Susan Roaf’s Post

And stop the pressure being applied by housing advocates and the development industry to build cheaper, less safe housing by removing 2nd exits from low to mid rise multi-residential buildings. This should not be done. It’s a literal and figurative race to the bottom. And it should not be done without the addition of requirements for non-combustible construction and fire suppression systems. No new building should be less safe than before.

The construction industry is abuzz with the recent update to the Building Regulations, especially around "higher-risk buildings." It's a big change, and how we handle it will be key to success in the coming years – for both companies and individuals.     Let's unpack what this means for higher-risk buildings: stricter fire safety measures, robust structural design, and improved building performance. These are all positive steps for safety, but also present challenges like potentially higher costs and a need for a more skilled workforce. #buildingregulations #UKbuildingcompliance #UKbuildingsafety #newbuildingsafetyregime #UKsafetyact

Its New Homes Week – 26th February – 4th March 2024. At Ablemarsh Safety Consultants, we work a lot with the construction industry on new build projects, and we feel new homes offer several advantages from a health and safety aspect: 🏘 They are constructed according to the latest building codes and regulations, which often incorporate updated safety standards. This ensures the structural integrity of the building, making structural failures or collapses less likely, and that fire safety, electrical systems, and plumbing meet the required standards, reducing the risk of accidents and hazards. 🏘 They are built using modern construction materials that are designed to be more resilient and resistant to environmental hazards. They may use fire-resistant materials, advanced insulation for better temperature control and energy efficiency, and mould-resistant materials for improved indoor air quality.   🏘 They often incorporate the latest advancements in technology, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and programmable thermostats.  Investing in a new home can provide homeowners with a safer and healthier living environment for themselves and their families. If you have any aspect of health and safety that you would like to discuss, please get in touch. #london #croydon #southeast #ablemarshsafetyconsultants #happyhealthyandsafe #healthandsafetyconsultancy  #safetyprofessionals #healthandsafety #constructionsafety #constructiondesign #cdm #newhomes #sustainableconstruction #environmentalimpact #energyconservation  #newhomes #homebuying #newconstruction #modernliving  

Its New Homes Week – 26th February – 4th March 2024. At Ablemarsh Safety Consultants, we work a lot with the construction industry on new build projects, and we feel new homes offer several advantages from a health and safety aspect: 🏘 They are constructed according to the latest building codes and regulations, which often incorporate updated safety standards. This ensures the structural integrity of the building, making structural failures or collapses less likely, and that fire safety, electrical systems, and plumbing meet the required standards, reducing the risk of accidents and hazards. 🏘 They are built using modern construction materials that are designed to be more resilient and resistant to environmental hazards. They may use fire-resistant materials, advanced insulation for better temperature control and energy efficiency, and mould-resistant materials for improved indoor air quality.   🏘 They often incorporate the latest advancements in technology, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and programmable thermostats.  Investing in a new home can provide homeowners with a safer and healthier living environment for themselves and their families. If you have any aspect of health and safety that you would like to discuss, please get in touch. #london #croydon #southeast #ablemarshsafetyconsultants #happyhealthyandsafe #healthandsafetyconsultancy  #safetyprofessionals #healthandsafety #constructionsafety #constructiondesign #cdm #newhomes #sustainableconstruction #environmentalimpact #energyconservation  #newhomes #homebuying #newconstruction #modernliving  

The importance of adhering to building codes and standards cannot be overstated. Your comprehensive overview highlights the critical need for ethical practices and collective responsibility within the construction industry.

