Primary LegislationAct of Parliament

Building Safety Act 2022

Short: Building Safety Act 2022•Citation: 2022 c.30•Status:Current

At a Glance

Date Enacted: 28 April 2022
Enforcing Body: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) / Local Authority Building Control / Fire and Rescue Services
Maximum Penalty: Unlimited
Jurisdiction: England, Wales
Citation: 2022 c.30
Status: Current

Sign Types Affected

Fire ExitWayfinding

Hierarchy Level

Primary Legislation(3)Core Management Regulations(1)The Six Pack(6)Specialist Regulations(13)Standards(7)Guidance(0)

What This Means for You

The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) is a landmark piece of legislation enacted in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Its primary purpose is to overhaul building safety regulations, particularly for high-rise residential buildings (HRRBs), defined as buildings at least 18 metres in height or with at least seven storeys. While the BSA doesn't explicitly mandate new categories of safety signage, it significantly impacts existing signage requirements by increasing the focus on clarity, accessibility, and maintenance. The Act establishes a new regulatory regime with stricter accountability for building owners, developers, and managers. This includes a greater emphasis on providing residents with clear and accessible information about building safety risks and measures. This necessitates reviewing existing signage to ensure it effectively communicates fire safety procedures, evacuation routes, and the location of essential safety equipment. The BSA also introduces the concept of a 'golden thread' of information, which requires accurate and up-to-date records of building safety information, including signage plans and maintenance records. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe penalties.

Key Provisions

Part 4Higher-risk buildings

Enhanced requirements for signage in higher-risk buildings

Part 4 - Higher-risk buildings

Enhanced requirements for signage in higher-risk buildings

Signage Requirements

Signage indicating the location of fire-fighting equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, hose reels) must be clearly visible and compliant with BS EN ISO 7010.
Emergency escape route signage must be prominently displayed and easily understood, conforming to BS 5499 standards.
Signage providing information about fire safety procedures and evacuation plans must be readily accessible to residents and visitors.
Signage related to the 'golden thread' of information, such as QR codes linking to digital safety information, may be required in certain areas.
Signage indicating areas where specific activities are prohibited due to fire risk (e.g., smoking, storage of flammable materials) must be clearly displayed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inadequate or missing fire safety signage, particularly in communal areas and escape routes.
Outdated or inaccurate signage that does not reflect current fire safety procedures or building layouts.
Poorly maintained signage that is damaged, obscured, or difficult to read.
Failure to provide signage in accessible formats for people with disabilities (e.g., tactile signage for visually impaired individuals).
Lack of signage related to the 'golden thread' of information, such as QR codes or links to digital safety information.

Practical Next Steps

1Conduct a thorough fire risk assessment to identify all necessary signage requirements.
2Regularly inspect and maintain all fire safety signage to ensure it is in good condition and easily visible.
3Provide training to residents and staff on the meaning of fire safety signage and emergency procedures.
4Consult with a qualified fire safety professional to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
5Implement a system for updating signage whenever there are changes to building layouts, fire safety procedures, or emergency contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'golden thread' of information?

The 'golden thread' is a digital record of all building safety information, including design, construction, and ongoing maintenance, which must be readily accessible to relevant parties.

Does the Building Safety Act 2022 apply to all buildings?

While the Act has implications for all buildings, it primarily focuses on higher-risk residential buildings (HRRBs) that are at least 18 metres in height or have at least seven storeys.

Official Resources

View on legislation.gov.ukFull legal text

Related Regulations

Primary Legislation

HSWA 1974

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The foundational Act for all UK workplace health and safety law. Establishes general duties of employers to employees and the public.

View Full Details

Primary Legislation

Equality Act 2010

Requires service providers to make 'reasonable adjustments' including accessible signage.

View Full Details

Core Management Regulations

MHSWR 1999

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Core regulations requiring risk assessment. Signs are only required where risks cannot be avoided by other means.

HSG65Managing for health and safety View Full Details

Specialist Regulations

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

Post-Grenfell regulations requiring wayfinding signage in high-rise residential buildings.

View Full Details

Primary LegislationAct of Parliament

Building Safety Act 2022

Short: Building Safety Act 2022•Citation: 2022 c.30•Status:Current

At a Glance

Date Enacted: 28 April 2022
Enforcing Body: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) / Local Authority Building Control / Fire and Rescue Services
Maximum Penalty: Unlimited
Jurisdiction: England, Wales
Citation: 2022 c.30
Status: Current

Sign Types Affected

Fire ExitWayfinding

Hierarchy Level

Primary Legislation(3)Core Management Regulations(1)The Six Pack(6)Specialist Regulations(13)Standards(7)Guidance(0)

What This Means for You

Key Provisions

Part 4Higher-risk buildings

Enhanced requirements for signage in higher-risk buildings

Part 4 - Higher-risk buildings

Enhanced requirements for signage in higher-risk buildings

Signage Requirements

Signage indicating the location of fire-fighting equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, hose reels) must be clearly visible and compliant with BS EN ISO 7010.
Emergency escape route signage must be prominently displayed and easily understood, conforming to BS 5499 standards.
Signage providing information about fire safety procedures and evacuation plans must be readily accessible to residents and visitors.
Signage related to the 'golden thread' of information, such as QR codes linking to digital safety information, may be required in certain areas.
Signage indicating areas where specific activities are prohibited due to fire risk (e.g., smoking, storage of flammable materials) must be clearly displayed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inadequate or missing fire safety signage, particularly in communal areas and escape routes.
Outdated or inaccurate signage that does not reflect current fire safety procedures or building layouts.
Poorly maintained signage that is damaged, obscured, or difficult to read.
Failure to provide signage in accessible formats for people with disabilities (e.g., tactile signage for visually impaired individuals).
Lack of signage related to the 'golden thread' of information, such as QR codes or links to digital safety information.

Practical Next Steps

1Conduct a thorough fire risk assessment to identify all necessary signage requirements.
2Regularly inspect and maintain all fire safety signage to ensure it is in good condition and easily visible.
3Provide training to residents and staff on the meaning of fire safety signage and emergency procedures.
4Consult with a qualified fire safety professional to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
5Implement a system for updating signage whenever there are changes to building layouts, fire safety procedures, or emergency contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'golden thread' of information?

The 'golden thread' is a digital record of all building safety information, including design, construction, and ongoing maintenance, which must be readily accessible to relevant parties.

Does the Building Safety Act 2022 apply to all buildings?

While the Act has implications for all buildings, it primarily focuses on higher-risk residential buildings (HRRBs) that are at least 18 metres in height or have at least seven storeys.