Salus Gets RBCA License

Summary

Salus receives official RBCA license, strengthening its role in UK building control. New regulations aim to improve building safety, especially in high-rise structures, after Grenfell Tower tragedy. Salus’s licensure reflects its commitment to upholding the highest industry safety standards.

Focus360 Energy: property compliance services – pre-planning to post-construction. Learn more.

** Main Story**

Salus Achieves RBCA Accreditation Amidst Evolving UK Building Safety Landscape

Salus has secured its Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) license, marking a crucial step in the implementation of the UK’s revamped building safety regulations. This achievement underscores Salus’s dedication to ensuring top-tier safety standards within the building industry. This development aligns with the broader changes within the UK’s building regulations landscape, following the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, a tragedy that exposed critical shortcomings in existing building safety protocols.

The Genesis of Reform: Grenfell Tower and the Hackitt Review

The Grenfell Tower fire tragically claimed 72 lives and served as a catalyst for comprehensive reform within the UK construction industry. The subsequent Hackitt Review, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, highlighted the need for systemic change, emphasizing a shift in industry culture towards prioritizing safety. The review’s findings spurred the development and implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Navigating the New Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents a landmark piece of legislation designed to prevent future tragedies by strengthening accountability and enhancing safety standards. The Act mandates stringent oversight of higher-risk buildings, defined as residential buildings over 18 meters or seven stories with at least two residential units. This category includes hospitals, care homes, and student accommodations. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), operating under the Health & Safety Executive, plays a pivotal role in enforcing these regulations, focusing on the safety and performance of all buildings and driving competency across the construction sector.

Key Changes Under the Building Safety Act 2022

• New Dutyholder Roles: The Act introduces new dutyholder roles, impacting all stakeholders involved in construction projects, ensuring accountability at every stage.
• Enhanced Building Control Systems: The BSR serves as the building control body for new higher-risk buildings, providing increased oversight and enforcement of regulations.
• The Golden Thread of Information: The Act mandates maintaining a comprehensive record of building information throughout its lifecycle, enabling better risk management and informed decision-making.
• Safety Cases for Higher-Risk Buildings: A safety case is now required for higher-risk buildings, outlining how fire and structural safety risks are being managed.
• Mandatory Occurrence Reporting: The Act requires mandatory reporting of safety occurrences to foster transparency and facilitate continuous improvement within the industry.
• Building Safety Levy: A new levy applies to developers of residential buildings in England to fund the costs of historical building safety defects.

Salus: A Leader in Building Control

Salus’s attainment of the RBCA license reinforces its position as a trusted partner within the UK building industry. As an accredited body, Salus plays a crucial role in verifying compliance with building regulations, including the rigorous standards set forth by the Building Safety Act 2022. Salus remains committed to evolving alongside the regulatory landscape, offering expert consultancy and building control services to help organizations navigate the requirements of the new building safety regime. This includes providing services related to the new Gateways system, the Golden Thread of information, and helping organizations comply with new competency requirements. Salus continues to invest in its team’s expertise and knowledge to deliver the highest standard of service within the sector.