WOBO recognises the activities of the UK Health and Safety Executive, many of which may be applied in the global setting.
Ensuring high-rise safety – Take a look at building control in action.
We have published a series of videos where Philip White, BSR’s Chief Inspector of Buildings shares insights into our role at the heart of Gateway 2 – the pivotal stage in building control for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in England.
The videos and accompanying article explain the rigorous new application process and the need for higher-quality applications to ensure resident safety and avoid costly future issues.
The need for higher-quality applications to ensure resident safety and avoid costly future issues is also emphasised, along with the useful resources BSR has made available for applicants.
Visit our Building Safety website to view the videos
Why BSR’s work is so important: Building control case study – A case study is now available showing how BSR identified critical fire safety failings.
The case study is from a newly built high-rise residential building in London, prior to occupation. Issues included:
- firefighting facilities
- suppression systems
- smoke control
- power supplies
- evacuation measures
These echoed concerns from another development.
Occupation was stopped until all deficiencies were rectified – ensuring residents moved into a building meeting the highest safety standards.
Visit our website to download and read the case study
Building control: online portal update – Those making building control applications to BSR can benefit from an upgrade to the portal used to upload building safety documents.
The portal now allows applicants to create folders for their submissions and supporting evidence – making it easier for applicants to track their submissions and then for BSR to assess.
The update is available for any applications that were submitted after 1 April 2025.
Find out more about making an application
Updated building control guidance – After listening to user’s experiences, we’ve improved guidance for HRB building control approval.
Visit GOV.UK to view:
Building Assessment Certificates: useful resources – Updated resources for Accountable Persons applying for Building Assessment Certificates.
We’ve updated our guide for high-rise Accountable and Principal Accountable Persons (APs/PAPs) who are making, or will make in the future, an application for a Building Assessment Certificate (BAC).
BACs are issued to PAPs who, when asked to apply, demonstrate meeting specific legal Building Safety Act 2022 duties relating to the spread of fire and structural failure at that time.
The online guide covers the application and assessment process, as well as what happens if a BAC is issued or not.
A range of useful resources, links to guidance and 2 webinars are also available.
HSE launches revised bloodborne virus guidance – HSE has published extensively revised guidance on managing bloodborne virus (BBV) hazards in workplaces.
The guidance has been refreshed following feedback from the National AIDS Trust and other topic experts. It will help employers identify if BBV hazards exist in their workplace and provides practical tips on risk assessment.
The updated guidance also:
- outlines simple preventative measures
- explains actions to take following accidental workplace exposure
- includes information for specific groups of workers that may be exposed to BBVs due to the use of sharps, such as those working in healthcare, beauty and tattooing
Content not directly relevant to workplace settings has been removed and the revised guidance now features:
- a streamlined structure for easier navigation
- references to authoritative clinical sources, including the NHS and UK Health Security Agency
Visit the revised guidance on bloodborne viruses