Building Safety recap January, 2026 - Revision history

Editor at 05:39, 6 March 2026

2026-03-06T05:39:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:39, 6 March 2026
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	== January ==		== January ==

−	Though in many ~~resects~~ a formality following the December publication of the Single Construction Regulator prospectus, BSR became a standalone body to consolidate oversight of high-risk buildings. BSR Data showed strong momentum in approvals for new builds and remediation projects standing it in good stead for changes. BSi with BSR and ISCG launched the Built Environment Competence Hub to better communicate, share and gather feedback on safety updates. The Pubically Available Standard; PAS 2000:2026 a code of practice framework to support construction product safety and regulatory compliance due to be released. Intended to assist manufacturers, importers, and distributors in demonstrating that they have taken proportionate and reasonable steps to ensure products placed on the market are safe. The introduction of lithium-ion battery hazards to Class L fires to address risks of thermal runaway, toxic gas, and delayed re-ignition, guiding detection, suppression, and emergency response strategies. A streamlined standard for low-risk telecommunications work to proportion Building Control measures to risk. Additional measures included updates to NHBC 2026 Standards to more explicitly address fire safety. In the UK the Welsh government published a building safety impact assessment, and Scottish government published a consultation concerning its review of technical documents and fire safety. Internationally amongst the numerous fire safety incidents, deadly fires in Pakistan’s Gul Plaza amounted to 67 deaths and Switzerland’s Le Constellation bar on New Years eve lead to 41 deaths and many serious injuries.	+	Though in many respects, a formality following the December publication of the Single Construction Regulator prospectus, BSR became a standalone body to consolidate oversight of high-risk buildings. BSR Data showed strong momentum in approvals for new builds and remediation projects standing it in good stead for changes. BSi with BSR and ISCG launched the Built Environment Competence Hub to better communicate, share and gather feedback on safety updates. The Pubically Available Standard; PAS 2000:2026 a code of practice framework to support construction product safety and regulatory compliance due to be released. Intended to assist manufacturers, importers, and distributors in demonstrating that they have taken proportionate and reasonable steps to ensure products placed on the market are safe. The introduction of lithium-ion battery hazards to Class L fires to address risks of thermal runaway, toxic gas, and delayed re-ignition, guiding detection, suppression, and emergency response strategies. A streamlined standard for low-risk telecommunications work to proportion Building Control measures to risk. Additional measures included updates to NHBC 2026 Standards to more explicitly address fire safety. In the UK the Welsh government published a building safety impact assessment, and Scottish government published a consultation concerning its review of technical documents and fire safety. Internationally amongst the numerous fire safety incidents, deadly fires in Pakistan’s Gul Plaza amounted to 67 deaths and Switzerland’s Le Constellation bar on New Years eve lead to 41 deaths and many serious injuries.

	= In detail =		= In detail =

Editor at 11:13, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T11:13:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:13, 12 February 2026
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−	[[File:~~Building Safety Wiki Recap Jan 26 1000~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Building_Safety_Wiki_Recap_Jan_26_1000.jpg\|link=File:Building_Safety_Wiki_Recap_Jan_26_1000.jpg]]

	= In brief =		= In brief =
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	* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_safety_wiki Building Safety wiki].		* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_safety_wiki Building Safety wiki].

−	[[Category:~~Articles_needing_more_work~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Event]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:DCN_Report]] [[Category:DCN_Specification]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Editor at 11:00, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T11:00:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:00, 12 February 2026
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		+	[[File:Building Safety Wiki Recap Jan 26 1000.jpg]]
		+
	= In brief =		= In brief =

Editor at 10:49, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T10:49:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:49, 12 February 2026
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	== December ==		== December ==

