Unlocking the Potential of Technology in Building Safety Compliance

The Building Safety Act is no longer just a distant plan, it’s now a big deal for everyone in the construction world. The deadline to register with the new Building Safety Regulator has passed, and the first remediation order under the Act has been issued. This shows how important it is to have a clear digital record of building information.

Now that the legislation is a reality, everyone involved in construction is thinking about how technology can help them not only comply but also thrive in a digital future. Here are four things to consider for organizations, at any stage of digital transformation, looking to make the most of the Building Safety Act era. But there are many more ways to improve workflows and add value, setting firms up for digital success in the years to come.

1. Find Your Golden Thread
The most important part of the Building Safety Act is creating a “golden thread of information” that shows what materials and processes were used to build the structure and how to keep it safe. This information needs to be accurate, understandable, and easily accessible to those who need it. Managing data is crucial to proving a building is safe throughout its lifespan. Using a common data environment (CDE) that is flexible and interoperable allows all collaborators on a building project to leave a strong digital paper trail.

2. Go Mobile
With mobile devices and collaboration software now widely available, it’s easier than ever to collect and upload data on site. This helps ensure that the golden thread is as strong as possible. Documents, models, drawings, photos, and trade-to-trade handovers all contribute to proving compliance during the build phase. Construction management software that works with various technologies allows workers to take advantage of advanced tools like reality capture and model-based overlays, enhancing workflows and adding value.

3. Add an Extra Dimension
Modern building sites are not just about bricks and mortar. Reality capture technology, which involves laser scanning and capturing a building, is becoming more common in innovative new builds. This process creates a point cloud file by combining measurements and imagery. Using mesh model software, teams can convert the file into a 3D model, accessible to project teams across all areas of the build. This gives stakeholders a visual, interactive view of the project’s progress from any location, making digital construction-led builds more transparent and traceable.

4. Interoperability is Key
Ensuring that all your data platforms and digital tools integrate and work together smoothly is crucial. In an industry that brings together so many different stakeholders, having a CDE to maintain a single source of truth can streamline workflows. Many platforms also incorporate application programming interfaces (APIs) to seamlessly integrate other applications and data sources. Getting this right is about sensible technology procurement and skills development. According to our research, 56% of UK construction firms that felt unprepared for the Building Safety Act blamed a lack of skilled people. Strengthening the talent pipeline and placing a greater emphasis on digital skills development is crucial to ensuring the Act lives up to its potential.

In conclusion, technology is only as useful as the people who can implement and maximise it. Strengthening the talent pipeline and placing a greater emphasis on digital skills development is pivotal to ensuring the Building Safety Act lives up to its potential. This is a real opportunity for UK construction to take the lead on digital and data standards that will result in safer and more sustainable buildings for all.