Principal Designer Building Regulations Register launched by APS in England

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

APS announces new register for principal designers

The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced the launch of its Principal Designer Building Regulations (PDBR) Register.

This initiative aims to enable practitioners to formally demonstrate their competence in fulfilling the newly established duty-holder role under the Amended Building Regulations England, in line with PAS 8671.

As reported by the Association for Project Safety, the introduction of the PDBR Register sets a new benchmark for professional standards within the industry.

The register will serve as a definitive resource for identifying qualified Principal Designers, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards required to uphold the safety, compliance, and integrity of construction projects.

Benefits of the APS PDBR Register

The APS PDBR Register offers several key benefits.

Practitioners listed on the register have undergone stringent assessment processes, confirming their capability to perform the Principal Designer role as mandated by the updated Building Regulations.

This demonstrated competence provides a reliable validation of their skills.

Additionally, clients can confidently demonstrate adherence to their legal obligations by employing professionals from the APS PDBR Register.

This ensures compliance with the amended regulations, providing enhanced safety and compliance within the construction sector.

Enhancing safety and compliance in construction

The overarching goal of the amended Building Regulations and PAS 8671 is to enhance safety and compliance within the construction sector.

The PDBR Register supports this goal, ultimately contributing to the welfare of the public and the quality of the built environment.

Mark Snelling, APS President, stated: “The launch of the Principal Designer Building Regulations Register is a pivotal step towards reinforcing the competence and accountability of professionals within our industry.

“It not only provides a reliable means for practitioners to validate their skills but also offers clients peace of mind in meeting their statutory duties.”

Applications now open for APS PDBR Register

The APS PDBR Register is now open for applications, providing an essential tool for both practitioners and clients.

For more information on how to become listed or to find a qualified Principal Designer, please visit the APS website at www.aps.org.uk.

Law and Manners: Navigating the evolving UK Building Regulations

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

William Makant, Co-founder and CEO of Plumis, delves into the evolving UK Building Regulations, highlighting the balance between law and architectural freedom

There has been no lack of debate about how UK Building Regulations need overhauling to address the long-standing failings of the sector.

The new regulatory regime that came into force  late last year has stirred that debate further.

The question is whether we should be governed by a prescriptive or performance-based system and investigates how a speech from 1910 by Lord Moulton resonates with the issues surrounding today’s UK Building Regulations.  

Historical contexts

In his speech, entitled Law and Manners, Lord Moulton, Minister of Munitions at the outbreak of the First World War, stated that law must exist, but that free choice should also be valued as “this is where spontaneity, originality and energy are born.”  

Presently, the UK performance-based Building Regulations finds itself within this realm of ‘law with freedom’.  Despite an abundance of guidance documents, those designing fire safety and the construction of new buildings do have the freedom to use their expertise and experience, tailoring solutions to the unique demands of individual projects.

The problem is that the proliferation of prescriptive guidance has led to a pervasive mindset, wherein individuals perceive any such guidance as immutable law, constraining themselves and their projects to mere compliance with minimum practices, rather than embracing solutions which best suit the building and its occupancy.  

Guidance treated as law 

Voluntary guidance in the form of Approved Documents, for example Fire Safety: Approved Document B, (ADB), was initially conceived with the good intention to be used as guidance for the minority of buildings where there is limited design complexity, the “vanilla approach”.

In reality this prescriptive guidance is treated as inflexible law inadvertently compelling fire professionals to shoehorn every project, however complex, into the narrow confines of ADB.

As Jose Torero points out, one of the main criticisms of the system identified in Dame Judith Hackitt’s review following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower was that Approved Documents were incorrectly treated as rules and applied inappropriately, and yet government decisions since Grenfell have, paradoxically and confusingly, introduced prescriptive regulations on top of prescriptive guidance.

Lobbyists further exacerbate the situation by championing voluntary guidance as de facto law, stifling competition and compromising the very performance-based system Lord Moulton championed for its promotion of originality and evolution.  

As a manufacturer of innovative fire suppression products, we have the scars to show that too often specifiers and approvers adhere rigidly to ADB despite overwhelming evidence of suppression performance, designed strictly with the objective to meet the legal performance requirements in B1, B3 and B5.

