At Wildheart Residential Management, we take the responsibility of Building Safety very seriously.

Anyone who remembers the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017 will be aware of just how important building safety is, particularly for taller, higher-risk buildings.

The public inquiry following Grenfell generated a list of recommendations to prevent a disaster like this from happening again. These recommendations led to the enactment of the Fire Safety Act of 2021 and the Building Safety Act of 2022 to safeguard residents living in higher-risk buildings.

Building Safety Implications for Owners

Although this legislation is of considerable benefit to residents, it also carries serious implications for building owners.

Any building owners and managers of buildings over 18 metres high or with seven or more storeys are required to demonstrate that they have effective, proportionate measures in place to manage safety risks.

The Fire Safety Act carries with it tough sanctions for non-compliance. Those not meeting their obligations may face criminal charges, which makes it imperative that legal requirements are adhered to.

Residents of higher-risk buildings also have more say in the management of their buildings, as there is a mandatory requirement for a Resident Engagement Strategy. Owners and managers of buildings have a duty to listen to the concerns of residents and to act on them.

The Building Safety Act necessitates naming the owner(s) of a higher risk building as the Principal Accountable Person (PAP), who has ultimate legal liability for the safety of the building and occupants. There are serious consequences for non-compliance, that could include criminal charges, making it essential for owners to use an agent that is knowledgeable and proactive in building safety measures. Wildheart can support the PAP to ensure that all necessary measures are complied with.

In consequence, the management of higher-risk buildings is not to be taken lightly.

In-House Building Safety Management at Wildheart

At Wildheart, we do not outsource our responsibility for building safety. Engaging external consultants can be considerably more costly to clients and carries with it the potential for gaps between advice and implementation.

Our in-house expertise puts Wildheart in a strong position to advise and support building owners in safeguarding residents and fulfilling their legal responsibilities.

Our technical director, Industry expert James Capper, spearheads our staff training to ensure that, at all levels of the company, Wildheart staff are knowledgeable and can support clients in understanding and implementing building safety responsibilities.

Unfortunately, fires can never be completely prevented, but steps can be put in place to minimise the risk of life and property damage resulting from a fire. At Wildheart, we are committed to doing everything possible to reduce risk.

Building Safety For Wildheart New Instructions

On taking on a new property, Wildheart never makes assumptions about existing fire safety measures. The first step with any new instruction is a thorough gap analysis to check everything that’s been handed over and to evaluate what’s missing.

Then, a thorough risk management plan is drawn up, including a plan for any major works that need to be carried out. We also draw up a long-term maintenance plan for the building.

Building safety risks are addressed and worked into these major works and long-term maintenance plans. Subsequently, regular inspections by your dedicated property manager will ensure that recommendations are being implemented on an ongoing basis.

Don’t leave your building safety to chance.

Contact us to find out how Wildheart can support you in your Building Safety strategy today.