Resources Key Building Information for Higher Risk Buildings – The Ultimate Guide
Intro
As part of the new Building Safety Act 2022, higher-risk buildings (HRBs) must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator, along with the submission of Key Building Information.
From 1 October 2023, it will be an offence for an occupied HRB not to be registered, and Key Building Information must be submitted within 28 days as the registration application.
But, what exactly counts as Key Building Information?
And, who is responsible for collecting and submitting it?
This guide aims to break it all down in the most straightforward way possible.
What is Key Building Information?
In short, Key Building Information refers to the specific information about a higher-risk building, including the building’s use, materials, structure, energy supply and emergency strategies.
Is my building a Higher-Risk Building (HRB)?
If you’re unsure if your building is classed as a HRB, check out this guide, where we demystify the concept of higher-risk buildings in occupation and provide clear guidance to help you determine whether your building falls into this category
What should you include in your Key Building Information?
Materials
External wall materials
- What material(s) are used in the external walls?
For example, vinyl, wood, composite, stone, fibre cement, aluminium or steel.
If there’s more than one material, you must state the percentage of each material.
Insulation materials
- What material(s) is used in the composition of the insulation?
For example, fibreglass, mineral wool, cellulose, natural fibres, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane or perlite.
Again, if there’s more than one material, you must state the percentage of each material.
Roofing materials
- What is the main material(s) used in the part of the roof that provides a waterproof covering?
Again, if there’s more than one material, you must state the percentage of each material.
- Is there a separate layer of insulation?
- Is the roof pitched or flat, or a combination of both?
Fixtures
- Are there any fixtures attached to the external walls or roofs?
- What type of fixtures are attached to the external walls and roofs?
For example, air conditioners, fans, heating systems, light fixtures, security systems, smoke detectors or architectural ornaments.
- What is the main material(s) of these fixtures?
Structure
- What is the main material(s) used in the structure of the HRB?
For example, reinforced concrete, masonry, timber or steel.
- What structural design does the building have in order to comply with Part A (Structure) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010?
Storeys and staircases
- How many storeys below ground level are there in the HRB?
- How many staircases are there in the HRB?
- How many of the staircases serve as part of the same flight of stairs, the storey at ground level and every storey above it?
Energy
- What type of energy supply does the HRB have?
For example, oil, gas or electric.
- What type of energy storage system does the HRB have?
Emergency Planning
- What is the evacuation strategy in place for the HRB?
- What is the fire and smoke control equipment within the HRB? This excludes equipment provided by residents for their own personal use.
For example, fire escapes, fire doors, emergency lights, sprinkler systems or smoke ventilation systems.
- Where is this equipment located?
Who is responsible for producing, collecting and managing Key Building Information?
Principal Accountable Person
The Principal Accountable Person (PAP) is responsible for submitting Key Building Information to the Building Safety Regulator.
The PAP is the person or company with the overall responsibility for the HRB, such as the building owner, or principal contractor.
If you’re the PAP of multiple HRBs, you must provide the Building Safety Regulator with Key Building Information for each HRB you’re responsible for.
Accountable Person(s)
Accountable Persons (APs) could also be responsible for specific areas, aspects or systems in the building.
An AP is responsible for the common parts of the building that they hold a legal estate in possession or repairing obligation.
See the full definition of an Accountable Person here.
In this case, the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) should collaborate with the APs to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is collected, managed and submitted.
When should Key Building Information be submitted?
The PAP should submit Key Building Information to the Building Safety Regulator within 28 days of registering their HRB.
The deadline for registering all existing occupied HRBs is 1 October 2023.
After this, whenever there are any changes to the Key Building Information, the PAP must notify the regulator within 28 days of becoming aware of the change.
Likewise, the APs must notify the PAP of any changes to the Key Building Information for their specific areas, systems or parts within 28 days of being aware of the change.
If a PAP requests specific information from the AP, they must provide it as soon as is “reasonably practicable” from the date of the request.
How should Key Building Information be submitted?
According to the new legislation, Key Building Information must be provided to the regulator in electronic form.
Operance is the world’s first purpose-built golden thread platform, built with a specific feature for developing the information you need to register your HRB(s) and submit Key Building Information.
Other companies are already using Operance to define, curate, access and maintain their building information:
“Operance is revolutionising our handover information, it saves us money and creates a real wow factor for our clients.” – Higgins
“RLB has found working with Operance to be a great experience. Their software solutions and forward-thinking approach has helped support RLB’s continuing success. The expertise, professionalism and commitment to excellence of Operance make them leaders in their field.” – RLB
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