−	Alignment with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations continued with the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel issuing an Authoritative Statement defining the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours of competent fire engineers, progressing toward statutory regulatory protection of the professional title and core functions. This includes a review of integrated fire safety strategies across architectural, structural, and MEP systems focused on HRBs initially, with potential expansion. extending further. Meanwhile the President of the RIBA, in a break from the norm, pubically announced he would not renew his architect accreditation with the ARB in an action to highlight the absurdity of the protecting the title of architect without protecting the function of architect. The government in the meantime confirmed that need for regulatory stability meant that the definition of HRBs will remain as is, but liable to ongoing risk-based review by BSR. Its Single Construction Regulator prospectus was also published for consultation (ending March 2026), consolidating current fragmentation. The new body will cover construction products, fire testing and certification, building control, contractor licensing, professional accreditation, and data transparency to strengthen an accountable safety-led culture, to restore public trust.	+	Alignment with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations continued with the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel issuing an Authoritative Statement defining the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours of competent fire engineers, progressing toward statutory regulatory protection of the professional title and core functions. This includes a review of integrated fire safety strategies across architectural, structural, and MEP systems focused on HRBs initially, with potential expansion. extending further. Meanwhile the President of the RIBA, in a break from the norm, pubically announced he would not renew his architect accreditation with the ARB in an action to highlight the absurdity of the protecting the title of architect without protecting the function of architect. CIAT responded without opposite but direction and the campaign for the repeal of the architects act in support of competence lead professional protected by function as well as title started. The government in the meantime confirmed that need for regulatory stability meant that the definition of HRBs will remain as is, but liable to ongoing risk-based review by BSR. Its Single Construction Regulator prospectus was also published for consultation (ending March 2026), consolidating current fragmentation. The new body will cover construction products, fire testing and certification, building control, contractor licensing, professional accreditation, and data transparency to strengthen an accountable safety-led culture, to restore public trust. Following QBE findings that UK fire services attended solar panel related fires every two days in 2024, a 60% increase since 2022, the government published research examining fire spread over pitched roofs fitted with photovoltaic (PV) systems through 11 large-scale experiments.

	== January ==		== January ==
		+
		+	Though in many resects a formality following the December publication of the Single Construction Regulator prospectus, BSR became a standalone body to consolidate oversight of high-risk buildings. BSR Data showed strong momentum in approvals for new builds and remediation projects standing it in good stead for changes. BSi with BSR and ISCG launched the Built Environment Competence Hub to better communicate, share and gather feedback on safety updates. The Pubically Available Standard; PAS 2000:2026 a code of practice framework to support construction product safety and regulatory compliance due to be released. Intended to assist manufacturers, importers, and distributors in demonstrating that they have taken proportionate and reasonable steps to ensure products placed on the market are safe. The introduction of lithium-ion battery hazards to Class L fires to address risks of thermal runaway, toxic gas, and delayed re-ignition, guiding detection, suppression, and emergency response strategies. A streamlined standard for low-risk telecommunications work to proportion Building Control measures to risk. Additional measures included updates to NHBC 2026 Standards to more explicitly address fire safety. In the UK the Welsh government published a building safety impact assessment, and Scottish government published a consultation concerning its review of technical documents and fire safety. Internationally amongst the numerous fire safety incidents, deadly fires in Pakistan’s Gul Plaza amounted to 67 deaths and Switzerland’s Le Constellation bar on New Years eve lead to 41 deaths and many serious injuries.

	= In detail =		= In detail =
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	[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Solar_panels,_pitched_roofs_and_risk_of_fire_spread https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Solar_panels,_pitched_roofs_and_risk_of_fire_spread]		[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Solar_panels,_pitched_roofs_and_risk_of_fire_spread https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Solar_panels,_pitched_roofs_and_risk_of_fire_spread]

−	Policy paper: Fire engineering profession reform. 17 December	+	=== Policy paper: Fire engineering profession reform. 17 December ===

	The Fire Engineers Advisory Panel established in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry issued an Authoritative Statement defining the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of competent fire engineers, and plans to implement statutory regulation of the profession. Regulation to protect the title and core functions of fire engineers, particularly the development, delivery, and review of fire safety strategies, ensuring integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems to prevent fire, limit spread, and enable safe evacuation. Initially focused on higher-risk buildings, potentially expanding to other critical infrastructure, fire engineers will be held to regulatory, advisory, and operational standards. Professional, legal, and contractual duties to prioritise public safety, with clearer regulation to define responsibilities, interfaces between disciplines, and accountability. Competence to cover: technical knowledge in fire dynamics, prevention, human behaviour, building systems, and firefighting needs, with strong analytical and communication skills. The next phase involves a phased, managed transition to regulated, accountable profession, aiming to restore public trust and ensure consistently fire-safe outcomes across the built environment.		The Fire Engineers Advisory Panel established in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry issued an Authoritative Statement defining the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of competent fire engineers, and plans to implement statutory regulation of the profession. Regulation to protect the title and core functions of fire engineers, particularly the development, delivery, and review of fire safety strategies, ensuring integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems to prevent fire, limit spread, and enable safe evacuation. Initially focused on higher-risk buildings, potentially expanding to other critical infrastructure, fire engineers will be held to regulatory, advisory, and operational standards. Professional, legal, and contractual duties to prioritise public safety, with clearer regulation to define responsibilities, interfaces between disciplines, and accountability. Competence to cover: technical knowledge in fire dynamics, prevention, human behaviour, building systems, and firefighting needs, with strong analytical and communication skills. The next phase involves a phased, managed transition to regulated, accountable profession, aiming to restore public trust and ensure consistently fire-safe outcomes across the built environment.

