Building Safety

This page contains useful links to key information sources, official regulations and guidance that is shaping the way the UK built environment is reforming its approach to building safety policies following the passing of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Figure 1 is timeline comparison of the current legislation and guidance that applies to the roles of both the accountable persons and responsible persons. The importance of knowing what duties each role carries is an essential part of risk managing the onerous responsibilities of fulfilling them.

Download a pdf version of Figure 1 with links to underlying source documentation.

1. The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA).

Information published by the Building Safety Regulatory (BSR) relating to the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA).

Secondary Legislation published by the Building Safety Regulatory (BSR) relating to the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA).

2. The The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill.

A Bill intended to update the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 with a view to make provision about the regulation of social housing; about the terms of approved schemes for the investigation of housing complaints; and for connected purposes.

3. Higher-Risk Building (HRB).

Although the provisions of the BSA are intended to improve fire and structural safety in all buildings, Part 4 focuses exclusively on High-Risk Buildings (HRB). This is because high rise, residential buildings represent the highest risk of harm to people.

A HRB is defined in the Building Safety Act 2022 as a building in England that is at least 18 metres in height, or has at least 7 storeys, and is of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

Clarification In the last few years the term that is used to refer to the in-scope plus 7-storey has changed. It started with High Rise Residential Building (HRRB), then High Rise Building (HRB) and now it is High-Risk Building (HRB). They are all one and the same.