What Led to the Introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 – A Timeline
The Building Safety Act 2022 is a pivotal regulation in England and Wales, designed to establish a rigorous framework for building safety. A response to the safety risks exposed by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, this act introduces comprehensive changes to building safety and aims to protect the safety of people in residential buildings. Here, we explore the timeline that led to this new building safety regime under the regulations 2022.
Early Concerns and the Independent Review of Building Regulations
Following the tragic Grenfell fire in 2017, Dame Judith Hackitt conducted an independent review of building regulations and fire safety, which influenced the law on higher-risk buildings. Her report emphasized that standards and regulations governing building safety were insufficient. It highlighted issues such as unclear responsibilities between building owners and residents, lack of oversight, and outdated safety legislation.
The Fire Safety Act 2021 – Addressing Immediate Risks
In response, the Fire Safety Act 2021 was introduced to address immediate fire risks within high-rise buildings. This act required building owners and landlords of higher risk buildings to undertake regular fire safety assessments and provided for better management of fire risk in higher-risk buildings. However, it became clear that comprehensive building safety legislation, including the defective premises act, was needed to tackle new and long-standing safety issues in a structured manner.
Key Provisions of the Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 was given royal assent on 28 April 2022, marking the start of a new building safety era in accordance with relevant building regulations 2022. This act focuses on building control, safety standards, and risk management for high-rise residential buildings, aligning with the regulations 2022. Here’s a breakdown of its core provisions:
Building Safety Regulator
A new building safety regulator was introduced to oversee building control and safety compliance. This regulator will enforce safety standards for residential buildings and high-rise buildings. The Building Safety Regulator also has authority over building assessment certificates and building control authority decisions to ensure compliance with health and safety executive regulations.
Registered Building Control Approvers and Inspectors
The act introduced registered building control approvers and registered building inspectors, who are trained professionals responsible for inspecting and approving building work in higher risk buildings. Their role ensures compliance with building regulations and fire safety standards. These individuals operate under a defined code of conduct for registered building inspectors to oversee the safety and performance of building projects.
Resident Safety Information and Engagement
The Building Safety Act 2022 places emphasis on resident safety information by mandating building owners to communicate safety risks to residents. This provision aims to keep residents informed of fire safety measures, building management, and safety defects.
Building Safety Manager and Resident Engagement
Higher-risk buildings are required to appoint a building safety manager to oversee safety management. Building owners must ensure residents have access to safety case records, outlining measures taken to mitigate safety risks within the building.
Implementation Timeline and Enforcement
The act mandates various safety provisions through phases, ensuring that higher risk buildings meet the necessary health and safety executive standards. For instance, by 1 October 2023, higher-risk building owners must demonstrate compliance with building safety requirements. Also, from October 2023, owners must adhere to section 156 of the building safety act, which imposes legal obligations on resident safety and building safety practices, particularly for higher risk buildings.
Financial Provisions: Building Safety Levy and Insurance
To aid compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022, a building safety levy was introduced, requiring landlords and building owners to contribute financially to the building safety regime for higher risk properties. This provision provides financial resources to support risk assessment processes, building control, and building assessment inspections in accordance with the defective premises act 1972.
The Impact of Building Safety Regulations in 2023 and Beyond
As 2023 unfolds, the Building Safety Act 2022 is reshaping the construction landscape by setting rigorous standards for new builds and residential buildings, especially in relation to the defective premises act. Registered building control professionals play a crucial role in enforcement, with penalties introduced for non-compliance.
This act represents a change in the management and responsibility of building owners to ensure health and safety. From now on, building safety risks will be closely monitored, with enforcement mechanisms in place to address safety defects effectively.
Final Thoughts: A Safer Future for Building in England
The Building Safety Act 2022 summary demonstrates a firm commitment to protecting residents and elevating building safety standards, particularly in higher risk buildings. From fire safety order reforms to the stringent responsibilities of building assessment certificates and safety audits, the act reflects a systemic response to improving the safety of buildings across England and Wales. As the act continues to be enforced, it is hoped that residents can have greater peace of mind about the safety of the building they call home, especially in higher risk buildings.
