Myth Buster – Understanding the Timeline for Building Safety Act Compliance
Myth: The Principal Accountable Person must have the safety case report ready by April 2024.
Fact: Let’s set the record straight! While it’s true that the Building Safety Regulator will start reviewing safety case reports on a risk priority basis from April 2024 prior to issuing a Building Assessment Certificate, this date is not a hard deadline. The Regulator has emphasised a more pragmatic and proportionate approach. As a duty holder, your focus should be on adopting an ‘as soon as reasonably possible’ attitude towards compliance. This means beginning the process now, developing a clear plan, and demonstrating your best endeavours towards meeting the Act’s requirements.
What does this mean for you?
Prioritise: If you know your building is in the first tranche to be called forward because it is considered higher risk e.g. over 50m, has over 141 units, has ACM cladding or is a Large Panel System building, then you should prioritise those buildings, having your safety case report ready for April 2024 or soon after.
Start Early: Don’t wait for April 2024 to start; begin assessing and planning your compliance strategy now. This should start with a safety case gap analysis, a sensible plan for filling those gaps and beginning the process of drafting a safety case report.
Plan Wisely: If you need external support to achieve your safety case and write your safety case report, make sure you have engaged with a suitable consultancy as soon as possible so they can work with you on your plan and schedule work in as early as possible.
Show Effort: Demonstrate ongoing efforts towards compliance, demonstrating that you’re taking proactive steps in meeting the emerging requirements over a sensible timeframe.
Don’t forget: There are other requirements that need to be met, including having a Resident Engagement Strategy and a system for Mandatory Occurrence Reporting, together with a safety management system to show that your higher risk buildings are being suitably managed over time.
Remember, compliance is a journey, not a race to a deadline. By starting now and consistently working towards meeting the standards, you’ll not only adhere to the Act but also ensure a safer environment for residents.
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