Hot topics Flashcards
What is the Fire Safety Act 2021?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 amends the Fire Safety Order 2005 (FSO) to clarify that, in buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises, the FSO applies to these two elements: , the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows; and all doors between the domestic premises and the common parts (e.g. entrance , doors to individual flats which open on to common parts). The effect of the Act will be to require fire risk assessments of buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises to be updated to take account of structure, external walls and doors, as described above, if they have not already done so.
What are the changes to the Building Regulations that come into force in June 2022?
Changes to Approved Documents L & F to reflect increasing emphasis on energy efficiency.
Give some examples of the main changes in Approved Document L?
From 15th June 2022, all new homes must produce 31% less CO2 emissions than what is currently acceptable in the present Part L regulations. Therefore, the construction of new dwellings must comply with the increased energy performance standards as set in the new regulations.
Give some examples of the main changes in Approved Document F?
Exposed Façades in busy areas (main road etc) will require noise attenuating trickle vents. (Paragraph 1.54 Part F), All replacement windows must have trickle vents regardless of if the previous, windows did not. (Paragraph 3.15)
What changes have been made with the introduction of the JCT 2024 Suite of contracts?
- Modernising and streamlining – incl. adoption of gender neutral language and increased flexibility around the use of electronic notices.
- Introduction of JCT Target Cost Contract (TCC)
- Legislative changes – Building Safety Act, Termination accounting and payment provisions reflecting the Construction Act
- previously optional supplemental provisions relating to Collaborative Working, and Sustainable Development and Environmental Considerations now default
- Requirement for the parties to notify each other of matters that are likely to give rise to a dispute in JCT D&B
- Changes to extension of time and unforseen conditions - EOT change from 12 to 8 weeks. epidemics, asbestos discovery and contaminated material / UXO now relevent events
Describe the key parts of the Building Safety Act
- Introduces new dutyholder roles
- Building Safety Regulator (BSR) – which is the Health & Safety Executive – will become the building control body for new higher-risk buildings
- The golden thread of information
- Safety case report summarising major fire and structural hazards and risk management measures is now mandatory for each higher-risk building.
- Mandatory Occurrence Reporting
- High-rise residential buildings of 18 metres or more in height or at least seven storeys tall, with two or more residential units, must have been registered with BSR.
- Amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Building Safety Levy - Developers are responsible for paying the levy – which has been through a consultation period – as part of the building control process.
What is RAAC? How do you identify it?
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
- It has no aggregate
- Used between mid 1950’s to mid 1990’s
- Panels typically 600mm wide with champhered edges and bubbley look
- Lifespan circa 30 years but affected by penetrations
- Not as durable as concrete and impacted by poor original install or damage from water ingress.
Are you aware of the introduction of Approved Document T?
Approved Document on toilets (Being introduced in October
Are you aware of any recent changes in relation to mould growth in housing?
Awaabs Law - Will force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits, in new amendment to the Social Housing Regulation Bill.
What is Retrofit PAS2035?
- Outlines how retrofit projects should be managed and delivered
- Standard introduced newly defined and qualified roles including the Retrofit Assessor and Retrofit Coordinator
Risk of appointing external Principal Designer?
Might be more difficult to prove their competency, project knowledge and integration in to the team. Knowledge of risks is key.
What are the key changes to Approved Document B following the Grenfell Fire Tragedy?
- Blocks of flats with their top storey more than 11m above ground level should be fitted with a sprinkler system throughout the building.
-Wayfinding signage for the fire service should be provided in all blocks of flats with a top storey more than 11m above ground level. - Floor identification signs should be provided on every landing of a protected stairway and every protected corridor/lobby into which a firefighting lift opens.
- Flat indicator signs to identify flat numbers should also be used and supplemented by arrows where necessary. Guidance is given on the location, font and size of signage.
What are the responsibilities of a building regulations principal designer?
To plan, manage, monitor and coordinate the design work to ensure that it complies with all the relevant requirements of the building regulations
What are the key findings of the Grenfell Inquiry?
- Failures by all parties
- Systematic dishonesty about panels and insulation.
- Regulation at the time was ‘seriously defective’
- Conflicts of interest in the system.
- Governments knew of risks for years.
- ‘Uncaring and bullying’
- Call for better regulation.
Is there any new laws being introduced in relation to procurement?
Procurement Act 2023 - Due to come in to law in Feb 25 (Delayed 4 months). This will:
- Be more accessible, efficicient and beneficial for councils and suppliers
- clear framework for decision making
- open up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises
- relax restrictions on considering factors like supplier location and social value, allowing councils more flexibility
- transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle so the spending of taxpayers’ money can be properly scrutinised
