In a significant leap forward for fire safety and building management, the Building Safety Regulator has introduced an online portal which holds information of registered high-rise residential buildings (HRBs).

This pivotal move aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and safety standards across the board. Here’s everything you need to know about this new and important development and its implications for Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) and Accountable Persons (APs).

The newly launched HRB register portal is a one-stop solution for accessing comprehensive registration details of high-rise residential buildings. By simply entering a building’s postcode, stakeholders can retrieve vital information such as:

• Name and address of the building.
• Year of construction.
• Structural details, including height, number of storeys and residential units.
• Identification of the PAP and APs.

To explore the HRB register portal, click here.

If there’s a building that seemingly falls under the HRB category but isn’t listed on the portal, stakeholders are encouraged to reach out directly to the overseeing authority.

With the legislation introduced in January now fully operational, PAPs and APs face broader responsibilities. A critical component of these responsibilities is the preparation and declaration of a safety case report for each HRB managed. It’s important to note that while the actual report does not need to be submitted, the completion of this process must be communicated through the registration portal using the provided application number.

Moreover, the new legislation mandates the reporting of specific incidents or risks, termed ‘mandatory occurrences’, to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). To streamline this process, an online submission system has been established alongside a detailed guide to assist users. To view the guide, click here.

For an in-depth understanding of the legislative framework, refer to the following documents:

The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information, etc.) (England) Regulations 2024.pdf

The Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc) (England) Regulations 2023

Starting in April 2024, the process for obtaining a Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) will commence. PAPs will be directed to apply for their BAC by the BSR and will have a 28-day window to comply upon notification. The first phase of assessments will predominantly focus on buildings over 50 metres in height with more than 11 residential units, especially those with specific safety concerns like combustible cladding or outdated Large Panel System constructions.

Preparation for the BAC application involves several key steps:

• Engaging with residents on building safety matters. View the guidance here.
• Developing a comprehensive safety case report. View the guidance here.
• Implementing a mandatory occurrence reporting system. View the guidance here.

A range of resources, including a toolkit with practical examples and a campaign website featuring resident engagement case studies, have been made available to aid PAPs in these tasks. To view the toolkit, click here.

The registration portal now offers the functionality to self-serve amendments to submitted applications, providing flexibility and control over the information provided. Changes to registration or key building details can be made within specified timeframes post-submission.

For additional guidance on the registration process and portal usage, including fee details and user management tips, visit the official guidance website here.

This initiative represents a monumental step towards a safer, more transparent future for high-rise residential living. By embracing these new regulations and leveraging the available resources, we can collectively ensure the well-being of residents and the integrity of our urban landscapes.

Ashton Fire remains committed to supporting our clients and partners through this transition, offering expert guidance and solutions aligned with the latest fire safety standards.

We’re here to support you if you need help with your registration.  Contact Rachel Dobson or Rebecca Usher to discuss further.

Together, let’s make the world a better, safer place.