Building Safety Regulator hosts inaugural conference

by EventsFeatured News

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) held its first national annual conference to support industry and dutyholders in preparing for new building safety regulations in England.

The event, held on 22 March at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, brought together over than 900 practitioners including architects, landlords and building control professionals looking to raise their awareness and understanding of what the BSR expects from them over the next 18 months. It marks the largest event by the regulator since it was established

Hackitt headlines

Conference goers saw a topical programme of information, learning and interactive Q&A sessions with senior BSR policy leads, and key industry representatives offering delegates valuable insights into the robust regulatory regime and guidance on the legal duties and requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022.

One of the key sessions was headlined by Dame Judith Hackitt on the Industry Safety Steering Group’s third report in which she discussed culture change in the built environment industry.

Milestone moment

The conference comes at a ‘milestone moment’ for building safety as the registration process for high-rise residential buildings (HRBs) is set to begin in April. Owners and managers of approximately 12,500 HRBs in England have until the 1 October 2023 to register with the Building Safety Regulator or face investigation and prosecution.

Key information around this crucial registration stage was covered in detail throughout the event to help dutyholders better understand how to comply. Other sessions that proved popular with delegates included presentations on the HRB planning, design and construction gateways and the drive to increase competency across the industry.

Engage with the new regimine

In his keynote speech, Minister for Building Safety, Lee Rowley MP set out the importance of collaboration to delivering better standards: “We need to ensure that those working in the building industry have the knowledge and confidence to properly engage with this new regime and make it a success.”

HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “Over the past 18 months, we have been talking directly to residents and to resident groups – listening to their concerns, trying to understand what would give them the reassurance they need, and to make sure we take the steps needed to get this right. People must be safe in their own homes – and they must feel safe too.  

“You all have a really important part to play in ensuring that we can set up this new regime successfully and that HSE can continue, through the BSR, to protect people and places.”

Chief Inspector of Buildings Peter Baker added: “The regulatory reforms that will start from April will ensure that you all lead the behaviour change that is needed and do what is required to protect residents. They also introduce a new regulator ‘with teeth’ to hold to account those who chose not to learn the lessons and improve.”

39 UK developers building safety contract

by ConstructionFeatured News

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, has secured the signatures of the country’s biggest housebuilders on the developer remediation contract, marking a major step in UK building safety.

Thirty-nine developers, including the top ten biggest housebuilders in the UK, all signed the legally binding document before the deadline earlier this month and committed themselves to fix unsafe buildings they have developed or refurbished.

The signatories represent a large proportion of the housing market and the signed agreements will raise at least £2 billion for remediation costs.

The news is likely to come as a moment of relief for the thousands of innocent leaseholders and tenants whose homes are covered by the contract.

These developers are now legally bound to pay to fix their unsafe buildings and eligible developers who fail to sign will not be able to operate freely in the housing market.

For developers who have signed, their obligations start immediately. Leaseholders will benefit from a common framework of rights and responsibilities that will get their buildings fixed without them having to pay, and developers will be required to inform residents in affected buildings how they will be meeting these commitments.

A turning point

Following the contract deadline passing, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, said: “I have been clear all along – those that are responsible for this crisis must pay. So, I am grateful to those developers who have done the right thing today by signing this legally binding contract. We will be monitoring their progress on remediation very closely, to ensure this work is completed urgently and safely. For those developers that have taken responsibility, today offers the chance for a reset, so we can get on and build more of the safe, decent and affordable homes we so desperately need.

“To those developers that have failed to sign the contract without good reason, let me be very clear – we are coming after you. If you do not sign, you will not be able to operate freely in the housing market. Your investors will see that your business model is broken – only responsible developers are welcome here.

“But today should not be about developers, or about government. Today is about innocent leaseholders. I want to put on record my apology to all leaseholders for the years of misery and hardship you have endured. You should never have been ignored, asked to pay and let down.

“Today marks a turning point – and an important step towards resolving this crisis. There is so much more to do, but I will always act to protect leaseholders and end this injustice.

