Operational Standards Rules
The Explanatory Notes to the Draft Building Safety Bill, were initially published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government on 20 July 2020, and suggested that Operational Standards Rules are ‘Rules for local authorities and building control bodies setting out the performance requirements to be met in the exercise of their building control functions.’
The final relevant provisions for operational standards rules (OSRs) are set out in sections 58Z – 58Z10 of the Building Act 1984. The regulatory authority may revise the OSRs and publish those revisions at any time. The guidance 'operational standards rules' (OSRs) is also available from the UK government via the link.
OSRs apply to building control functions delivered by local authorities and registered building control approvers. The OSRs adopt the definitions within the act, including:
- building control functions in section 58Z (3)
- duty holder in schedule 1
- initial notice in section 47
- local authority in section 126
- regulatory authority in section 58A
- registered building control approver (RBCA) in section 58N
- registered building inspector (RBI) in section 58B
- restricted activities and functions in section 46A
Local authorities and RBCAs must comply with the OSRs. The regulatory authority may take action against those who fail to fulfil the requirements of the OSRs. The guidance 'operational standards rules' (OSRs) sets the detail of these, within four categories which are as follows:
- Systems and controls
- Persons involved in the delivery of building control functions
- Building control functions
- Enforcement and intervention
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.