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What Qualifications and Professions Are Required to Carry Out an Inspection of an 18m Tall Building for Compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 in London?
Thursday 26th September 2024
When it comes to assessing whether an 18-metre tall building complies with the Building Safety Act 2022 in the London area, the person conducting the inspection must have the appropriate qualifications and professional background. Ensuring that a high-risk building meets all necessary safety standards is a complex task, requiring a range of expertise.
Here’s a breakdown of the ideal qualifications and professional profiles for such an inspection:
1. Chartered Surveyor
A Chartered Surveyor, particularly one who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), is highly qualified to conduct comprehensive building assessments. Chartered Surveyors specialising in building surveying or structural engineering are trained to evaluate key elements such as:
• Structural soundness
• Fire safety systems
• Overall compliance with the Building Safety Act and associated regulations
These professionals are skilled in identifying potential issues related to building safety and integrity, making them a key figure in any compliance inspection. For example, Carl O’Boyle, a seasoned structural surveyor, is also a qualified cladding inspector, which is critical given the heightened scrutiny on building cladding following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The expertise of professionals like Carl is vital in identifying both visible and hidden risks in high-rise buildings.
2. Chartered Engineer
Another essential professional for this type of inspection is a Chartered Engineer. Members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) have the knowledge and qualifications to evaluate the structural aspects of the building. Given that an 18-metre building is classified as a "higher-risk" structure under the Building Safety Act, a detailed analysis of the building’s structural integrity is vital.
These engineers are trained to:
• Assess the building's ability to withstand various stresses
• Evaluate its structural stability over time
• Ensure it complies with all relevant building safety standards
Their expertise is crucial, especially when reviewing tall buildings, as any failure in structural design or maintenance can pose significant risks to occupants.
3. Certified Building Safety Manager
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, higher-risk buildings require the appointment of a Building Safety Manager (BSM). This individual plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the building complies with all safety regulations. A Certified Building Safety Manager is responsible for overseeing:
• Fire safety procedures
• Emergency evacuation strategies
• Ongoing building maintenance and safety compliance
Building Safety Managers are specifically trained and accredited to handle the demands of safety compliance under the new legal framework. Their involvement is particularly important when it comes to fire safety, an area that is now heavily regulated following recent legislative reforms.
4. Fire Safety Engineer
A Fire Safety Engineer may also be involved in the inspection, particularly to address compliance with fire safety regulations, which are an integral part of the Building Safety Act 2022. These professionals are specialists in designing and assessing fire safety strategies, including:
• Smoke control systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Escape routes and evacuation procedures
Fire safety is a key focus of the new regulations, and ensuring compliance in this area is non-negotiable for high-rise buildings.
5. Architect with a Specialisation in Safety Compliance
In some cases, an Architect who specialises in regulatory compliance and building safety can also contribute to the inspection. These architects are knowledgeable in both the design and legal requirements of buildings, particularly how well the design aligns with current safety laws and regulations.
Architects with expertise in safety compliance can help ensure that the building’s original design, as well as any modifications or refurbishments, fully adhere to the provisions of the Building Safety Act.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the qualifications and expertise mentioned above, professionals tasked with inspecting an 18-metre tall building must have specific training related to the Building Safety Act 2022. This ensures they are fully aware of the act’s provisions and can apply them effectively during the inspection.
Moreover, it is essential that any professional performing such inspections is:
• Registered with the relevant professional bodies (e.g., RICS, ICE, IStructE)
• Adequately insured to carry out inspections on higher-risk buildings
• Up to date on any ongoing legislative changes or safety requirements