“Signatories are required to fix all life-critical fire-safety defects in all English buildings over 11 metres they had a role in developing or refurbishing. It also requires them to reimburse the taxpayer where government funds have already paid for remediation, with that money being used to make other buildings safe faster.”

London Fire Brigade backs multiple staircases in new residential tower blocks

by Featured News

London Fire Brigade has voiced its support for proposals by the government to make it mandatory for new residential buildings above 30 metres to have a minimum of two staircases, to further improve building safety.

The Brigade has been challenging the practice of designing very tall buildings with only a single staircase for some time. Responding to the government’s consultation, we have reaffirmed our support for the proposed changes to building regulation guidance in order to increase the safety of buildings.

The consultation was run by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and closed on Friday March 17.

Making it safer for those inside

LFB pointed out that staircases are not the only consideration when it comes to fire safety in buildings, and existing buildings with a single staircase will still be safe if they have appropriate fire safety measures in working order.

The Brigade said that multiple staircases in tall buildings improves resilience and makes buildings safer: “There are many considerations that go into maintaining fire safety in buildings, including use of sprinklers, evacuation lifts, and fire doors. When designed, built, and maintained correctly, all of these features combine to minimise the risk of fires in buildings.

“A second staircase in a tall building can make it safer for those inside who may choose to, or need to, evacuate in the event of a fire. The additional staircase also provides more resilience for firefighters when responding to incidents as it provides an additional access route and evacuation route for residents.”

Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety at London Fire Brigade Charlie Pugsley said: “Having pushed developers to include at least two staircases in tall residential buildings for some time, we support the government’s plans to bring in this clear limit for new buildings over 30 metres to further improve safety.  

“This introduction of a clear threshold will give clarity to developers, local authorities and communities and prevent the continued practice of increasingly tall buildings being designed and constructed with only a single staircase.

“We also welcome the action taken by the Mayor of London to ensure that the government’s proposed height threshold applies to new buildings being constructed in the capital.”

UK government announces £42 million in funding for building safety reforms

by Featured NewsSafety

The UK government has announced funding to support recruitment and training of Building Control Inspectors and Fire Inspectors working with the Building Safety Regulator.

More than £42 million over the next three years will support the delivery of tough new standards for managing building safety for higher-risk buildings brought in by the landmark Building Safety Act.

The package consists of a £16.5m grant to Local Authority Building Control (LABC), the representative body for local authority building control in England and Wales, and £26m to support the Fire and Rescue Services in England and the National Fire Chiefs Council.

The grant funding has been allocated to enable local regulators to recruit, train and employ new Building Control Inspectors and Fire Inspectors. These local partners will support the work of the new Building Safety Regulator in overseeing the safety and standards of the design, construction and management of higher-risk buildings, as well as strengthening the sector as a whole.

Around 110 Building Inspectors and 111 new Fire Protection Officers across England will be recruited and receive high-quality training over a three year programme designed to direct skills and resources to areas with a greater distribution of high-rise buildings.

‘Making buildings safer’

Minister for Building Safety, Lee Rowley said: “The Government is delivering important reforms under the Building Safety Act, including introducing the new Building Safety Regulator to oversee building safety and performance. This taxpayer funding will give additional resource to local regulators who will support the work of the Regulator in making buildings safer.”

Peter Baker, Chief Inspector of Buildings at the Health and Safety Executive said: “Local Authority and Fire and Rescue Services are vital to the delivery of the new safety regime for higher-risk residential buildings. I welcome the work to quickly increase capability and capacity so our regulatory partners can deliver their important roles. Our common goal is ensuring the success of the new regime in keeping residents safe in their homes, now and in the future.”

LABC Chief Executive, Lorna Stimpson said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding to provide much needed additional resources for our local authority members in England. Building control surveyors are a scarce commodity and so it’s important that we start to invest in this previously underfunded but vital public service role. We welcome the role that local authority building control will have as part of the new building safety regulator’s multi-disciplinary teams, and in helping to implement the reforms recommended by Dame Judith Hackitt.”