Editor at 10:30, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T10:30:11Z

Show changes

Editor at 09:46, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T09:46:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:46, 12 February 2026
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−	= ~~What you may have missed in December 2025~~ =	+	= In brief =

−	== December ~~in brief~~ ==	+	== December ==

	Alignment with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations continued with the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel issuing an Authoritative Statement defining the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours of competent fire engineers, progressing toward statutory regulatory protection of the professional title and core functions. This includes a review of integrated fire safety strategies across architectural, structural, and MEP systems focused on HRBs initially, with potential expansion. extending further. Meanwhile the President of the RIBA, in a break from the norm, pubically announced he would not renew his architect accreditation with the ARB in an action to highlight the absurdity of the protecting the title of architect without protecting the function of architect. The government in the meantime confirmed that need for regulatory stability meant that the definition of HRBs will remain as is, but liable to ongoing risk-based review by BSR. Its Single Construction Regulator prospectus was also published for consultation (ending March 2026), consolidating current fragmentation. The new body will cover construction products, fire testing and certification, building control, contractor licensing, professional accreditation, and data transparency to strengthen an accountable safety-led culture, to restore public trust.		Alignment with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations continued with the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel issuing an Authoritative Statement defining the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours of competent fire engineers, progressing toward statutory regulatory protection of the professional title and core functions. This includes a review of integrated fire safety strategies across architectural, structural, and MEP systems focused on HRBs initially, with potential expansion. extending further. Meanwhile the President of the RIBA, in a break from the norm, pubically announced he would not renew his architect accreditation with the ARB in an action to highlight the absurdity of the protecting the title of architect without protecting the function of architect. The government in the meantime confirmed that need for regulatory stability meant that the definition of HRBs will remain as is, but liable to ongoing risk-based review by BSR. Its Single Construction Regulator prospectus was also published for consultation (ending March 2026), consolidating current fragmentation. The new body will cover construction products, fire testing and certification, building control, contractor licensing, professional accreditation, and data transparency to strengthen an accountable safety-led culture, to restore public trust.

−	== ~~December in~~ detail ==	+	== January ==
		+
		+	= In detail =
		+
		+	== December ==

	In December the newly appointed RIBA President Chris Williamson made an industry statement by not renewing his ARB registration for the title of architect. The move was the pre-curser to a wider campaign to highlight the absurdity’ of the ARB registration model and a call abolish Architects Act and establish new regulatory framework that focusses on competence and protects the role and function of the Architect aswell as the title of arcitect.		In December the newly appointed RIBA President Chris Williamson made an industry statement by not renewing his ARB registration for the title of architect. The move was the pre-curser to a wider campaign to highlight the absurdity’ of the ARB registration model and a call abolish Architects Act and establish new regulatory framework that focusses on competence and protects the role and function of the Architect aswell as the title of arcitect.
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	[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/single-construction-regulator-prospectus https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/single-construction-regulator-prospectus]		[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/single-construction-regulator-prospectus https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/single-construction-regulator-prospectus]

−	~~= January 2026 =~~	+	== January ==
−		+
−	== January ~~in brief~~ ==	+

	=== Consultation: Improving proportionality and safety outcomes in BC telecomm's work 28 Jan ===		=== Consultation: Improving proportionality and safety outcomes in BC telecomm's work 28 Jan ===

Editor at 09:37, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T09:37:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 12 February 2026
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	== December in brief ==		== December in brief ==

−	Alignment with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations continued with the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel issuing an Authoritative Statement defining the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours of competent fire engineers, progressing toward statutory regulatory protection of the professional title and core functions. This includes a review of integrated fire safety strategies across architectural, structural, and MEP systems focused on HRBs initially, with potential expansion. extending further. ~~Whilst~~ the government confirmed that need for regulatory stability ~~means~~ the definition of HRBs will remain, but liable to ongoing risk-based review by BSR. ~~In relation to this the governments~~ Single Construction Regulator prospectus was published for consultation (ending ~~closing~~ March 2026), ~~to consolidate the~~ current ~~fragmented oversight~~. The new body will cover construction products, fire testing and certification, building control, contractor licensing, professional accreditation, and data transparency to strengthen an accountable safety-led culture, to restore public trust.	+	Alignment with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations continued with the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel issuing an Authoritative Statement defining the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours of competent fire engineers, progressing toward statutory regulatory protection of the professional title and core functions. This includes a review of integrated fire safety strategies across architectural, structural, and MEP systems focused on HRBs initially, with potential expansion. extending further. Meanwhile the President of the RIBA, in a break from the norm, pubically announced he would not renew his architect accreditation with the ARB in an action to highlight the absurdity of the protecting the title of architect without protecting the function of architect. The government in the meantime confirmed that need for regulatory stability meant that the definition of HRBs will remain as is, but liable to ongoing risk-based review by BSR. Its Single Construction Regulator prospectus was also published for consultation (ending March 2026), consolidating current fragmentation. The new body will cover construction products, fire testing and certification, building control, contractor licensing, professional accreditation, and data transparency to strengthen an accountable safety-led culture, to restore public trust.

