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A new course from the CIOB Academy is equipping construction professionals with essential knowledge about the Building Safety Act 2022 to ensure they are aware of their own and other duty holders’ responsibilities
The new Building Safety Act: Awareness eLearning module is aimed at anyone working in the construction industry.
It provides an overview of the various changes brought about by the Building Safety Act (BSA) and what professionals in the sector need to know beyond higher-risk buildings.
It has been produced by Equans in collaboration with Build UK and its members, including Skanska, Willmott Dixon, RLB, Mace and 3B Training.
Paul Young FCIOB, CIOB trustee and head of operational excellence at Equans, has helped develop the course, which he believes will benefit people across all roles within construction.
“We are delighted to work with CIOB to deliver this course, which I think offers a proactive, effective way to convey how the new Act applies to almost everyone working in the built environment,” Young says.
“The Act is not only for those working on higher risk buildings, which is a common misconception.”
Competence and compliance
To complement the legal perspective of the Act, it is important to understand what compliance and competence look like, why this is the right thing to do and how the Act applies to everyone in practice.
“The BSA awareness module touches on many different aspects of the built environment, the new bodies created and what it means for the many different roles in contracting, consulting and indeed for the small business owner and sole trader,” Young adds.
[This course] offers a proactive, effective way to convey how the new Act applies to almost everyone working in the built environment. The Act is not only for those working on higher risk buildings, which is a common misconception
“Working with my colleagues from Equans and representatives from Build UK, we developed this initial BSA awareness course drawing on our industry knowledge and experience.”
The 90-minute online course is structured around four key areas, including an introduction to the Building Safety Act 2022, Building Safety Act legislation, roles and scope, and the ‘golden thread’.
By the end of the course, participants are expected to be able to demonstrate competence in relation to the Building Safety Act 2022, define relevant legislation around building safety and understand its impact on their roles and responsibilities.
Eddie Tuttle, CIOB’s director of policy, external affairs and research, says the course will not only support CIOB members but also people across the construction industry to achieve a better understanding of the new building safety regulations.
“The Building Safety Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation impacting the built environment in a very long time and it is vital people are well informed and able to comply,” Tuttle tells CIOB People.
“A big part of our role here at CIOB is to support our members and the wider industry on adapting to new rules and regulations and to create a built environment that is safe for all.
“We hope this new course will help those who aren’t currently up to speed to become more comfortable with what the Building Safety Act means for them.”
Fire safety courses
In addition to the Building Safety Act: Awareness eModule, the CIOB Academy also offers courses designed to enhance knowledge about fire safety. The level 6 qualifications have been developed by CIOB’s education team and include fire safety elements delivered by fire safety engineers.
- CIOB Level 6 Diploma in Building Safety Management – A six-unit diploma covering the knowledge and skills to manage building safety in line with the new legislation and regulations
- CIOB Level 6 Certificate in Fire Safety in Construction – A seven-month course on effectively managing and implementing fire safety systems, enhancing the safety of building occupants and complying with fire safety laws to reduce the occurrence of fires
- Fire Safety During Construction – A 16-week level 4 course including four units covering fire safety legislation and competency, fire safety considerations during construction under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, building design considerations, and fire science. It is aimed at construction professionals who require an improved understanding of their fire safety obligations under the Construction, Design and Management Regulations within the current Fire Safety Legislation.
- CDM15 Principal Designer – A new one-day Principal Designer Awareness course providing the knowledge and tools needed to fulfil the role of principal designer in construction projects. It is delivered by health and safety veteran Stephen Coppin.
- The Local Authority Building Control also delivers a level 6 certificate in fire safety in complex buildings, which is awarded by CIOB. The course is aimed at experienced building control officers who have responsibility for ensuring the fire safety of complex high-risk projects.
What is the CIOB Academy?
Founded in 2017, the CIOB Academy provides professional development resources in the construction sector.
Courses and expertise being offered cover a wide range to suit different roles and levels – from a certified specialist in low-carbon and green construction, building safety, BIM and big data, to those for a future leader in management and business strategy.
The Academy also offers CPD, apprenticeships, technical publications and Academy Zones – a range of information and resources on core areas of built environment work.
To date, more than 35,000 built environment professionals have gained qualifications, improved their practical skills and worked towards Chartered Membership through the Academy.
You can find out more about the CIOB Academy here.
