Hot Topics - High Risk Buildings

Question 1

How can a High Risk Building be defined?

Answer 1

The BHRB Regulations 2023 defines HRB’s as:
- buildings with 7 or more storeys
- or at least one storey with a finished floor height at least 18m above ground level
- and contain 2 or more residential units

Question 1

What regulations define High Risk Buildings?

Answer 1

the Building Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023

Question 2

When are hospitals and care homes considered a HRB?

Answer 2

• when they meet the definition in the BHRB Regulations 2023, but they will only be considered a HRB during the initial design and construction phase only

Question 3

When did the Higher-Risk Buildings Regulations 2023 come into force?

Answer 3

6th April 2023

Question 4

Which new projects will fall under the HRB Regulations 2023?

Answer 4

• Any new HRB project requiring Building Regulations approval on or after 1st October 2023
• Any alterations to an existing HRB requiring Building Regulations approval on or after 1st October
• There are differing requirements for existing projects where an initial notice has already been issued

Question 5

What is an initial notice?

Answer 5

• A notification sent to the Local Authority regarding intended building work

Question 6

Who should new HRB work or works to existing HRB be registered with?

Answer 6

The Building Safety Regulator

Question 7

What are the requirements for existing projects where an Initial Notice has been registered prior to 1st October 2023 in relation to HRB’s?

Answer 7

• they must commence in a meaningful way, such as up to DPC level or similar) before 6th April 2024 to remain on previous legal framework
• For all other works not involving construction or an extension, such as fit-out or re-fit, commencement is defined at the point at which 15% of the construction works will be completed
• That said, the duty holders must agree what constitutes 15% work with Building Control, at appointment