NFCC Chair, Mark Hardingham said: “NFCC welcomes confirmation of the three-year funding for fire and rescue services to recruit additional staff to support the new Building Safety Regulator. We will be working collectively with others to ensure that the new Regulator delivers on the policy intent set out by Dame Judith Hackitt, and as part of that, establishes a sustainable funding model for fire and rescue services that goes beyond the initial financial package.”

Under the new regime, Building Control Inspectors, Fire Inspectors and Fire Engineers will be the local partner regulators of the new Building Safety Regulator in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Building Safety Regulator will have new powers and responsibilities to ensure the safety of all buildings and will have additional responsibilities for how higher-risk buildings should be constructed and safely maintained.

Euralarm welcomes European Parliament’s move to address building fire safety

by Featured NewsSafety

Euralarm has welcomed the position adopted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) on the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) after long negotiations.

The compromise amendments contain significant changes and Euralarm especially welcomes recommendations to better address fire safety of buildings.

Better performance

Euralarm noted that better performing buildings also means safer and more secure buildings. It said that every year, EU countries experience major fires in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, taking lives of thousands of European citizens and creating considerable environmental damage – damage which can be avoided with the deployment of integrated fire safety and security technologies.

Better performing buildings also implies new technologies – such as Battery Energy Storage Systems – that can increase fire risk. Euralam said that significant changes in fire safety and security requirements are required and they must be carefully evaluated by qualified people and companies.

Incentivised approach

Beyond the recommendations proposed by the ITRE Committee, Euralarm has called on EU decision makers and Member States to create incentives for all renovated buildings to be fitted with the latest technologies in terms of fire safety and security.

The European Parliament will vote on the draft position during the 13-16 March plenary meeting, sealing the EP position for the following trialogue negotiations.

Euralarm said has full confidence in the European political institutions to take the right decisions which will strengthen the cohesion of the European Union, revive our economy, and ensure for all citizens a sustainable future, be it in terms of environment, energy, use of natural resources as well as safety and security.

Majority of Estonian office buildings fail to reach safety standards

by Featured NewsSafety

Around 80 percent of office buildings in Estonia inspected by experts last year failed to reach fire safety standards, according to reports.

Of the 446 buildings vetted by the Rescue Board and private sector specialists, problems of varying seriousness were found in 80 percent of the facilities. Only 90 buildings were found to be following all the rules.

Ahti Kuusk, head of Forus’ safety department, told Wednesday’s “Aktuaalne kaamera”: “Of these, perhaps half are issues where some construction work already needs to be done., for example, installing fire alarms, maybe fire escapes, and then maybe building compartmentation.”

In some cases, problems related to missing fire extinguishers or an escape light. A common issue was not checking fire safety devices. Kuusk said fire alarms must be checked once a year.

‘Worse than the data suggests’

Firetek, a company that installs and maintains fire safety equipment, said the situation is worse than the Rescue Service’s data suggests.

Manager Georg Kangur said: “Fire safety is an area that does not bear fruit and people often save money on it. They build fancy offices, use expensive materials, but try to save money on fire safety.”

He said there is a shortage of specialists in Estonia and fire safety documents are often incorrectly formatted when designing new buildings. But the Rescue Board said awareness is rising every year.

“What is more worrying is that even in those buildings that we visit regularly, we have to repeatedly draw attention to deficiencies,” said the agency’s Tagne Tähe.

More inspections will be carried out this year.

England high-rise owners given until October to register with new Building Safety Regulator

by Breaking NewsSafety

People responsible for the safety of high-rise residential buildings in England have been given until October 2023 to register with the new Building Safety Regulator, which was established in response to the Grenfell Tower fire to protect high-rise residents from unsafe building practices in England.

Under the Building Safety Act, high-rise residential buildings which are 18 metres tall or higher, or at least seven storeys, with two or more residential units are defined as ‘higher-risk’.

There are approximately 12,500 of these buildings across England and the new regulator will require all of them to be registered from April 2023, with a named person responsible for maintaining their safety.

