The construction industry in the United Kingdom is gearing up for a pivotal year as a suite of new fire safety regulations and guidelines comes into effect in 2024. These measures, born out of the tragic events at Grenfell Tower and subsequent inquiries, aim to fortify building safety standards and bolster accountability across the sector. This comprehensive article delves into the key updates, outlining the critical actions builders must take to ensure compliance and prioritize the well-being of occupants.
Commencement of the Part 4 Regime for Occupied Higher-Risk Buildings
As the calendar turned to 2024, a significant milestone was reached with the commencement of the Part 4 regime under the Building Safety Act 2022. This regime places a legal obligation on accountable persons to assess and manage building safety risks in occupied higher-risk buildings, which are defined as residential structures measuring 18 meters or more in height or having at least seven stories.
While the Government and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the time and costs associated with compliance, they have emphasized the importance of immediate preparation. Accountable persons, who bear the responsibility for safety in these higher-risk buildings, must now adhere to the duties outlined in the Building Safety Act 2022 and related legislation.
The BSR has provided guidance to assist accountable persons in understanding their roles and responsibilities under the new regime. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing robust safety management systems, and maintaining comprehensive documentation, known as the “golden thread” of building information.
Non-Determination Applications for Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures
The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023 introduce provisions that allow specified applications to be determined by the Secretary of State in instances where the Building Safety Regulator has not issued a decision within the required timeframe, and an extension has not been agreed upon. These applications, known as non-determinations applications, are made to the Secretary of State under section 30A of the Building Act 1984.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has published further information to guide builders and developers through the process of submitting non-determination applications, ensuring a clear pathway for resolving potential delays or disputes.
Building Safety Levy: A New Financial Mechanism
In an effort to fund the enhanced regulatory regime and support the ongoing efforts to improve building safety, the Government has introduced the Building Safety Levy. Following a consultation period that ran from November 2022 to February 2023, DLUHC has published its response and launched a further technical consultation.
This consultation seeks input from industry stakeholders on the design and implementation of the Building Safety Levy, which will apply to certain new residential buildings requiring building control approval in England. The consultation, which closes on February 20, 2024, provides an opportunity for builders and developers to shape the levy’s structure and ensure its fair and effective implementation.
BS 9792: A New Standard for Fire Risk Assessment in Housing
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and standardized approach to fire risk assessment in residential buildings, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has initiated the development of a new standard, BS 9792: Fire Risk Assessment – Housing – Code of Practice. This standard aims to replace the existing PAS 79-2 and establish a robust framework for conducting fire risk assessments in housing contexts.
The BSI has launched a consultation process, inviting industry professionals and stakeholders to contribute their expertise and insights. The consultation period, which closes on March 25, 2024, presents a valuable opportunity for builders and developers to engage with the development of this critical standard, ensuring it aligns with best practices and addresses the unique challenges of the UK housing sector.
Enhancing Competency in the Retrofit Sector
As the construction industry shifts towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, the importance of competent retrofitting practices has come into sharp focus. In response, the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) People & Skills workstream has released a report that sets out a comprehensive framework for defining competence in the retrofit sector.
This report aims to address the skills gap and ensure that retrofitting projects are undertaken by professionals with the necessary knowledge, training, and qualifications. By promoting competency in this crucial area, the CLC aims to safeguard building safety while supporting the UK’s net-zero emissions targets and driving innovation in sustainable construction practices.
Fire Safety Remediation in Social Housing
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has been actively monitoring the progress of social housing providers in remediating fire safety defects in buildings measuring 11 meters or more in height. Through a series of surveys and data collection efforts, the RSH has gained valuable insights into the sector’s response to this critical issue.
The latest survey, conducted in December 2023, revealed that 97.6% of the reported buildings have undergone fire risk assessments, with plans to assess an additional 1.5% within the next nine months. Furthermore, the data showed that remediation work is complete or scheduled to be completed by September 2028 for 87% of buildings identified with life-critical fire safety defects related to external wall systems.
