Chartered Institute of Building releases new building safety guide

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has released a free guide designed to assist construction clients in understanding their legal obligations under Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022. The resource is intended for individuals commissioning building work on behalf of businesses, charities, public bodies, or other non-domestic organizations.

The guide outlines legal duties and helps identify which projects fall under Building Regulations. It includes a recommended checklist for clients to use before projects begin, covering essential steps such as verifying expert competence, establishing compliance management processes, and determining if a project is classified as a high-risk building.

Ayo Allu, Chair of CIOB’s Client Steering Group, noted that clients are now expected to play a more active role in ensuring projects are planned and managed in compliance with safety and quality standards. While technical expertise is not required, clients must make informed decisions, appoint competent personnel, provide necessary information to contractors, and maintain records throughout the project lifecycle.