As we mark the first anniversary of the Building Safety Act 2022, it is an
opportune time to take stock of the sweeping changes this landmark
legislation has ushered in, reshaping the building safety landscape in the
UK. Born of the tragic lessons of the Grenfell Tower fire, the Act has set a
new precedent in building safety and is a testament to a collective resolve
to prevent such a catastrophe from recurring.
A new era of accountability
The Act, which came into force in April 2023, has imposed stricter safety
standards on high-rise buildings and high-risk structures, mandating more
safety reviews and regular inspections. Perhaps the most significant shift
since the Act's implementation is the heightened sense of accountability
within the industry. The focus on ethical responsibility and proactive fire
safety management has never been more pronounced.
New regulatory powers
The creation of the Building Safety Regulator has been instrumental in
promoting this new culture of compliance. With a vigilant authority
overseeing safety standards throughout a building’s life cycle, we now have
a clearer delineation of responsibilities to ensure that safety is always
prioritised and carefully managed. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.
The ‘Golden Thread’ of information
A revolutionary element of the Act is the 'golden thread' of information, a
digital record-keeping system that ensures every detail about a building's
design, construction, and ongoing safety measures is meticulously
documented and maintained. With this in place, there is no room for errors
to occur or concerns missed. Halspan takes great pride in playing a role in
this, with our revolutionary Halspan® Tracker digital asset management
software system that ensures compliance and mitigates risk at every stage of the Golden Thread – from production to testing, to installation and
ongoing maintenance for complete peace of mind.
Shifting the paradigm
The Act has compelled us to rethink our approach to building safety from
the ground up. Fire safety considerations are now integral to the planning
process from the earliest design stages. This proactive stance ensures that
safety measures are compliant but also robust and effective.
Additionally, the Act mandates greater involvement of residents in safety
matters. Building managers must provide more information to residents
and facilitate resident engagement in safety decisions. This not only
empowers those living in potentially high-risk buildings but also ensures
that their concerns and insights are heard and inform the safety
management process.
Cultural shift in the industry
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the Fire Safety Act is the
significant cultural shift within the industry. There's a renewed dedication
to ethical responsibility and commitment to resident safety. The Building a
Safer Future Charter now extends to all building types, fundamentally
transforming the industry's approach with safety and responsibility deeply
embedded within its DNA. This mindset ensures everyone involved - from
architects and engineers to fabricators, builders, and facility managers - is
dedicated to creating safe living environments.
The new checkpoints during design and construction ensure safety is a
priority at every step. These measures are crucial for making sure safety is
built into projects from start to finish.
Technological Innovation
Technological advancements have played a central role in this
transformation. Tools like SAAS, VR, and specialised applications are now
used to simulate fire scenarios, offering invaluable insights into fire
prevention techniques and their practical applications. Such innovations
provide a hands-on understanding that traditional methods could never
achieve, allowing us to visualise and prepare for potential fire incidents
more effectively.
For more than 25 years, Halspan has spearheaded the design of leading fire
door safety products and services. Halspan® Tracker coupled with Halspan® Inspection Services ensures ongoing compliance and enhances
building fire safety management.
Our world-leading, Halspan® Verified fully certified fire door safety
products integrate seamlessly with modern fire safety systems, ensuring
comprehensive protection and features in prominent buildings globally.
By combining advanced materials with cutting-edge technology, we strive
to uphold a new standard in fire safety, proving how innovation can
enhance both prevention and response in the event of a fire.
Ethical imperatives
In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, the construction industry has
embraced a more ethical stance. The Act has clarified responsibilities,
ensuring that duty holders and 'Accountable Persons' are clearly defined
and held to the most stringent standards. Regular inspections, transparent
communication with residents, and maintenance of safety records are now
non-negotiables in building management.
Moreover, the consequences of non-compliance are stark and severe. The
industry has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on negligence, with hefty
fines and even prison sentences reinforcing the critical importance of
adhering to safety regulations.
Improved competence requirements
Enhanced training and competence standards for those involved in the
design, construction, and management of buildings are now mandatory.
These requirements ensure that all personnel develop the necessary skills
and knowledge to uphold high safety standards, thus elevating the overall
quality of safety management across the industry.
Looking ahead
As we move forward, it’s crucial to maintain momentum and keep building
on the significant progress made over the past year to ensure that every
resident can live with the confidence that their safety is our utmost priority.
Continued vigilance, innovation, and a commitment to ethical
responsibility are essential for the entire industry
