Building safety has very much been in the public eye of late in the UK, especially after the Grenfell Tower fire. In response to the tragedy, the Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced, marking the most significant reform in building regulations in decades.

This guide explains what the Building Safety Act is, how it works, and why it matters to building owners, managers, developers, and residents.

Key Points: A Building Safety Act Summary

• The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has been established – It oversees the safety of all buildings and enforces compliance.
• New legal responsibilities for building owners, managers, and developers – Those involved in construction and management must meet stricter safety obligations.
• High-risk residential buildings face additional regulations – Any building over 18 meters or seven storeys must comply with enhanced safety assessments.
• Homeowners get more legal protection – The time limit to claim compensation for defective building work has increased from 5 years to 15 years.
• A “Golden Thread” of information is introduced – This ensures key safety details are recorded and updated throughout a building’s lifecycle.

Understanding the Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act is a comprehensive set of reforms that strengthens regulations for buildings across the UK. It was created in response to safety failures highlighted by the Grenfell Tower fire and is designed to prevent similar disasters in the future.

This law affects all buildings, but places additional safety measures on high-risk residential buildings (over 18 meters or seven storeys). It also introduces new responsibilities for those involved in building safety and management.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR)

A major change introduced by the Building Safety Act is the creation of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This new regulatory body is responsible for ensuring that all buildings comply with applicable safety legislation and that building owners and managers follow their legal duties.

What Does the BSR Do?

1. Oversees the safety of all buildings – It ensures that safety laws are followed in both residential and commercial properties.
2. Regulates high-risk buildings – Extra rules apply to tall residential buildings to ensure fire and structural safety.
3. Holds building owners and managers accountable – Non-compliance with safety regulations can lead to legal consequences.

Who is Responsible for Building Safety Under the New Law?

The Building Safety Act clearly defines who is responsible for maintaining safety in buildings. These include:

Building Owners & Landlords

• Must maintain the structural and fire safety of their buildings.
• Must identify and fix risks before they become dangerous.
• Have legal obligations to inform and involve residents in regards to safety decisions.

Property Managers & Developers

• Must comply with new safety standards when designing and constructing buildings.
• Must demonstrate that safety measures are in place at every stage of a building’s life cycle.
• Are required to keep records of all safety decisions and updates as part of the Golden Thread of information.

Construction Professionals

• Must meet stricter competence standards before working on projects.
• Are legally responsible for ensuring that all materials and designs meet safety standards.

Stronger Protection for Homeowners and Residents

One of the most significant changes in the Building Safety Act is an extension to the time limit for homeowners to claim compensation for defective building work.

Previously, homeowners had five years to take legal action for unsafe building work. Under the new law, this has increased to 15 years.

This means:

• If a homeowner discovers serious safety issues in their home, they have more time to claim compensation.
• Developers can be held accountable for poor construction work for a longer period of time after a building is completed.

Impact on Housing Associations and Local Authorities

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces significant changes for housing associations and local authorities, underscoring their vital role in ensuring tenant safety.

Enhanced Responsibilities

The Act empowers social landlords to seek redress against developers and contractors for safety defects, thereby holding original developers and associated parties accountable for building safety issues.

Financial Implications

The costs associated with new safety requirements may be passed onto leaseholders through service charges, impacting the financial responsibilities of tenants.

Regulatory Compliance

Councils must prepare for the registration of high-rise residential buildings with the Building Safety Regulator by October 2023 and the implementation of the new safety regime in April 2024. This necessitates proactive planning and adherence to evolving safety protocols.

Engaging Residents in Building Safety

Effective resident engagement is a cornerstone of the Building Safety Act, promoting transparency and collaboration in maintaining building safety.

Developing Engagement Strategies

Housing associations are encouraged to formulate comprehensive plans that actively involve residents in safety matters. This includes establishing clear communication channels, providing accessible safety information, and encouraging resident participation in safety protocols.

The Golden Thread: A New Era of Building Information Management

The Golden Thread of Information is a core principle of the Building Safety Act. It requires accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible safety data throughout a building’s entire lifecycle.

This means that:

• Developers must create detailed safety records from the initial design phase.
• Building owners must maintain safety logs and update them with new information.
• Residents must be informed of any safety changes or risks in their buildings.

The aim of the Golden Thread is to ensure accountability and provide a clear history of safety measures for every building.

Read more about the Golden Thread of information and how it’s critical for better fire safety.

Innovative Tools Supporting the Golden Thread

In the realm of fire safety, maintaining a comprehensive and traceable record of building information is paramount. Gerda Security addresses this critical need through the G-Smart App, an advanced tool designed to streamline the management of fire safety products and ensure compliance with industry standards.

The G-Smart App is engineered to support responsible persons in the efficient upkeep and oversight of Gerda Security products. Optimised for both iOS and Android devices, the app offers a user-friendly dashboard that simplifies the procurement of spare parts through an intuitive cart system. This design ensures a consistent and straightforward experience across various devices. 

A notable feature of the app is its fault reporting capability. Tenants can report issues to their housing provider by scanning the G-Smart QR code on a doorset and completing a form, which directly links to the Spare Parts module for ordering necessary replacement kits. This functionality facilitates prompt identification and resolution of potential problems, thereby enhancing overall safety.

Learn more about how digital record-keeping improves safety compliance and makes the role of responsible persons easier.

Conclusion: The Future of Building Safety in the UK

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents a major shift in how building safety is managed in the UK. It introduces stricter regulations, increased accountability, and stronger protections for residents.

For property owners, managers, and developers, compliance with the new law is essential to avoid legal penalties and ensure safer buildings for the future.Explore how digital tools like the G-Smart App help manage building safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Building Safety Act?

The Act was introduced to improve safety regulations and prevent disasters like the Grenfell Tower fire. It ensures all buildings are safer for residents.

Who does the Building Safety Act apply to?

It applies to all buildings, but has additional rules for high-risk residential buildings over 18 meters or seven storeys.

What is the Golden Thread of information?

The Golden Thread is a digital record of a building’s safety history, ensuring that owners, managers, and residents have access to critical safety information.

How does the new law protect homeowners?

The Act extends the time limit for compensation claims from 5 years to 15 years, allowing homeowners to hold developers accountable for unsafe building work.

What happens if a building owner doesn’t comply with the Act?

Failure to comply can lead to legal action, fines, or even criminal charges for serious breaches of safety regulations.