Building Safety Act Regulations: Nigerian Built Environment Perspective

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents a significant milestone in enhancing building safety standards and practices. As the construction industry continues to evolve, compliance with this legislation is paramount to create a safer and more accountable built environment.

The Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people in 2017 was the result of a chain of failures by governments, “dishonest” companies and a lack of strategy by the fire service, the final report of the six-year public inquiry concluded.

IN NIGERIA, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

Building collapses in Nigeria have reached a critical point. Over the past 50 years, Nigeria has witnessed a staggering 604 building collapses, with Lagos State emerging as the epicentre of this crisis, according to the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG).

The Act places a greater responsibility on construction companies and building owners for guaranteeing that the correct safety measures are in place throughout the lifecycle of a building. Non-compliance can have significant consequences, including reputational damage and legal action.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT

The Principal Accountable Person (PAP) for each building has significant responsibilities:

• Compliance with regulations – comply with all relevant building codes, regulations and standards.
• Professional competence – possess appropriate skills, qualifications and experience, kept up to date.
• Design and construction oversight – ensure design plans and construction work meet safety requirements.
• Risk assessment – identify hazards and take measures to mitigate them.
• Quality assurance – ensure materials, methods and workmanship meet the required standards.
• Inspection and certification – verify compliance at various stages of construction.
• Continuing professional development – keep learning about building safety practices.
• Ethical conduct – honesty, integrity and accountability.
• Reporting and documentation – maintain accurate records, reports and certifications.
• Collaboration and communication – work effectively with architects, engineers, contractors and regulators.

CHALLENGES FACED BY PAPs

Ultimate accountability for building safety rests with the PAP and can never be fully delegated away. PAPs are generally building owners and managers, not constructors, and face challenges including the complexity of compliance, delegation, liability concerns, resource constraints, a changing regulatory landscape and technological challenges.

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN THREAD AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

“The Golden Thread is both the information that allows you to understand a building and the steps needed to keep both the building and the people safe, now and in the future.” It ensures building owners have well-documented, accurate evidence of their risk assessments and safety arrangements, bringing all information together in a single source of truth.

The Act also features “gateways” – hold points requiring assurance before building work can commence, before a building can be certified complete, and before it can be occupied.

In conclusion, the built environment in Nigeria needs to review regional and urban planning laws to accommodate future city developments, and the Federal Ministries of Housing and Urban Development, Environment and Works have a vital role to play in creating a safer and liveable environment for all in Nigeria. Competence standards provide a structured approach to ensuring individuals and organizations have the skills, knowledge and behaviours to manage buildings safely.

For more information or to explore how CIOB NIGERIA HUB can support your profession and businesses, please contact our team: info@ciobnigeriahub.org or call +2347064420135