An ineffective system 

In Moulton’s speech he advocated for a system that considers “duty, fairness, sympathy, taste and all the other things that make life beautiful and society possible.” Yet our current system, designed to rely on trusted specialists who have the competence, the freedom and the morality to exercise judgement, is compromised by an increasingly prescriptive system that incentivises the most lacklustre interpretation of the guidance offered with complete disregard to the actual legal performance requirements.

This trend undermines the fire engineering profession, as pointed out by Dr Danny Hopkin, transforming experts into rule-memorising automatons, regurgitating them back at design teams, eventually dumbing down the profession and making designing and ensuring safety in new types of buildings problematic.

Moulton argued that the greatness of a nation with “law and freedom” is measured by its “obedience to the unenforceable,” highlighting the importance of ethics and the trust that individuals will do what is right.

 But when those involved in designing fire safety have as primary driver the objective to meet prescriptive guidance, not to ensure safety, things can go horribly wrong, demonstrated by the Grenfell tragedy where those entrusted in doing the right thing, knowingly, chose not to.

The first phase report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry by Sir Martin Moore-Bick showed that existing building regulations and fire safety standards are not working effectively and need overhauling.

However, despite the good intent, recent fire consultations have perpetuated the confusion by adding prescriptive patches of regulation to a performance-based framework, also known technically as a ‘bodge’.

The prescriptive alternative 

Given the prevalent treatment of UK guidance as prescriptive law, the proposal of a fully prescriptive system akin to that of the US arises.

The US system, highly prescriptive and rigid, sacrifices freedom of choice for ease of compliance, a trade-off that may not align with Lord Moulton’s vision, as “in many countries – especially the younger nations – there is a tendency to make laws to regulate everything”.

Still, the prescriptive code is broad and extensive, capturing a majority of buildings into its scope and leaving only a minority to the ‘Alternative Means and Materials’ process, the exact opposite effect of ADB.

This system only works because it is backed by a framework of national standards that must be updated every three years in a transparent and public process.

This ensures that innovation and originality can be easily adopted into the building codes because they are frequently reviewed, while standards and code committees are publicly accountable.   

We experienced this first hand, when Plumis was successful in including the category of electronically operated water mist systems into the US’ NFPA 750 Standard after an 18-month process.

Meanwhile, BS 8458:2015, the UK equivalent water mist standard, has not been updated for eight years to include electronically controlled nozzles despite their existence in the market for over 10 years.

Prescriptive OR performance-based approach 

The argument is not on whether the UK should adopt the US approach, it is that the UK should adopt a single, consistent approach, in line with its vision of society.

A genuine adherence to Lord Moulton’s principles would place trust on specialist fire engineers to exercise judgement based on their knowledge.

Natural selection would very quickly raise competence levels, which continue currently to be undermined by voluntary prescriptive guidance patched up by prescriptive regulation.

This does not mean that experience and best practices are lost in a book bonfire.

Guidance documents for the design of buildings should be converted into a repository of best practices and embedded knowledge, to be used more as a menu to be selected from rather than a recipe of what to do to make a building safe, with “can” and “may” rather than “should’ terminology.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)’s Fire Safety in Specialised Housing guide already tends towards this logic in not being fully prescriptive, but in proposing workable solutions and most importantly calling for use of judgement.

It also allows for alternative and innovative methods to be applied if they are improving the overall safety of the building, especially when many of these innovations work much better than old practices for existing buildings and changes in use.

The UK Building Regulations must decide between a regularly updated, well-regulated prescriptive code, or double-down on a truly Lord Moulton “law and freedom” performance-based system, not continue to be patched up.

Fundamentally, the overhaul of UK Building Regulations has not yet started.

This article was originally published in the June 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Guidance documents to improve competence standards in residential sector released by Building Safety Alliance

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

New competence standards for residential sector

The Building Safety Alliance, a collaborative initiative of leading industry figures, associations, and bodies, has announced the publication of two new documents aimed at improving competence standards and attracting qualified professionals to the residential occupied sector.

As reported by the Building Safety Alliance, these documents are designed to help organisations meet the requirements of the new building safety regime and its regulations related to competence.

The two documents, BSAS 01:2024 Organisational Capability Management System Standard and Guidelines, outline competence expectations for stakeholders involved in specifying, procuring, and managing services for high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings in England.

