The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024
Overview
In January 2024, the UK government introduced the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024, a set of regulations aimed at enhancing fire safety measures and building management practices in higher-risk buildings across England. These Regulations, which build upon previous legislation such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, impose new requirements on accountable persons (APs) and duty-holders to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and occupants.
One of the primary requirements of the regulations is for APs to maintain and provide key information related to fire safety and building management. This includes:
- Golden Thread Information: APs must keep records of building compliance, registration information, key building information, building assessment certification applications, fire safety management measures, evacuation strategies, and more. These records must be up-to-date and easily accessible.
- Fire Safety Management: APs must maintain the most recent versions of documents related to fire safety management, including those required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These documents should demonstrate compliance with fire safety regulations and outline measures taken to manage fire risks within the building.
- Structural Risks: APs must keep records of any assessments or reports evaluating structural risks in the building. This includes statements or reports providing assurance that an assessment of structural risks is not necessary, as well as any reports assessing structural risks and the measures in place to address them.
- Building Safety Risk Assessment: APs must maintain reports containing up-to-date assessments of building safety risks for the entire building or specific parts for which they are responsible. These assessments help identify and mitigate risks that could jeopardise the safety of occupants.
- Mandatory Reporting Requirements: APs must retain documents detailing the arrangements for reporting under a mandatory occurrence reporting system. This includes information on how and when to report building safety-related incidents and any actions taken in response to such incidents.
- Resident Engagement: APs must provide residents and owners of residential units with information relating to fire safety risks, the roles and duties of relevant persons, complaints procedures, and their rights to request information and documents.
The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 were made on the 13th of January 2024 and apply to England.
Do the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 affect my business?
The Higher-Risk Buildings Regulations 2024 have significant implications for businesses, particularly those responsible for managing higher-risk buildings. Some of the key impacts include:
- Increased Compliance Requirements: Businesses will need to invest time and resources in ensuring compliance with the new regulations. This may involve implementing new processes, training staff, and updating documentation.
- Financial Costs: Compliance with the regulations may incur additional costs for businesses, including the need to maintain records, conduct assessments, and implement safety measures. Failure to comply could result in fines or legal action.
- Reputational Risk: Non-compliance with fire safety regulations can damage a business’s reputation and lead to loss of trust among residents, customers, and stakeholders. Ensuring compliance is essential for maintaining a positive reputation.
- Operational Changes: Businesses may need to make operational changes to meet the requirements of the regulations. This could include revising evacuation procedures, improving fire safety measures, and enhancing communication with residents and stakeholders.
The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 represent a significant step towards improving fire safety and building management practices in higher-risk buildings. By requiring APs to maintain and provide key information related to fire safety and building management, the regulations aim to enhance the safety and well-being of residents and occupants. Businesses responsible for managing higher-risk buildings will need to ensure compliance with the regulations to avoid potential fines and reputational damage.
Do I need the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 in my ISO Compliance Register?
The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 are primarily aimed at businesses that own or manage higher-risk buildings. This includes:
- Property Management Companies: Companies responsible for managing residential and commercial properties will need to ensure compliance with the regulations for the buildings under their management.
- Developers: Developers of new buildings will need to consider the requirements of the regulations during the design and construction phases to ensure compliance once the building is occupied.
- Building Owners: Owners of higher-risk buildings, such as care homes, hospitals, hotels, and military barracks, will need to comply with the regulations to ensure the safety of residents and occupants.
- Facilities Management Companies: Companies providing facilities management services will need to ensure that the buildings they manage comply with the regulations, particularly in terms of fire safety and building management.
Legislation related to the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024
Legislation related to the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 include:
- Building Safety Act 2022
- Fire Safety Act 2021
- The Building Safety (Registration of Higher-Risk Buildings and Review of Decisions) (England) Regulations 2023
- The Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc) (England) Regulations 2023
- The Building Safety (Description of Higher-Risk Building) (Design and Construction Phase) (Wales) Regulations 2023
More information
Visit the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 article on the legislation.gov.uk website.
Create an account in the ISO Compliance Register App and add this article to your Register.