A new campaign aimed at owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings will highlight their new legal duties and will call on those responsible for the safety management of higher-risk buildings to prepare for a new wave of regulatory change to ensure that they are ready to step up and comply. 

The campaign will run throughout March to help owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings prepare for their legal responsibilities. For more information, go to buildingsafety.campaign.gov.uk

A landmark moment for building safety

Registering buildings in scope will be a legal requirement and owners and managers who fail to comply by October 2023 will be investigated and may face prosecution.

HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “This registration process is an important step towards building a safer future for residents of high-rise buildings. We want it to be clear where responsibility for safety in these buildings lies.

“As the Building Safety Regulator, we will draw from our experience to provide guidance and oversight for the industry and lay the foundation for a world-leading building safety regime, which is a part of our mission to protect people and places.”

Chief Inspector of Buildings Peter Baker said: “Our message is clear – industry must raise its standards and residents of high-rise buildings in England must be kept safe.

“This is a landmark moment for building safety, the information provided through registration will be an invaluable part of our crackdown on unsafe building practices. Those who are responsible for high-rise residential buildings must register; failure to do so will be against the law.”

Building registration is a major step in a package of measures to ensure high-rise residential buildings are safe for residents and users.  It follows the introduction of Planning Gateway One in August 2021 and will be followed by more robust building control of high-rise developments, and the certification of occupied high-rise buildings by the new Regulator.

Construction, sustainability and crisis management in focus at Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference

by EventsFeatured News

The Tall Building Fire Safety Network, organiser of the popular Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference, will be running dedicated conference sessions on 16, 17 and 18 May alongside FIREX at London’s ExCeL in May. Each day of this year’s Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference will feature a topical debate linked to a pressing subject related to fire and building safety professionals.

Tuesday will see sessions on High Rise Construction Safety, Wednesday will cover Green Fire Safety Issues and Thursday will look at Crisis Management in High Rise & Complex Buildings.

High Rise Construction Fire Safety Conference

Sessions held on 16 May will cover all issues connected with the management of fire risk during all stages of construction fire safety in high rise buildings, considering the latest guidance from the UK and internationally, including insurance requirements, while case studies of recent high construction fires will be examined.

Key topics confirmed so far include:

  • Mark Cooper, Regional Safety Lead, Wates Construction London HSG 168, FPOCS V 10 –‘What’s Changed?
  • US Experience and NFPA 241-Ray O’Brocki, Construction Fire Safety Coalition
  • Tom Gilbert (Head of Fire Lendlease) – Managing fire safety during ‘load out’ phase of high-rise construction

Green Fire Safety Issues

On 17 May, experts will discuss the changes that are taking place in order to make buildings ‘greener’, and the potential impact this has on the fire safety risk. Discussions will look at green walls and roofs, electric cars and stored energy, photovoltaic panels and devices, alongside new systems for cooling and shading buildings.

Key topics confirmed so far include:

  • Keynote: Overview of the Fire Safety Challenges in Green Buildings and Sustainability, Prof. Guillermo Rein Imperial College London, UK
  • Green Walls and Fire Safety –Prof. Ed Galea, University of Greenwich
  • Green Walls in High Rise Structures: ‘A Sustainability Advantage or Safety Risk’ Simon Bate, Buro Happold

Crisis Management in High Rise & Complex Buildings

The 18 May sessions will centre around the need to have a robust response process when crisis events occur. The conference will draw upon the latest best practice examples of crisis management, while also exploring the proposed Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) that will make it a requirement to have a competent response process for publicly accessible buildings.

Key topics confirmed so far include:

  • Keynote presentation: Nick Aldworth – Martyn’s Law
  • Chris Phillips –Response & solutions to Martyn’s Law
  • CPNI – Current threats and solutions

All conferences will take place in the gallery suites at London’s ExCeL, with FIREX running simultaneously on the show floor for delegates to visit, connect with industry peers and check out the latest innovations in fire safety from leading vendors.

UK should look to engineering community for solutions to social and economic challenges says BESA

by Featured NewsSafety

The President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Rab Fletcher, has said the UK should look to its engineering community for solutions to many of the serious social and economic challenges it is facing.