These resources are essential for organisations seeking to enhance competence within their building safety functions.

Importance of competence management

In an evolving industry landscape where competence management is under increasing scrutiny, stakeholders must demonstrate their commitment to upholding rigorous standards.

Clients will require tangible proof of competence management, which means organisations within the supply chain must ensure the proficiency of their workforce, including contracted and subcontracted personnel.

The development of these documents highlights the dedication and expertise of industry professionals who contributed to their creation.

Anthony Taylor of the Building Safety Alliance stated: “The Alliance wish to thank all those who have given their valuable time and knowledge to developing common approaches to the requirements of the new regulatory regime.

“We would also extend our thanks to those representatives of BSR and DLUHC who acted as observers to the groups who have been developing these documents over many months.”

Availability and future developments

The Standard and Guidelines documents are available immediately through the Building Safety Alliance website.

The Standard is set to become part of the British Standards Institute (BSI) standards development process, potentially leading to a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) or a full British Standard (BS).

Both documents are available free of charge, and those interested in the Standard will be engaged in a feedback process.

IFSJ comment

The Building Safety Alliance’s release of these guidance documents marks a significant step in enhancing competence standards within the residential occupied sector.

By providing clear competence expectations and aligning with the new building safety regime, these documents offer vital resources for organisations to improve their building safety functions.

The collaboration between industry professionals and regulatory bodies in developing these standards underscores the importance of a unified approach to building safety.

Strategies for building fire and life safety

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

Asset Integrity Specialist Jishaan Husain Solkar discusses how to ensure fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity

Fire and building safety are essential for any building owner or manager who wants to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their occupants and visitors.

However, fire and building safety can be compromised by various factors, such as aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, design flaws, human errors, natural disasters, or malicious acts.

To prevent or mitigate the risks and impacts of fire and building safety incidents, building owners and managers need to implement a comprehensive asset integrity program that covers all aspects of fire and building safety, from prevention and detection to response and recovery.

Asset integrity is the ability of an asset to perform its required function effectively and efficiently, while protecting health, safety, and the environment.

Asset integrity encompasses the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of physical assets, such as buildings, structures, equipment, and systems.

Asset integrity also involves the management of human and organisational factors, such as policies, procedures, standards, regulations, culture, and leadership, that influence the performance and safety of assets.

Asset integrity is important for fire and building safety because it ensures that the assets are fit for purpose, reliable, and resilient, and that they can withstand and recover from fire and other hazards.

Asset integrity also helps to prevent or minimise the occurrence and consequences of fire and building safety incidents, such as injuries, fatalities, property damage, business interruption, reputational damage, legal liability, and regulatory penalties.

Asset integrity also contributes to the sustainability and value of the assets, by reducing the risks of obsolescence, deterioration, and failure, and by enhancing the efficiency, performance, and lifespan of the assets.

In this article, we will discuss how to ensure fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity, by following a systematic and proactive approach that involves the following steps:

Identify and assess the fire and building safety hazards and risks

The first step in ensuring fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity is to identify and assess the fire and building safety hazards and risks associated with the assets, and to establish the performance and safety criteria and objectives for the assets.

This involves conducting a thorough and regular analysis of the potential sources and scenarios of fire and building safety incidents, such as electrical faults, gas leaks, combustible materials, fire load, occupancy, fire spread, structural collapse, and evacuation.

This also involves evaluating the likelihood and severity of the incidents, and the potential impacts on the people, the assets, and the environment.

Based on the analysis, the building owners and managers should set the performance and safety standards and goals for the assets and develop a risk management plan that outlines the preventive and mitigative measures, the roles and responsibilities, and the resources and budget required.

Design and construct the assets according to the applicable codes, standards, and best practices

The second step in ensuring fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity is to design and construct the assets according to the applicable codes, standards, and best practices, and to ensure that they have adequate fire and building safety features.

This involves following the relevant engineering and architectural principles and specifications and complying with the local and national regulations and guidelines, that govern the fire and building safety aspects of the assets.

This also involves ensuring that the assets have sufficient and appropriate fire and building safety features, such as fire detection and suppression systems, emergency exits, fire doors, sprinklers, alarms, signage, lighting, ventilation, and structural integrity.

