As the construction industry evolves, Salus reaffirms its dedication to excellence by welcoming the changes introduced by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This forward-thinking approach underscores Salus’ commitment to compliance, quality, and client satisfaction.

Salus: Committed to Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Changes

Navigating Towards Registered Building Control Approver Recognition

On 1 October 2023, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) assumed the role of Building Control Authority for all higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in England. This pivotal change, mandated by the Building Safety Act 2022, signifies a transformative shift in the construction and management of HRBs, aiming to enhance safety and accountability across the industry.

Understanding Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs)

HRBs are defined as residential structures exceeding 18 metres or seven storeys in height, containing at least two residential units. This classification also encompasses hospitals and care homes meeting the same height criteria. The reclassification underscores the government’s commitment to stringent safety measures for buildings where occupants are most vulnerable.

Implications of BSR’s New Role

With BSR’s new authority, developers can no longer select their building control body for HRB projects. Instead, they are required to apply directly to BSR for building control approval before commencing any construction work on HRBs. This centralisation is designed to ensure uniformity in safety standards and regulatory oversight.

BSR’s approach involves Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs), comprising registered building inspectors and specialists tailored to each project’s needs. These teams assess building control applications, guide inspection schedules, and determine any conditions applied to approvals, ensuring comprehensive evaluation and oversight.

The Gateway Approval Process

A cornerstone of the new regime is the introduction of a three-tiered gateway approval process for HRBs:

Gateway One (Planning Stage): Since August 2021, fire safety considerations have been integrated into the planning permission process. Local planning authorities are mandated to consult with the Health and Safety Executive on HRB planning applications, ensuring early-stage fire safety integration.

Gateway Two (Pre-Construction): Prior to commencing construction, developers must secure building control approval from BSR. The application process includes a 12-week determination period, during which developers must submit comprehensive documentation, such as competence declarations, construction control plans, and fire and emergency files. Work cannot begin without BSR’s explicit approval.

Gateway Three (Post-Construction): Upon completion, the building undergoes a final assessment to ensure compliance with all safety regulations. Only after BSR’s approval at this stage can the building be legally occupied, ensuring that all safety measures are verified and functional.

Salus’s Commitment to Navigating the New Landscape

As a leading provider of building control and fire safety consultancy services, Salus is dedicated to guiding clients through these regulatory changes. Our expertise ensures that developers, contractors, and property owners understand and comply with the new requirements, facilitating smooth transitions through each gateway stage.

We offer comprehensive support, including:

Regulatory Guidance: Interpreting the latest regulations to provide clear and actionable advice.

Application Assistance: Helping prepare and review documentation required for BSR submissions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Compliance Strategies: Developing tailored plans to meet the specific needs of each project, ensuring adherence to safety standards.

The Importance of Compliance

Non-compliance with the new regulations can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions, including project delays, fines, and potential criminal charges. It is imperative for all stakeholders involved in HRB projects to fully understand and adhere to the new requirements.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of BSR as the Building Control Authority marks a significant advancement in building safety within England. By centralizing oversight and implementing a rigorous approval process, the government aims to prevent tragedies akin to the Grenfell Tower fire, ensuring that residents can feel safe in their homes.

At Salus, we remain committed to supporting the construction industry through these changes, providing the expertise and guidance necessary to achieve compliance and promote a culture of safety and accountability.

How can developers ensure their applications to the Building Safety Regulator are comprehensive and meet all necessary requirements?

Developers can ensure their applications meet all necessary requirements by following these steps:

Understand the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Building Safety Act 2022 and guidance provided by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Key documents like the Gateway approval process and the definition of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) are essential.

Early Engagement
Engage with the BSR as early as possible. For Gateway One, ensure fire safety considerations are incorporated during the planning stage. Timely consultations with specialists can prevent delays.

Prepare Comprehensive Documentation
Compile and review all required documents before submission. For Gateway Two, this includes:

Competence declarations of the project team.
Construction control plans detailing safety protocols during construction.
Fire and emergency files ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.

Use Qualified Experts
Engage certified building control professionals and fire safety consultants to prepare, review, and sign off on documentation. Their expertise ensures compliance with regulatory nuances.

Focus on Detail
Small errors or omissions can lead to rejection. Double-check all plans, calculations, and risk assessments.

Stay Informed
Regularly monitor updates from the BSR and the UK Government to stay abreast of changes to building safety regulations.

By following these steps and utilising expertise from consultants like Salus, developers can submit robust applications, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.

What specific challenges might arise during the transition to the new regulatory framework, and how can they be mitigated?

The transition to the new regulatory framework introduces several challenges:

Increased Administrative Burden
The detailed documentation required for each Gateway increases workload.

Mitigation: Employ dedicated project managers and compliance specialists to streamline submissions and monitor deadlines.

Knowledge Gaps
Not all developers or contractors may fully understand the new requirements, leading to non-compliance risks.

Mitigation: Invest in training sessions for teams, focusing on the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Gateway process.

Longer Approval Timelines
With the BSR overseeing HRBs, approval processes may take longer than under previous systems.

Mitigation: Plan project timelines realistically, incorporating the 12-week determination period for Gateway Two.

Coordination Among Teams
Multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) involved in HRB projects require close collaboration, which can pose logistical challenges.

Mitigation: Use digital project management tools to ensure real-time communication and task tracking among stakeholders.

Unforeseen Costs
The additional requirements, from consultations to revised designs, may increase project costs.

Mitigation: Budget contingencies to cover unexpected expenses and seek early advice from financial consultants.

Navigating these challenges requires a proactive approach and collaboration with experienced professionals like Salus, ensuring a smoother transition.

In what ways can Salus’s services be tailored to assist clients with unique project needs under the new building safety regime?

Salus’s expertise can be tailored to address the diverse needs of clients under the new regime in the following ways:

Personalised Compliance Strategies
Salus evaluates each project’s unique characteristics—such as design, location, and scale—to develop tailored compliance plans. This ensures alignment with the specific requirements of the Gateway process.

Documentation Support
Preparing complex submissions for the BSR requires precision. Salus offers end-to-end assistance in drafting, reviewing, and optimising required documents, including fire safety plans and competence declarations.

Training and Workshops
Salus provides training sessions for project teams, ensuring they understand regulatory changes, potential challenges, and best practices for compliance.

Risk Assessments and Mitigation
Salus performs comprehensive risk assessments during the design and construction phases, identifying potential issues and suggesting cost-effective mitigation strategies.

Stakeholder Coordination
Salus acts as a liaison between developers, contractors, and the BSR, facilitating smoother communication and ensuring that all parties remain aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

Digital Tools and Insights
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Salus enhances project tracking, reporting, and compliance verification. These tools streamline processes, saving time and resources.

Post-Occupancy Support
Salus extends its services to include ongoing compliance checks after the building is occupied, ensuring long-term safety and adherence to regulations.

Salus’s adaptive approach ensures that every client receives targeted support, reducing risks and fostering a culture of safety and accountability.