The construction industry is set undergoing significant transformation following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, a new piece of legislation that will have a profound impact on the sector. Introduced in April 2022, the Act places new requirements on developers, contractors, and suppliers, requiring them to take a more rigorous approach to building safety. In this blog post, we will explore the key implications of the Building Safety Act and explain how FGF can help support contractors in meeting these new requirements.

What is the Building Safety Act?

The Building Safety Act is a piece of legislation that was introduced in response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Act places new obligations on those involved in the design, construction, and management of high-rise residential buildings. It introduces a new regulatory regime for the construction and occupation of buildings, including the appointment of a Building Safety Regulator, who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the new requirements.

How will the Building Safety Act impact the construction industry and its supply chain?

The Building Safety Act will have a significant impact on the construction industry and its supply chain. Developers, contractors, and suppliers will need to take a more rigorous approach to building safety, ensuring that their products and services meet the new requirements. This will include demonstrating that materials are fire-resistant, and that supply chains are transparent and traceable.

The Act will also require contractors to appoint a Building Safety Manager, responsible for overseeing the safety of the building during construction and ensuring that all necessary safety measures are in place. This will place new demands on contractors, who will need to demonstrate their competency in managing the safety of the building during the construction phase.

How can specialist distributor FGF help support contractors?

As a specialist distributor of construction products and manufacturer of materials, FGF is well placed to support contractors in meeting the new requirements of the Building Safety Act.

FGF Managing Director Kristy Driver-Gray stated “the introduction of the Building Safety Act is a positive development for the industry, as it places a greater emphasis on safety and transparency in the supply chain. At FGF, we are committed to supporting our customers in meeting these new requirements, and ensuring that our products and services meet the necessary safety standards.  Through our strong relationships with a range of manufacturing partners along with our own fabrication facilities, we are able to supply the entire package of façade components.  The products we supply, along with the specialist knowledge and expertise of our dedicated teams, mean our clients get the support they need to meet the new regulatory safety standards, along with all the materials required for the job.”

Conclusion

The Building Safety Act is set to have a profound impact on the construction industry and its supply chain. Contractors will need to take a more rigorous approach to building safety, ensuring that their products and services meet the new regulatory requirements. Specialist distributor FGF is well-placed to support contractors in meeting these new requirements, offering a range of high-quality, fire-resistant materials and support services designed to ensure that contractors can meet the new demands of the Act.

To delve deeper into the topic, you can access an introduction to the Building Safety Act provided by the Finishes and Interiors Sector Trade Association. The FIS serves as the representative organisation for the finishes and interiors sector, which is valued at £10 billion in the UK. To access the introduction, click here.