Mandatory Competency - Flash Cards - Hot topics
What is the existing UK procurement legislation?
Public Contract Regulations 2015 - Public clients must abide by this to ensure value for money is achieved. It defines contract thresholds and when contracts are to be published on contracts finder.
What are the new procurement laws in the UK and when are they being implemented?
The Procurement Act 2023, 24th February 2025.
What are the key objectives of the Procurement Act 2023?
Regular assessment of supplier performance against KPIs. Aim is to create a more efficient, transparent and value driven system.
What is the key aspect of the Grenfell phase 2 report?
Identified that all deaths could have been avoidable. Looked at the process leading up to the event - failings of the government, LA, manufacturers, BBA, management of fire safety in the building.
What are some of the recommendations following the Grenfell phase 2 report?
Made recommendations to form single construction industry regulator, further review approved doc B, regulators put in place for FRA and fire engineering.
What is the role of the Building Regulations PD?
BSA or B.Regs Principal Designer duty holder must take all reasonable steps to ensure the design work on a project is co-ordinated to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations
What are the key responsibilities of the BR PD?
Plan, manage, monitor design work in the design stage, take reasonable steps to ensure all design work is monitored to ensure if built it complies with the building regulations, liaise and she information with principle contractor.
What is the responsibility of a BR Principle Contractor?
Principle contractor appointed where there is more than one contractor, take responsibility for the site and manage the flow of information. Have a arrangements to monitor and record works to ensure they comply with the law. Be able to communicate with PD to agree any design changes.
What are you advising clients the requirements of the Building Regulations PD are?
Must have the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours nessassairy to fulfil the responsibilities, ensuring building safety and compliance with the building regulations as set out in the PAS 8671 requirements document.
What are the risks of appointing an external PD?
That they may not be able to monitor the design as closely as an in house PD, collaboration and communication with the design team is key.
What is the BR PD responsible for issuing?
Provide a signed compliance declaration within five days of completion of the work confirming it has fulfilled its responsibilities.
What law surrounds mould growth in LA residential accommodation?
Awaab’s Law - Requires social housing providers to rectify mould issues in strict timelines. Act such as the Homes (fitness for habitation) Act 2018 detail standards that social landlords must meet. Landlord & Tenant Act.
What is approved document T and when was it implemented?
Approved document T is for toilet accommodation, building on Part M and the access requirements. It takes affect from 1st October 2024.
What is RAAC?
Reinforced Airated Autoclaved Concrete - Use commonly used as roof or wall panels.
Why is RAAC a concern?
Can fail without warning due to several reasons; no aggregate within the concrete to bind strength, affects if water penetrates corroding rebar, if the bearing capacity is not sufficient.
Can a Chartered Building Surveyor advise on RAAC?
A CBS can identify RAAC only if they have the relevant experience / training, any work requirements will need to be referred to a structural engineer.
What is the BSA 2022?
Act created clear framework for design, construction and Managment of safer and higher quality homes. Ensure building safety is paramount following Grenfell Tower tragedy.
What are the key themes of the BSA 2022?
Duty holder responsibilities - client, PC, BSA PD. Building safety Regulator - HSE for all high risk. Golden thread of information - Accurate recording and availability of information. Amendments to RRFSO - Improve and simplify responsible persons duties.
What are some of the key changes to JCT 2024 suite of contracts?
Modernised language changed to gender neutral, utilise email addresses for serving of notices, updates associated with BSA 2022 including clauses to identify PD and PC and require employer to comply with Building Regulations, additional RE and RM for epidemics and asbestos, extension of time to be decided in 8 weeks rather than 12, D&B confirms that designs are to be carried out with reasonable skill and care rather than fitness for purpose.
What is the difference between fit for purpose and reasonable skill and care?
Fit for purpose - works must be good enough to do the job they were intended to do, absolute obligation. Reasonable skill and care - Duty to exercise the level of skill and care expected of a reasonably competent member of the profession.
What is the building safety regulator?
The BSR has been setup by the HSE to make high residential buildings safer. The BSR will oversee the safety and standards of all buildings, promote competence across the industry and prioritize residents safety. The BRS will manage Building Control on HRBs.
What are new requirements for building control surveyors?
Both approvers and inspectors must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator. This will define the category of building and class each approver / inspector can work on.
What is the new name for approved inspectors?
Registered building control approvers
What is the new name for local authority building control inspectors?
Registered building control inspectors
What are some of the key changes to Approved document B?
Two escape stairwells needed in high risk, sprinkler systems needed in blocks of flats over 11m in height, wayfinding signage should be provided for the fire service for blocks of flats with a top story more then 11m.
What does reasonable skill and care mean?
Completing a piece of work or providing a service to a reasonable standard expected by a professional.
