Building Safety Act 2022: Setting the Record Straight

The Building Safety Act is the biggest shake-up to our industry in a generation. With complexity comes confusion, so we’ve debunked the five most common myths currently circulating:

1. "My project isn't a high-rise, so the Act doesn't apply."

The Truth: Don't be caught out. While the Building Safety Regulator focuses on buildings over 18 metres, the dutyholder requirements apply to all building work. Whether you are extending a home or fitting out a retail unit, you must ensure all designers and contractors are competent and work is compliant.

2. "Experience equals competence."

The Truth: In the new regime, experience is only one part of the puzzle. Dutyholders must now evidence their SKEB (Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours). For Principal Designers, this means meeting the rigorous benchmarks of PAS 8671.

3. "We already do CDM, so we’re covered."

The Truth: This is a common and risky misconception. CDM 2015 manages occupational health and safety (keeping workers safe). The Building Safety Act manages building regulations compliance (keeping residents safe). They are two distinct legal frameworks that run in parallel.

4. "The Golden Thread is just digital filing."

The Truth: The "Golden Thread" is an active management tool, not a static archive. It must be a searchable, digital "single source of truth" that stays live throughout the building's lifecycle. It’s about having the right information available to the right people at all times.

5. "Gateways are a construction-phase problem."

The Truth: Waiting until construction to think about Gateways will lead to costly delays. For Higher-Risk Buildings, Gateway 2 requires full design approval from the Regulator before work begins. Planning for this "hard stop" early in the design phase is essential for project timelines.