New Role of Appointed Person: Improving High-Rise Safety

The role of the Appointed Person was created as part of broader safety reforms aimed at addressing safety gaps in high-rise buildings. The need for this role became particularly evident following several incidents that highlighted the inadequacy of existing safety measures. The regulations stem from the Building Safety Act and are in direct response to the Hackitt Review, which identified key areas for improvement in the safety management of high-rise buildings.

The Appointed Person is tasked with ensuring that buildings over 18 meters tall (or those with seven or more storeys) comply with stringent safety standards. This includes ensuring proper fire safety systems, conducting regular structural checks, and having well-established emergency preparedness plans in place.

To take on the role of Appointed Person, individuals must possess expertise in several critical areas, including:

• Building Safety Management & Risk Assessment: The ability to evaluate and manage potential risks to the safety of high-rise buildings.

• Fire Safety Regulations: Knowledge of fire safety systems and their specific application in high-rise environments.

• Structural Safety: Understanding the structural integrity of buildings and performing routine inspections.

• Emergency Preparedness: Skills in planning and executing effective emergency response strategies for buildings.

The Appointed Person has a wide range of responsibilities, each aimed at maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all building occupants. Some of the key duties include:

• Fire Safety Oversight: Ensuring that fire safety systems, including alarms, sprinklers, and evacuation plans, are up to date and fully functional.

• Structural Safety Monitoring: Conducting regular structural inspections to detect any potential building safety issues, such as wear and tear, material degradation, or design flaws, and coordinating timely repairs.

• Risk Assessments: Regularly assessing the building for potential safety hazards and implementing safety mitigation measures where necessary.

• Legislative Compliance: Ensuring that the building adheres to relevant building safety regulations, including the Building Safety Act, the Fire Safety Act, and Building Regulations.

• Emergency Preparedness: Overseeing the creation, implementation, and practice of emergency response plans for high-rise buildings, ensuring that all staff are trained and prepared to act in the event of an emergency.

• Resident Communication: Keeping residents informed about building safety protocols, maintenance schedules, and any changes in safety procedures, ensuring clear communication between management and occupants.

The introduction of the Appointed Person role represents a crucial step toward preventing safety incidents in high-rise buildings and maintaining high standards in building safety. By designating a specific individual to oversee building safety, authorities hope to foster a culture of proactive safety management, where safety is continuously monitored and risks are mitigated before they can become threats.

With the responsibilities and expertise required, the Appointed Person plays a vital role in protecting the lives of residents, workers, and visitors, and ultimately contributes to the safer management of high-rise residential buildings and commercial buildings across the country.

By ensuring that these buildings are constantly aligned with the latest safety standards for high-rise buildings, the Appointed Person helps to ensure that high-rise living remains safe and secure for all occupants.