Designers of high-rise buildings should already be preparing for changes that will come into force next year, when the new Building Safety Bill becomes law, according to the chief inspector of buildings, Peter Baker.
The bill, which is currently under review in parliament, will include a more stringent approach to the design and construction of high-rise buildings, and clarify the safety responsibilities that fall on designers. It will also toughen up regulations to ensure everyone carrying out design or building work is competent and capable of complying with building regulations.
‘Designers have a strong influence on safety and standards, particularly during the very early planning and design stages of a building project,’ said Baker. ‘Their decisions not only affect the safety of those carrying out the building work, but also those maintaining, using or living in a building after it is built.
‘I encourage designers to act now and prepare for the more stringent regulatory regime. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will continue to work with the building design industry and related businesses to support them to deliver safe and high-performing buildings, and ensure that residents of high-rise buildings are safe – and feel safe – in their homes, now and in the future.’
