Significant changes have been introduced with the new Building Safety Act and the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator. This applies to all Building Control bodies to the same extent, so the Local Authority processes will be the same as Approvers (formerly Approved Inspectors)
These changes are crucial for enhancing safety standards across the construction industry. At BCS we understand that navigating these new regulations can be challenging, and we are committed to supporting you through this transition. We have written a document to explain the changes, you can view this HERE.
Following the fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017, Dame Judith Hackitt was appointed by the government to undertake an independent review of Building Regulations and fire safety, with focus on their application to high-rise residential buildings. Her final report was published in 2018, and the Building Safety Act 2022 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/30/contents) is the foundation of this new building safety regime. The Act applies to ALL buildings, and includes additional requirements for Higher Risk Buildings. The building control function for Higher Risk Buildings can now only be fulfilled by the Building Safety Regulator, you can check whether your building is registered as an HRB via this link - https://www.register-high-rise-building.service.gov.uk/public-register/search
Why Understanding the New Legislation is Crucial:
- Compliance and Safety: The new legislation aims to ensure the highest standards of safety for all buildings. Understanding these requirements is essential to comply with the law and to guarantee the safety and well-being of occupants.
- Efficiency and Avoiding Delays: Familiarity with the new rules will help in streamlining processes, reducing the likelihood of unexpected delays in project timelines. This knowledge will facilitate smoother operations and ensure timely issuance of completion certificates.
- Minimizing Risk: Adhering to the updated safety standards reduces the risk of potential legal and financial repercussions for non-compliance. It also helps in maintaining a good reputation and trust with your clients and stakeholders.
How We Can Help:
At BCS, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance and support. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Expert Guidance: Our team is well-versed with the new regulations and can offer detailed advice on compliance requirements specific to your projects.
- Document Assistance: We understand the importance of accurate and timely documentation. While it may seem that we are continuously chasing requested documents, please rest assured that this diligence is to ensure that all necessary paperwork is in place. This proactive approach helps avoid any delays in the issuance of completion certificates.
- Regular Updates: We will keep you informed about any further changes or updates to the legislation, ensuring you always have the latest information at your fingertips.
We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for all our clients. Together, we can ensure that we not only meet but exceed the new safety standards.