get in touch