The construction industry is a cornerstone of our society, providing essential infrastructure and shaping our built environment. But when corners are cut and regulations ignored, the consequences can be devastating. Illegal constructions, improper design, and the use of unapproved materials are ticking time bombs waiting to explode. The Perils of Ignoring Building Codes: Building codes exist for a reason. They establish minimum safety standards for structural integrity, fire resistance, and overall building stability. Ignoring these codes in favor of illegal construction methods creates a recipe for disaster. Structural Failure: Improper foundations, inadequate load-bearing elements, and the use of weak materials can lead to catastrophic structural collapse. This can happen due to overloading, natural disasters, or even everyday stresses. Fire Hazards: Building codes mandate the use of fire-resistant materials and proper fire suppression systems. Unapproved materials can act as fuel, and poorly designed buildings can become death traps in a fire. Health Risks: Uncontrolled construction practices can lead to exposure to dangerous materials like asbestos or lead. Additionally, improper ventilation and moisture control can create breeding grounds for mold and other health hazards. The High Cost of Cheap Materials: The allure of saving money on materials can be tempting. But using unapproved or substandard materials is a false economy. These materials are often structurally unsound, more susceptible to fire, and can deteriorate quickly. The eventual cost of repairs, replacements, or even worse, a complete rebuild, far outweighs any initial savings. Protecting Ourselves and Our Communities: The construction industry has a collective responsibility to prioritize safety and quality. Here's what we can do: Architects and Engineers: Uphold ethical practices and refuse to be pressured into compromising designs. Contractors: Always follow building codes and use only approved materials. Authorities: Strictly enforce regulations and hold violators accountable. Homeowners: Do your research, hire reputable contractors, and demand adherence to building codes. By working together, we can ensure that our buildings are safe havens, not potential disaster zones. #construction #buildingsafety #buildingcodes #engineering #architecture #contractor #safetyfirst #disasterprevention

What are building regulations? Navigating the world of construction? Here’s the lowdown on building regulations: Building regulations are minimum standards for design, construction, and alterations to virtually every building. These regulations are developed by the UK government and approved by Parliament. Safety First: • These are minimum standards for design, construction, and alterations to almost every building. • Developed by the UK government and approved by Parliament. Approved Documents: • Supported by Approved Documents—a set of standards and guidance. • Cover everything from fire safety to ventilation, drainage, and more. Why Care?: • Compliance ensures buildings are safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient. • Mitigates their contribution to carbon emissions. Remember, understanding building regs is key to creating safe and sustainable spaces! 🌟🏠 Smart decisions lead to successful mortgages! ☎️ Call 01239 727990 or 07508 147884 📩 Email [email protected] #ConstructionStandards #SafetyFirst #SustainableBuildings

The Dangerous Comfort of "Not Making Things Worse" In projects involving refurbishment of exisitng buildings, I sometimes hear a phrase that makes me uneasy: "It's an existing condition and we aren't making things any worse therefore its acceptable for fire safety". This argument frequently cites UK Building Regulation 4(3), with an implied suggestion we dont need to adhere to / explicitly consider Regulations B1-B5 - the fundamental requirements for providing suitable means of escape, fire service access, and other important fire safety measures. But here's rub: The "not making things worse" defense rests entirely on the assumption that the current provisions are acceptable. Yet this assumption is often untested and unverified: if a building hasn't been benchmarked against current fire design guidance or peformance assessed in some way to demonstrate suitability, how can we be certain its existing fire safety provisions are adequate? An existing bad condition doesn't become acceptable simply because it's "existing" or its not within the current scope of works. When we refurbish buildings, design teams have a unique opportunity - and I'd argue, an obligation - to address deficiencies and enhance safety standards holistically. There are of course limits in scopes of projects, budgets, and building designs which present very real barriers to doing this. So perhaps the only tangible way this can be acheived is through regulatory change and, in the interim, having the courage to voice "out of scope" concerns, along with a culture shift of not hiding behind regulatory minimums.

Useful summary of the UK National Audit Office report on dangerous cladding here on the Designing Buildings Wiki: https://lnkd.in/e2JGX4Js #cladding #buildingsafety #claddingscandal

Is this the "long-awaited second staircase guidance" from the Building Safety Regulator? [https://lnkd.in/eWTXpFqF] or a stepping stone to further work ... This research, on behalf of the BSR, provides a "technical review of statutory guidance for evacuation strategies and fire safety in buildings in England given by Approved Document B." "This work measures evacuation performance using representative scenarios, including challenging building smoke movement situations. It is informed by an understanding of the physical design measures in buildings that support evacuation and behavioural factors that influence occupant movement and decision-making." Its interesting stuff, with recommendation for further work ... #firesafety #consistentcollaborativecompliance #HRB #highrise #buildingcontrol #buildingregulations #construction #architects