The CPA has for some time been having weekly meetings with senior management at the Building Safety Regulator, as well as regular meetings with both the BSR and colleagues from the Construction Leadership Council. Through these meetings we are learning more about the regulator’s objectives and approach as well as the implications of the Building Safety Act on the wider supply chain and industry. The discussions have lately focused on the application process through the Gateway system, which has come under some criticism. We know that the BSR is building capacity and capability but it is also clear that there is a significant need for industry to raise its game.
The new regulatory process and procedures require some rethinking of business processes and the custom and practice of recent years. The materials and products sector can help with this and it is to everyone’s advantage to do so, particularly as it involves directly addressing the new liabilities faced by all those in the supply chain.
Everyone involved in significant projects, especially those within the Gateway system, needs to be very clear over compliance, quality, performance and the application of products and materials. The BSR is looking for clear evidence as to how a particular project complies with building regulations. This needs to be spelt out in unambiguous terms. The required clarity means that relevant product information must be equally unambiguous, with the collective aim of compliance and a demonstration by all the players in the design and construction process.
Equally, at the completion of construction, the regulator is looking for robust proof that the completed building reflects the information previously provided. This proof will ensure the regulator can ultimately sign off the building.
Given all this in mind – (1) that this is the stated approach by the regulator and there is every indication the scope of their approach with expand over time; (2) that significant liabilities exist within the Building Safety Act, irrespective of the class of building; and (3) that these improvements undoubtedly provide a better more efficient and more productive business model with less reworking and fewer disruptions – it is clear there is a role for the product and materials sector to provide product information that is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous.
That the Code for Construction Product Information can help with this requirement is clear. Without this vital building block of proof for the regulator, questions will undoubtably arise about products that will require more time and resources to answer.
We would urge everyone to discuss this with your clients and customers in the supply chain. The position of the regulator is clear. Industry now needs to respond.