These features should be designed and installed in accordance with the performance and safety criteria and objectives and should be verified and validated by qualified and independent professionals.

Operate and maintain the assets in a safe and efficient manner

The third step in ensuring fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity is to operate and maintain the assets in a safe and efficient manner, and to ensure that they are regularly inspected, tested, and audited for fire and building safety compliance and performance.

This involves following the established policies, procedures, and protocols, and adhering to the best practices and standards, that govern the operation and maintenance of the assets.

This also involves ensuring that the assets are routinely inspected, tested, and audited by competent and authorised personnel, and that any defects, anomalies, or deviations are promptly reported and corrected.

The inspection, testing, and auditing activities should cover all the fire and building safety features and systems and should be documented and recorded for future reference and improvement.

Train and educate the staff, contractors, and occupants on the fire and building safety policies, procedures, and responsibilities

The fourth step in ensuring fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity is to train and educate the staff, contractors, and occupants on the fire and building safety policies, procedures, and responsibilities, and to ensure that they are aware of the fire and building safety hazards and risks, and the emergency preparedness and response plans and protocols.

This involves providing regular and updated information, instruction, and guidance to the staff, contractors, and occupants, and conducting drills and exercises to test and enhance their knowledge and skills on fire and building safety.

This also involves ensuring that the staff, contractors, and occupants are familiar with the location and operation of the fire and building safety features and systems, and the evacuation routes and procedures, and that they know how to report and respond to fire and building safety incidents.

Monitor and review the fire and building safety performance and effectiveness of the assets

The fifth and final step in ensuring fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity is to monitor and review the fire and building safety performance and effectiveness of the assets, and to implement continuous improvement measures to enhance the asset integrity and reduce the fire and building safety risks.

This involves collecting and analysing the data and feedback from the inspection, testing, and auditing activities, and the fire and building safety incidents and events, and evaluating the performance and effectiveness of the assets against the performance and safety criteria and objectives.

This also involves identifying and implementing the improvement opportunities and actions, such as upgrading, repairing, or replacing the fire and building safety features and systems, revising the policies, procedures, and protocols, or providing additional training and education, to improve the asset integrity and reduce the fire and building safety risks.

Conclusion

Fire and building safety are vital for the well-being, safety and security of the people and the assets in any building.

By ensuring fire and building safety through comprehensive asset integrity, building owners and managers can protect their assets from fire and other hazards, prevent or mitigate the impacts of fire and building safety incidents, and improve the performance and value of their assets.

 A comprehensive asset integrity program for fire and building safety requires a holistic and integrated approach that covers the entire lifecycle of the assets, and that involves the collaboration and commitment of all the stakeholders, including the staff, contractors, occupants, regulators, and emergency services.

Effective asset integrity management is paramount for ensuring fire and building safety in today’s dynamic environment.

By adopting a proactive approach to maintenance, embracing technological advancements, and prioritising compliance and risk assessment, organisations can mitigate fire risks, enhance occupant safety, and protect valuable assets.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, stakeholders can forge a path toward a safer, more resilient built environment.

This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Mass timber construction gains momentum amid fire safety challenges

by ConstructionFeatured News

Timber as a sustainable building material

As reported by Reuters, the use of timber in construction is gaining traction worldwide.

Notable projects such as a 5,000-seat football stadium in the UK, a replacement terminal at Zurich airport, the Naples central underground station, and the aquatic centre for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games all feature timber as the primary construction material.

Mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), glulam, and laminated veneer lumber, are becoming popular due to their benefits in strength, flexibility, and sustainability.

The need to decarbonise cities is a significant driving force behind the adoption of timber in construction.

The built environment sector is responsible for 37% of global emissions, largely due to the use of high-emission materials like concrete and steel.

Studies indicate that replacing these materials with mass timber could reduce global CO2 emissions by 14-31% and fossil fuel use by 12-19%.

Addressing fire safety and sustainability concerns

One of the primary concerns regarding the use of timber is fire safety.

According to Built by Nature (BbN), mass timber products are combustible but behave predictably in fires, and various fire prevention measures can be applied.

