This bulletin is a valuable source of regularly updated information about the Building Safety Act and its implications for you and your business.
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Next Gen take on Building Safety Act: It's called doing the right thing...
Ryan Walton, Chair of BESA's NextGen Network, discusses how the new generation of building services engineers will not just be the most heavily affected by the Building Safety Act; they will also have the greatest weight of responsibility for making this crucial legislation work.
Construction Product regulations:Michael Gove has revealed plans for a forthcoming Construction Products Regulation paper, set to be implemented through secondary legislation under the BSA. To date, no timeline has been announced.
Clarity for hospitals and care homes:The BSR has acknowledged there is a need to clarify the requirements for hospitals and care homes at different stages of the HRB regime, for example whether Gateway Three approval is required before wards can be reoccupied after refurbishment work.
LABC can no longer offer pre-planning guidance on applications for Higher-Risk Building (HRB) projects if it could pose a conflict with its role in providing building control services. However, LABC is expected to continue directing applicants to best practice guidance.
When applying for Building Control Approval, your statement confirming compliance with Building Regulations should clearly explain how your planned construction will meet these regulations. This should include a justification of the methods, codes and standards used.
Safety Alert
FIS Safety Alerts: Smoke Shafts:FIS has issued a safety alert on the suitability of gypsum‐based systems in the construction of smoke shafts for mechanically ventilated systems. They are advising members to seek clarification on performance requirements in accordance with BS EN1366‐8 and where the shaft is classified to BS EN 13501‐4 or elevated negative air pressures are referenced. See also statement from SCA and British Gypsum.
Useful links for Government guidance
Design and construction of higher-risk buildings: What clients, principal designers and principal contractors must do to follow the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
See also:
Golden Thread:Keeping information about a higher-risk building
Planning Gateways: Measures to ensure fire safety matters are incorporated at the planning stage for schemes involving a relevant high-rise residential building.
Change control and notifiable changes: How to make a change control application for higher-risk building work or building work to an existing higher-risk building.
Scottish government to introduce its own Building Safety Levy:
The proposed Scottish Building Safety Levy, which will fund the region’s cladding remediation programme, will apply to the construction of new residential buildings, mirroring the measures brought into force in England under the Building Safety Act.
Behind The Built Environment Podcast
Last month, we launched our brand new podcast - Behind the Built Environment. David Frise, Chief Executive at BESA was joined by Lorna Stimpson, Chief Executive at LABC, where we went Behind Building Control.
The landscape of building maintenance has changed. Legislation is evolving and the consequences of non-compliance are greater than ever before. It has never been more important to understand your responsibility.
The Building Safety Regulator has set up a residents campaign page to raise awareness about the new building safety regime and their rights and responsibilities.
The Hub is home to everything you and your organisation needs to be informed about building safety. Regularly updated, the Hub can provide you with reassurance and confidence when dealing with building safety.
