The Impact and Implications of the Building Safety Act
1/12/24
The Building Safety Act 2022 marks a pivotal moment for the construction industry, introducing sweeping reforms that have far-reaching implications across all sectors.
The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) was established to deliver positive change in the industry with a focus on driving up standards of product information management in the construction product manufacturing sector.
Amanda Long helped established the CCPI in 2023 and since then has seen more than 60 firms join the initiative to have their product information independently assessed. In this interview with Tall Building magazine she explains some of the implications of the new Building Safety Act and how the CCPI can help.
Where do you see the largest impact of the Building Safety Act regulations and why?
The Building Safety Act of April 2022 introduces significant and wide-ranging changes to the construction and real estate sectors. Its impact is profound, touching everyone involved in the manufacturing, supply, construction and ownership of property – regardless of size or type.
The scope of the Act is extensive. It includes changes to the Building Control function, the introduction of a new Building Control regime, statutory liability for breaches of building regulations, personal liability for directors, and Building Liability Orders.
The introduction of new rights of recourse, allowing individuals to sue construction product manufacturers for non-compliance with regulatory requirements, misleading statements or defective products – could prove to be a game changer.
These provisions are designed to raise standards across the entire supply chain, with direct responsibilities and potential criminal implications now focusing minds throughout the industry.
One area where we see a significant impact is in product information management. The act supports the importance of product information to be clear, accurate and up-to-date.
The establishment of a national Construction Product Regulator within the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) further reinforces the Act's far-reaching implications.
How do you see companies reacting to these new regulations?
The significance of these new regulations is gradually being recognised by the industry. At the CCPI we have seen around 60 early adopter companies initiate code assessments for specific products and the introduction of the first CCPI-assessed product information marks.
However, it has been seven years since the Grenfell Tower fire, a tragedy that should have triggered a wholesale cultural shift across the construction sector. While it may be said that some progress has been made, the widespread adoption of the necessary cultural change remains slow.
It is crucial that the new Building Safety Regulator and Construction Product Regulator utilise the full extent of their powers to drive the behavioural changes required across the industry.
What are your overall thoughts on the Building Safety Act?
The Building Safety Act is an essential step toward. It places building safety and by extension, public safety — at the forefront. However, I am concerned that the required behavioural and cultural changes are developing far too slowly.
I urge all industry participants to be part of the solution and engage with critical initiatives like the CCPI. Whether you are a manufacturer, merchant, distributor, or on the demand side as a client, contractor, architect or specifier – the CCPI offers a means to demonstrate your commitment backed up by tangible action to prioritising building safety.
For more information on the CCPI, visit www.cpicode.org.uk