Building Safety Act 2022. The End of Design and Build. Key Points You Need to Know

Building Safety Act 2022 Summary. What do you need to know about it? What buildings are considered high-risk buildings (HRBs)? In this video, we explore the evolving competency standards in facade design and engineering, the role of the Building Safety Regulator, the Joint Competence Initiative for the Building Envelope Sector (JCI), and the Baseline Competency Assessment.

🎓Level 5 Diploma in Facade Design and Engineering (DipFDE) Professional Qualification accredited in the United Kingdom and awarded by GQA Qualifications.

The Grenfell Tower fire tragically claimed 72 lives, exposing significant failures in building safety and fire regulations. However, the issues run deeper—revealing flaws in design processes, accountability, and industry competence. In this video, we explore the Building Safety Act, introduced to prevent disasters like Grenfell and discuss its implications for the construction industry.

The Grenfell Inquiry revealed that poor compartmentation and combustible cladding fuelled the fire's rapid spread. Although fire safety regulations have since improved, wider issues like non-compliance and poor workmanship persist. As buildings are reclad, problems like structural defects, mould, and leaks have surfaced, highlighting the lack of competence in design and construction.

The Building Safety Act addresses these challenges by enforcing a “design then build” model, especially for high-risk buildings (HRBs). Through a stringent Gateway system, safety is prioritised at every stage—from planning to occupancy. The Act also introduces the "Golden Thread of Information," ensuring accurate safety records are maintained throughout a building's lifecycle. Many wonder what the penalties for non-compliance with the Building Safety Act may be, including fines and imprisonment.

Competence is a key focus of the Act, requiring all professionals—from architects to contractors—to prove their qualifications, skills, and experience. The facade industry, in particular, faces a significant shift as experience alone is no longer enough; relevant qualifications are now mandatory.

We’ll continue to explore these crucial topics in upcoming videos, including the design documentation required for Gateway 2 and the importance of involving facade specialists early in the construction process.

Video Presented by Eugene Korch

Disclaimer:

The IAST has made every effort to ensure that the information provided in this video is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. The content of this video is intended solely to enhance general industry knowledge. Viewers are advised to apply their own professional judgment and expertise when utilising this information.

© IAST 2024. All Rights Reserved.

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on facade safety and building regulations. If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and drop your questions in the comments below!

[Axx]

I would be happy to see professional regulation of all builders to ensure competency.

[tealkerberus]

Some things should never be privatised. Building regulation and inspection is one of those things. The local government needs to be funded to employ inspectors to visit every build at all the key stages of construction, inspect it according to its own approved design and the regulated codes and standards, and sign their own professional indemnity saying they've inspected it and it meets its requirements.

Also, who the blazes lets them start building without having every last detail fully drawn and specified? That's just asking for disaster.

[MikeB-eu]

This channel could be a very useful resource in the future

[GWAYGWAY]

Mass builders appear to build using self certification and allow themselves to to build absolute crap. As a self build, the building inspectors were looking over our shoulders at every point. We however were making it to a standard FAR BETTER than they were expecting. The mass builders leave out as much as possible and insulation missing en masse along with cockeyed doors and windows etc the quality of these estates are terrible.

[jondavies]

In my opinion pushing more responsibility on to both the main contractor and principal designer will result in even more detrimental workmanship. How have so many poor private building inspectors got away with charging for effectivley nothing?

[yolomc]

what's the origin of this mess ? .. looks like unchecked sheer laziness over decades !!

[JohnnyMotel]

I'm sure you have spotted the spelling error of Getaway, should be Gateway.

[pranavgandhar]

India : first time?,
all that we design doesn't get pass😂,