	== December in detail ==		== December in detail ==

Editor at 08:47, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T08:47:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:47, 12 February 2026
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	== January in brief ==		== January in brief ==

−	=== Consultation: Improving proportionality and safety outcomes in ~~building control:~~ telecomm's work 28 Jan ===	+	=== Consultation: Improving proportionality and safety outcomes in BC telecomm's work 28 Jan ===

	Consultation seeking views on proposals to streamline building control procedures for certain low-risk activities within the higher-risk building regime, specifically fibre optic cabling and mobile communications masts. For existing buildings, it considers dispensing with procedural requirements for drilling through internal fire-resisting walls for fibre installation and installing or repairing mobile masts, while still requiring duty holders to meet standards of the Building Regulations 2010. Aiming to make regulatory processes proportionate and effective, freeing resources to focus on higher-risk work such as new builds and remediation projects, while retaining safeguards where safety risks are greatest.		Consultation seeking views on proposals to streamline building control procedures for certain low-risk activities within the higher-risk building regime, specifically fibre optic cabling and mobile communications masts. For existing buildings, it considers dispensing with procedural requirements for drilling through internal fire-resisting walls for fibre installation and installing or repairing mobile masts, while still requiring duty holders to meet standards of the Building Regulations 2010. Aiming to make regulatory processes proportionate and effective, freeing resources to focus on higher-risk work such as new builds and remediation projects, while retaining safeguards where safety risks are greatest.

Editor at 08:46, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T08:46:22Z

Show changes

Editor at 08:39, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T08:39:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:39, 12 February 2026
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	== In detail ==		== In detail ==

−	~~===~~ Policy paper: Fire engineering profession reform. 17 December ~~===~~	+	In December the newly appointed RIBA President Chris Williamson made an industry statement by not renewing his ARB registration for the title of architect. The move was the pre-curser to a wider campaign to highlight the absurdity’ of the ARB registration model and a call abolish Architects Act and establish new regulatory framework that focusses on competence and protects the role and function of the Architect aswell as the title of arcitect.
		+
		+	Policy paper: Fire engineering profession reform. 17 December

	The Fire Engineers Advisory Panel established in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry issued an Authoritative Statement defining the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of competent fire engineers, and plans to implement statutory regulation of the profession. Regulation to protect the title and core functions of fire engineers, particularly the development, delivery, and review of fire safety strategies, ensuring integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems to prevent fire, limit spread, and enable safe evacuation. Initially focused on higher-risk buildings, potentially expanding to other critical infrastructure, fire engineers will be held to regulatory, advisory, and operational standards. Professional, legal, and contractual duties to prioritise public safety, with clearer regulation to define responsibilities, interfaces between disciplines, and accountability. Competence to cover: technical knowledge in fire dynamics, prevention, human behaviour, building systems, and firefighting needs, with strong analytical and communication skills. The next phase involves a phased, managed transition to regulated, accountable profession, aiming to restore public trust and ensure consistently fire-safe outcomes across the built environment.		The Fire Engineers Advisory Panel established in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry issued an Authoritative Statement defining the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of competent fire engineers, and plans to implement statutory regulation of the profession. Regulation to protect the title and core functions of fire engineers, particularly the development, delivery, and review of fire safety strategies, ensuring integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems to prevent fire, limit spread, and enable safe evacuation. Initially focused on higher-risk buildings, potentially expanding to other critical infrastructure, fire engineers will be held to regulatory, advisory, and operational standards. Professional, legal, and contractual duties to prioritise public safety, with clearer regulation to define responsibilities, interfaces between disciplines, and accountability. Competence to cover: technical knowledge in fire dynamics, prevention, human behaviour, building systems, and firefighting needs, with strong analytical and communication skills. The next phase involves a phased, managed transition to regulated, accountable profession, aiming to restore public trust and ensure consistently fire-safe outcomes across the built environment.