The UK, following the Grenfell fire disaster in 2017, has stringent fire regulations that limit the use of combustible materials in buildings over 18 metres tall.

This has reduced the residential market for mass timber in the UK, although it remains popular for sports facilities and schools.

Sustainability concerns also play a role in the adoption of mass timber.

While proponents argue that timber is a renewable resource, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that the CO2 reduction potential of timber has been overestimated.

The sustainability of timber depends on responsible harvesting and replanting practices, which vary globally.

In the UK, most engineered wood products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Innovations and policies promoting timber use

Various innovations are being explored to address the challenges of using timber in construction.

For instance, hybrid wood products combining hard and soft woods are being developed to reduce reliance on single species like Sitka spruce, which can improve biodiversity and carbon storage.

Additionally, the EU-funded Woodcircles project aims to enhance the recyclability and reuse of timber in buildings.

Policies are also being implemented to incentivise the use of timber.

Cities like Amsterdam and Hamburg have set mandates and subsidies to promote mass timber construction.

Outside Europe, Toronto allows mass timber buildings up to 12 storeys, and New York City is actively promoting the benefits of timber construction.

National-level policies in countries like Australia and France further support the adoption of timber through financial incentives and legislative measures.

The future of timber in construction

The future of timber in construction looks promising as awareness of its environmental benefits grows.

Policymakers and industry stakeholders are increasingly recognising the potential of timber to reduce the construction sector’s environmental footprint.

Andrew Lawrence, global timber specialist at Arup, emphasised the need for consensus on fire safety and water damage solutions to build confidence in timber construction.

IFSJ Comment

As cities worldwide strive to reduce their carbon footprints, timber offers a viable alternative to traditional materials like concrete and steel.

However, the adoption of timber is not without its challenges.

Fire safety concerns, sustainability issues, and the need for industry-wide knowledge and acceptance are significant hurdles that must be addressed.

Innovations such as hybrid wood products and research into biomass-based glues show promise in overcoming some of these challenges.

Moreover, policies at both city and national levels are crucial in promoting the use of timber.

Mandates, subsidies, and legislative measures are driving the adoption of mass timber, particularly in regions where awareness and expertise are already established.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors optimistic about growth prospects, says BESA report

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured News

BESA reports positive outlook for MEP sector

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors are increasingly optimistic about their future growth prospects, according to a new report from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

The Association’s latest annual Top 30 Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Contractor report, produced in partnership with construction consultancy GHCS/GH Engage, found that the sector’s largest companies are in good spirits despite experiencing severe difficulties over the past few years.

Collective turnover is up by 16% compared to last year, and most reported robust growth prospects for the next two to five years.

The report did note recent high-profile insolvencies in the sector, such as Michael J Lonsdale, and ongoing consolidation.

However, it also highlighted a more hopeful outlook among senior managers, with many firms indicating they had “turned a corner”.

Market value and technological advancements

The UK M&E contracting market is worth approximately £20 billion and constitutes around a fifth of the UK construction sector’s GDP.

Interviewees for the BESA report stated that this value is likely to increase as building engineering services become more sophisticated and technology-driven.

Gokhan Hassan, managing director of GHCS/GH Engage, said the report showed that the industry was “heading in the right direction” but warned that financial challenges would persist for the next two to three years.

BESA’s chief executive officer David Frise agreed that market conditions remain “tough” and that profitability is still “relatively low.” He praised many of the sector’s larger firms for refocusing their businesses on high-value, fast-growing sectors such as data centres, research, and healthcare, and for “avoiding low bidding as much as possible.”

Net zero targets and risk perception

The report indicated that growing pressure on clients to meet net zero targets and increased investment in refurbishment and retrofit of existing buildings are contributing to improving market conditions.

However, investors remain cautious towards construction-related businesses.

Frise said: “The sector is seen as ‘risky’ and cash poor by the money markets and shifting that perception will take some time.

“However, our report and interviews with leading contractors demonstrate that most large MEP firms have a strong foundation for progress and are focused on reducing their exposure to risk, which should play well with insurers.”

BESA also noted that project bank accounts would play a larger role in industry financing over the next few years as more clients recognise their potential to insulate from risk while ensuring better cash flows through supply chains.

