HOT TOPICS 2025 Flashcards
1
Q
What significant changes were made to the Building Safety Act (2022)?
A
- The role of the BSR was established to oversee all aspects of building safety in England.
- Introduced new duty holders including Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
2
Q
What is the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) new role for higher-risk buildings in England?
A
- From October 2023 BSR became the Building Control Authority for all higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in England.
- Developers can no longer choose their building control body for HRBs (i.e. local
authority or private sector building control).
3
Q
What is classified as an HRB?
A
New residential buildings over 18 metres or 7 storeys, and hospitals and care homes meeting the same height threshold.
4
Q
When must building control applications be submitted to BSR?
A
- Constructing a new higher-risk building
- Doing any building work on an existing higher risk building
- Doing work that turns a non-higher-risk building into a higher-risk one, such as changing its use.
- Doing work on a higher-risk building that makes it no longer higher-risk
5
Q
What are MDTs?
A
Multi-Disciplinary Teams
6
Q
What is the role of MDTs?
A
Team of experts to provide regulatory advice, conduct inspections and ensure compliance with building regulations for HRBs.
7
Q
What are the three ‘gateway’ points in the higher-risk building regime?
A
- Gateway 1: Planning approval – ensuring fire safety is part of planning permission
- Gateway 2: Construction approval – where work can only start after BSR building
control approval - Gateway 3: Completion approval – where the higher-risk building must pass BSR checks before occupancy
8
Q
What is the difference between Category A work and Category B work when I apply to carry out building work in an HRB?
A
- CAT A work involves significant alterations to the structure, safety, or design of a HRB building.
- Work which doesn’t significantly impact the structural, fire safety, or escape routes of the building is classified as CAT B.
