In focus: Building safety Act - communication for compliance on HRB's

Building Safety Act Gateway 2 applications are progressing yet according to Construction News ‘More than half of submitted applications for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) lack the basic information showing they meet requirements, according to regulator chiefs.’ Why is it that with more guidance and focus on evidencing compliance, so many projects are being submitted with a lack of basic information?

Communication is key when it comes to demonstrating compliance and our ability to maintain the golden thread of information under the Building Safety Act. Working with ample information and being able to provide a clear narrative as to why things have been done in a certain way is crucial to ensure a building is deemed complaint by the Building Safety Regulator. Communication needs to improve across the industry.  

Architects need to arm the wider industry with the ‘why’ behind design decisions and documentation. Providing more detailed evidence-led documentation will not only significantly increase the chances of a successful Gateway 2 application being approved but will reduce the number of RFI’s (requests for information) and therefore cost and time implication associated with redesign.

An enhanced level of communication is also key for smooth project delivery. It is not uncommon for a sub-contractor to make changes to a design onsite due to sequencing, materials, prior workmanship etc with little awareness of the impact to compliance. Arming subcontractors with the ‘why’ is the solution to this.

Architects need to provide more information with documentation, explicitly detailing what can and cannot be changed or what is the minimum and maximum tolerance, to help sub-contractors navigate compliance onsite and identify where further advice is required.

Encouraging a culture of open communication between all parties will ensure our HRB’s are compliant and will help ensure a smooth transition through the Gateway 3 process.