What is the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR)?
The Building Safety Act names HSE as the new Building Safety Regulator in England.
BSR will have 3 main functions:
- overseeing the safety and standards of all buildings
- helping and encouraging the built environment industry and building control professionals to improve their competence
- leading implementation of the new regulatory framework for high-rise buildings
BSR will regulate high-rise buildings. These are buildings with 7 or more storeys or that are 18 metres or higher, and either:
- have at least 2 residential units
- are hospitals or care homes (during design and construction)
Enforcement approach
BSR will:
- exercise its powers in line with regulatory best practice
- take a consistent and proportionate approach
- target enforcement activity at cases where action is needed
- work closely with existing regulators such as local authorities and fire and rescue authorities
Be curious about your building
Gather information about how your building was built (including the design intent – why it was built the way it was). Include any changes that have been made since it was first built, and the measures in place to control building safety risks.
Information you might need
Every building is different so you may need other items of information that aren’t on this list. Some information will be obvious or easy to find, but you may have to investigate your building, or ask other people or organisations for help.
Some examples of things you’ll need to know about your building are:
- the profile of its residents
- when it was built, and the relevant standards at time of construction
- your building’s height, number of storeys, number and type of flats
- details of common parts and any underground levels
- details of any shared facilities such as utilities, car parking or access if it’s part of a wider development
- plans of the building as built (if available)
- details of the building’s construction including facade and insulation materials
- details of any refurbishment or changes to the building since it was built
- your fire prevention and protection measures
- information about its structural condition
- information about services and utilities
- maintenance and inspection details
- arrangements for managing and monitoring your building