Recovery and future growth

Abdul Tantouch, head of content at AMA Research, highlighted the M&E contracting market’s “significant resilience” after rebounding from a 12% decline in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tantouch added: “The sector has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels but is now on a trajectory of robust growth.

This is being driven by the integration of innovative practices and technologies aimed at advancing towards net zero carbon emissions.”

Tantouch said the market is expected to achieve a value of almost £21 billion next year, supported by key trends such as increased demand for data centres and green energy solutions.

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation is also expected to fuel further growth as commercial building owners and managers look to avoid unlettable ‘stranded assets’.

Challenges in productivity and skills

Despite the positive outlook, the industry faces significant challenges in productivity and skills, according to BESA.

Increasing digital skills within the workforce and improving diversity are essential for sustained growth.

Frise said: “The financial stability of our largest firms is important because it feeds down through supply chains and has a direct impact on the profitability of thousands of smaller, specialist contractors.

“It is, therefore, heartening to see our top 30 in a better place following the extraordinarily challenging conditions created by the unprecedented combination of the pandemic, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine.”

IFSJ Comment

The latest report from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the MEP sector.

Despite the challenges faced over the past few years, including high-profile insolvencies and ongoing financial headwinds, the sector shows resilience and optimism.

The report highlights a significant increase in collective turnover and a positive outlook for future growth, driven by advancements in building engineering services and a focus on high-value sectors.

However, the report also underscores persistent challenges, particularly around financial stability and investor perception of the sector as ‘risky’ and cash poor.

Addressing these issues will be crucial for sustained growth.

The emphasis on digital skills and diversity within the workforce is also a key takeaway, pointing to the need for continued investment in these areas.

Rydon commits over £19m to fire safety remediation following Grenfell Tower refurbishment

by ConstructionFeatured News

Rydon’s financial struggles continue as fire safety expenses mount

As reported by Construction News, Rydon, the main contractor involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, has disclosed spending in excess of £19 million on fire safety remediation.

This expenditure is part of an ongoing effort to address the fire safety issues that have emerged post-refurbishment.

The company’s financial records as of 30 September 2023 show that these efforts encompass remediation across 500 apartment properties.

The financial toll of these remediations is reflected in Rydon’s escalating losses, which have nearly doubled from £5.9 million to £9.1 million over the last year.

“To date, we have spent over £19m on remedial safety works,” the firm’s accounts noted.

Furthermore, Rydon is preparing for additional expenditures in this area, engaging with supply chain partners, designers, consultants, and insurers to meet the evolving fire safety compliance standards.

Continued financial obligations and market challenges

In 2022, Rydon allocated £26.7 million towards a settlement concerning those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, a settlement that reportedly amounted to £150 million.

The company is also in “ongoing discussions” with other parties not involved in the initial settlement, including emergency services that responded to the fire.

Although specific figures were not disclosed, Rydon reported setting aside a total of £13.4 million for the year to cover various provisions.

Rydon’s financial performance has been further impacted by various external pressures including high inflation, government changes, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and a general decline in consumer confidence.

These factors have contributed to a decrease in turnover, with the latest figures showing a reduction from £52 million to £47.5 million, and a diminished cash position of £1.1 million, down from £3.7 million the previous year.

The Building Safety Act aims to address longstanding issues in construction, says LABC chief

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Overview of the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act is poised to fundamentally change the construction industry’s approach to safety and culture.

As reported by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Lorna Stimpson, CEO of Local Authority Building Control (LABC) in England and Wales, described the act’s impact as unprecedented in its scale during a BESA podcast.

She emphasised that the act targets various critical aspects to correct persistent issues in the construction sector.

Cultural change and industry responsibilities

According to Stimpson, the Building Safety Act centres on cultural shifts within the construction industry, which are crucial yet challenging to measure.

“It’s about people doing the right thing for the right reasons and putting safety first,” Stimpson said: “There will be hard times coming for the whole industry, but we’ve got to be better.”

She highlighted the industry’s role in redefining competence and standards, suggesting that real competence extends beyond theoretical knowledge to include practical experience and behavioural integrity.

Enhanced accountability and upcoming deadlines

Stimpson further outlined that the act demands better documentation of standard practices, which should not be seen as an additional burden but as a verification of due diligence.

