Early partnering is key to solving legislation challenges
Early collaboration between project partners is an important first step
to achieving smooth project completion under new legislation, says leading
cable supplier AEI Cables.
The new Building Safety Act – introduced in October
2023 – makes new stringent requirements for higher-risk buildings which are
those deemed to be of at
least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two
residential units.
However, AEI Cables says that by collaborating
early in the process, supply chain partners can work efficiently to meet the
new demands of the legislation.
The systems in these buildings powered by
electrical cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire
services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We recognize the issues
presented by the new legislation for all those working in the built environment
but by working closely together early in the process we believe we can overcome
a lot of the challenges.
“We are finding that collaboration amongst our partners really works and
leads to a much more streamlined, efficient process.”
The Building Safety Regulator will oversee the
safety and performance of all buildings, as well as having a special focus on
high-rise buildings. It will promote competence and organisational capability
within the sector including for building control professionals and
tradespeople.
Building owners should now have their building safety regime in place
and any occupied higher-risk buildings should be registered with the Building
Safety Regulator.
AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC
and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD,
Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For
more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191
410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk.