Building Safety Act Compliance Readiness Checklist

The Building Safety Act 2022 applies to higher-risk buildings in England that are at least 18 metres in height or have 7 or more storeys and contain at least 2 residential units. This includes purpose-built blocks of flats, mixed-use buildings with residential units, and care homes or hospitals meeting the height criteria. Building managers, freeholders, and management companies responsible for these buildings must comply with the Act's requirements.

Non-compliance with the Building Safety Act can result in criminal prosecution. Accountable Persons who fail to meet their duties face unlimited fines and, for the most serious offences, imprisonment of up to 2 years. The Building Safety Regulator also has powers to issue compliance notices, take enforcement action, and in extreme cases, apply to the courts for special measures orders. Even without prosecution, non-compliance can lead to civil liability if a safety incident occurs.

Building safety documentation should be reviewed at least annually as a minimum. However, reviews should also be triggered by any significant change to the building (such as refurbishment works, changes to fire safety systems, or changes in use), after any safety occurrence, and when requested by the Building Safety Regulator. The Safety Case Report, fire risk assessments, and golden thread information all require regular review to remain current and compliant.

The golden thread is the digital record of building safety information that must be created, maintained, and kept up to date throughout the lifecycle of a higher-risk building. It includes design and construction information, fire safety data, structural safety information, and records of all changes made to the building. The golden thread ensures that accurate, up-to-date information about a building's safety is always available to those who need it, including the Building Safety Regulator, Accountable Persons, and residents.

While the Building Safety Act does not mandate specific software, it does require that golden thread information is kept digitally in a searchable and accessible format. Using purpose-built compliance software helps building managers track fire risk assessment actions, manage mandatory occurrence reports, maintain the golden thread, engage with residents, and prepare for BSR assessments. Spreadsheets and manual processes become increasingly difficult to manage as the volume of compliance obligations grows, particularly for organisations managing multiple higher-risk buildings.