Architectural Fire Safety

Exploring key topics of fire safety in design for UK architects

The Building Safety Act 2022 establishes important new rules and duties for the management of fire and building safety. It is one of several pieces of recent legislation, including the Fire Safety Act 2021, aimed at reforming safety standards in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster. The much needed and widespread changes brought about by the new laws are redefining key roles and responsibilities within the industry, as well as how buildings are designed, constructed and managed. So what does this mean for architects, project teams and manufacturers? What can these parties do to ensure that they stay ahead of the game and deliver best practice? And what is coming further down the line in terms of the ongoing evolution of fire safety?

Fire Safety By Design

Building design

The design and layout of a building can significantly impact fire prevention.

Fire risk assessment

Ensuring a thorough fire risk assessment is conducted by a competent individual.

Fire protection measures

Ensuring fire protection measures.

Architects’ knowledge and skills

Resources.

The Building Safety Act Gateways are designed to provide a comprehensive safety framework throughout the lifecycle of a higher-risk building. 

The end of Design & Build
Central to the Building Safety Act in respect of ‘higher risk buildings’ (HRBs) are Gateways, which are designed to demonstrate safety compliance at critical points during design and construction. Gateway Two requires full Building Control approval before work can commence on site with a 12-week determination period from submission to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Gateway Three stipulates that a building cannot be occupied before it receives a completion certificate, with an eight-week determination period from certificate application to the BSR. Given these significant extensions to the building programme, the chairperson asked the panel whether they thought Gateways could present difficulties for Design & Build procurement.

PI insurance and the Building Safety Act
Implications of the Building Safety Act 2022 for insurers
The BSA 2022 received Royal Assent in April 2022, although the majority of its provisions coming into force in October 2023. The BSA 2022 introduces a new building safety regime for certain residential buildings imposing more onerous requirements on those identified as “higher risk buildings”. The BSA 2022 creates new obligations that apply to buildings during their construction and occupation, new requirements for the competence of those involved with buildings, new buildings regulations and new means of enforcement for breach including criminal sanctions and the extension of the limitation period for civil actions. As a result, there are new roles and responsibilities for those involved in procuring, designing and constructing high-rise buildings including ensuring that specific factors are met at each stage of the construction process and ensuring compliance with building regulations. The regime is overseen by a new Building Safety Regulator which sits within the Health and Safety Executive.

Featured Work

Recent Challenge Review

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Another recent challenge review

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The Pulse!

News

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Current Guidance

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New Construction

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Remodels

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Building A Better Future

Clients

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Cities

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International Awards

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Blog Posts

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Igor Landry

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Juanita Moran

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