The RSH has emphasized the importance of timely action by social housing providers to address identified risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of tenants. Boards and councils are urged to prioritize the delivery of remediation plans and implement necessary mitigating measures to protect residents during interim periods before works are completed.
Mandatory Occurrence Reporting System
One of the key requirements introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 is the establishment of a mandatory occurrence reporting system. This system mandates duty-holders, including accountable persons, to report any “safety occurrences” related to the structural integrity or fire safety of higher-risk buildings to the Building Safety Regulator.
By creating a centralized reporting mechanism, the regulator aims to enhance transparency, facilitate the sharing of critical information, and enable proactive measures to address potential risks. Accountable persons must familiarize themselves with the reporting requirements and ensure robust internal processes are in place to identify, document, and report relevant occurrences promptly.
The Golden Thread of Information
A cornerstone of the Building Safety Act 2022 is the concept of the “golden thread” of information, which requires building owners and managers to collate and maintain a comprehensive set of data and documentation related to the design, construction, and ongoing management of higher-risk buildings.
This golden thread encompasses a wide range of information, including registration details, key building information, safety case reports, details of structural safety measures, maintenance and repair records, complaints and occurrence reports, and any contravention notices issued.
The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 provide specific guidance on the types of information and documents that must be kept, as well as the requirements for sharing this information with residents, the regulator, and other responsible parties.
Resident Engagement and Complaints Procedures
Recognizing the importance of transparency and open communication, the Building Safety Act 2022 places a strong emphasis on resident engagement and the establishment of robust complaints procedures. Accountable persons for higher-risk buildings are required to develop and implement a resident engagement strategy, outlining how they will communicate with residents, address concerns, and facilitate a two-way dialogue on building safety matters.
Additionally, the regulations mandate the creation of a dedicated complaints process, allowing residents to raise issues or report safety concerns directly to the principal accountable person or the Building Safety Regulator. This empowers residents to play an active role in monitoring and maintaining the safety of their living environments.
Building Control Profession: Registered Inspectors and Approvers
The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 7 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024, which came into force on April 6, 2024, have introduced significant changes to the building control profession. These regulations establish the roles of registered building control inspectors and approvers, who will be responsible for overseeing and approving construction work in accordance with the new regulatory framework.
This move aims to enhance accountability and ensure that construction projects, particularly those involving higher-risk buildings, are subject to rigorous oversight and inspection by qualified professionals. Builders and developers must familiarize themselves with the new requirements and engage with registered building control professionals throughout the construction process.
Competence Requirements for Duty Holders
A key aspect of the Building Safety Act 2022 is the emphasis on competence requirements for various duty-holding roles, such as principal designers and principal contractors. These roles carry distinct responsibilities and liabilities, separate from those defined under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
The Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc) (England) Regulations 2023 provide guidance on the competence requirements for individuals and organizations undertaking these crucial roles. Builders and developers must ensure that they assign suitably qualified and experienced professionals to these positions, as their competence directly impacts the safety and compliance of construction projects.
Preparing for Compliance: A Proactive Approach
As the construction industry navigates this evolving regulatory landscape, it is crucial for builders and developers to adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to compliance. This involves:
- Conducting thorough risk assessments and developing robust safety management systems
- Investing in training and upskilling to ensure competence across all duty-holding roles
- Establishing clear lines of communication and collaboration with regulators, residents, and stakeholders
- Implementing robust data management practices to maintain the golden thread of information
- Allocating adequate resources and budgets for remediation works and ongoing maintenance
By embracing these measures, builders and developers can not only meet their legal obligations but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of building occupants.
Conclusion: Embracing a Culture of Safety and Accountability
The updated fire safety regulations and guidelines introduced in 2024 represent a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to enhance building safety standards and foster a culture of accountability within the construction industry. While the transition may present challenges, it is imperative that builders and developers embrace these changes as an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen their practices, and contribute to a safer built environment for all.
By staying informed, investing in competence development, and proactively implementing the necessary measures, the construction sector can navigate this evolving landscape with confidence, ensuring compliance while upholding the highest standards of safety and quality. The ultimate goal is to create a future where tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire become a distant memory, and the well-being of building occupants remains the unwavering priority.