In his presidential address to association members and guests, Fletcher said the building services sector had a pivotal role to play in tackling the energy, climate change, cost of living, and building safety crises confronting the country. 

He noted that this year “would be very tough” for the industry, but that building engineers were in a privileged position because they could make a difference and influence the future: “These are big problems for the UK, but they are also opportunities for us to demonstrate the value of this industry and why our expertise matters. 

“BESA will continue to champion our role, drive improvements in technical and professional standards, and support training as we strive to create a workforce capable of rising to these challenges.” 

Driving social progress

Fletcher, who is also mechanical services team manager at Fife Council, said there were plenty of reasons to be optimistic despite the general economic gloom, nodding to the first ever World Ventilation Day, which BESA helped to organise last November, as an example of how the industry could help to drive social progress. 

“We worked with 21 organisations, including professional bodies, universities, and environmental groups from across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia…demonstrating how good ventilation can help to keep people safe from infectious diseases, improve sleep, and reduce mould and damp in buildings,” he said. 

The President also paid tribute to the Honorary President of BESA’s Health & Well-being in Buildings group Rosamund Adoo Kissi-Debrah who has been campaigning for air quality and child health since the tragic death of her daughter Ella in 2013 and received a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours for her services to public health: “She is a huge supporter of what we are trying to do about improving air quality in buildings. 

He added that last year’s BESA National Conference was another example of why members of the ‘BESA community’ should all be optimistic about the future: “We bring our industry together – not just for the sake of it – but to create positive change.” 

Chartered Institute of Buildings unveils five-year plan

by ConstructionFeatured News

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a five-year plan focusing on quality and safety, environmental sustainability and closing the construction industry’s skills gap. 

The plan aims to make modern professionalism in construction management widely aspired to and increasingly a reality across the industry. Trustees and CIOB members from across the globe were involved in shaping the plan, which centres on the key issues facing the users and creators of the built environment. 

Caroline Gumble, CEO at CIOB, said: “To me this is much more than a simple document. It is the roadmap for the journey CIOB will take over the next five years and beyond, in leading the way to make positive change for the creators of our built environment. 

“It is my ambition that this plan drives delivery on what we all want from this important industry: high standards of quality and safety, improvements in sustainability, and closing the skills gap. As the home for built environment professionals, CIOB must support our members in making that possible. It was incredibly important to me that members had input as, in many ways, it is our members who will bring this document to life.” 

Environmental Sustainability 

The Institute recognised that the construction industry needs to operate in a way that ensures environmental impact is minimal and contributes to a sustainable future.

For that reason it will:  

  • Equip CIOB members (individual and company) with the knowledge and skills to manage and deliver the construction process in environmentally sustainable ways. 
  • Embed environmental sustainability into relevant learning programmes across schools, colleges and universities.  
  • Support industry and stakeholders in building the case for change through environmentally sustainable activities and metrics. 

Quality and Safety 

The Institute noted that good quality buildings and infrastructure promote health, safety and wellbeing, as well as delivering social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits and that the safety of the built environment should be fundamental.

For that reason it aims to:  

  • Bring about a culture change in the industry that ensures quality and building safety are at the heart of everything we do and never sacrificed for profit.  
  • Become the leading provider of education, training and standards in quality and building safety in the built environment, globally. 

Skills Gap 

Finally, CIOB said that the industry must increase productivity to match other mainstream sectors, ensuring the built environment is fit for changing societal needs and a growing population as most worldwide construction markets are reporting a skilled labour shortage.

As a result, the CIOB said it will:  

  • Contribute tangibly to reducing the industry skills shortage across priority skills by 2028.  
  • Help the industry bring in people, from a diverse range of backgrounds, who would not have joined without CIOB’s actions.  
  • Improve the perception and reality of working in the construction industry, by championing diversity, inclusion and worker welfare.  
  • Facilitate smooth, motivating routes within the industry to continually develop the skills of modern professional construction management. 

The full CIOB plan can be found online here