The government has recently extended deadlines for building control officers in England and Wales to register with the building safety regulator, in response to a request from Stimpson, reflecting the act’s immediate administrative impacts.

She also stressed the importance of ongoing education and adaptation within the profession to keep up with continual innovations in construction materials and methods.

Comments on the Building Safety Act

Stimpson concluded her discussion by noting the need for increased recruitment into the building control profession, acknowledging its ageing workforce and the necessity of training new entrants to sustain and support the act’s long-term objectives.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the Building Safety Act was a critical step towards rectifying long-standing safety and ethical practices within the construction industry.

By focusing on cultural change, enhancing accountability, and broadening the definitions of competence, the act provides a framework for more responsible construction practices.

As the industry adapts to these changes, the act’s emphasis on integrity and continuous improvement will likely influence the overall quality and safety of building projects, contributing positively to the industry’s future.

Scotland secures powers to introduce new building safety levy

by Building ManagementConstructionSafety

Scotland announces plans for a new building safety levy to address cladding issues

As reported by the Scottish government, the UK Parliament has passed legislation allowing Scotland to impose a new tax specifically aimed at addressing building safety concerns.

This initiative follows similar measures already adopted in England through the Building Safety Act.

The Scottish Building Safety Levy will target the construction of new residential buildings.

The funds collected will be dedicated to the Scottish Government’s cladding remediation programme, aiming to tackle the ongoing issues with unsafe building materials.

Statements from government officials

Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Shona Robison emphasized the need for further action despite the progress made by developers.

Robison said: “We are determined to safeguard people living in buildings with unsafe cladding.

“I know that developers share this determination and have made significant progress to date.”

She added that the new levy would ensure developers contribute fairly to remediation efforts in Scotland, mirroring the UK Government’s expectations for England.

“It is clear more needs to be done and these powers will ensure that developers make a fair contribution to address building safety defects in Scotland, just as the UK Government is asking them to do in England.

“I welcome the UK Government’s collaborative approach on this issue,” Robison stated.

Future steps and public consultation

The Scottish Government plans to consult with the housebuilding sector to ensure the levy aligns with their ongoing New Deal for Business and Framework for Tax.

This collaboration aims to fine-tune the levy to effectively contribute to public safety without stifling economic growth.

The government’s consultation will also seek input on potential economic distortions or arbitrage opportunities that the new tax might create within the UK, ensuring a balanced approach to this new fiscal measure.

Rescue operation underway after South Africa building collapse

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Five dead and 49 missing following South Africa building collapse

Rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout the night searching for dozens of workers trapped under rubble after a multi-story apartment building under construction collapsed in George, South Africa.

The collapse occurred on Monday afternoon, leading to a critical rescue operation that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday.

As reported by AP News, the incident has claimed the lives of five individuals, while 49 remain unaccounted for amidst the debris.

Authorities have confirmed that 21 workers have been rescued so far, with at least 11 suffering from severe injuries.

The collapsed structure, located approximately 400 kilometers east of Cape Town, prompted a significant emergency response.

Over 100 personnel, including sniffer dogs, were deployed to the site to aid in the search efforts.

Ongoing rescue efforts face tough challenges

The collapse scene was described by Colin Deiner, Chief Director of the Western Cape Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services, as a challenging operation fraught with difficulties due to the massive blocks of concrete that have to be navigated.

“It’s a very tough operation,” Deiner said: “There’s a lot of concrete … so we think it will still take quite a while.

“The search operation will continue all day. We’ve got a lot of people on the scene but it’s really, really hard work.”

Efforts to rescue those still trapped continued throughout the day, with large cranes and heavy lifting equipment brought in to aid the process.

Emergency teams also erected tall spotlights, allowing them to work through the night in a bid to find survivors.

Investigation into the collapse underway

As the rescue operations progressed, investigations began into the cause of the sudden collapse.

Early indications did not immediately reveal why the building failed, but police have opened a case to investigate further.

The disaster has prompted a wave of support from local communities and organizations, including the Gift of the Givers, which provided aid and logistical support at the scene.

Local officials, including George Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk, expressed their condolences and concern for the affected families: “Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected who continue to wait on word of their loved ones,” Van Wyk stated.

The community’s response underscores the severity of the incident and the broad impact on the families and workers involved.