Building Safety Act Plans

Building safety impacts everybody, and never was that more apparent than amidst the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017. Safety standards across the construction industry rightly came under substantial fire in the initial aftermath of the incident, and that scrutiny led to the introduction of the Building Safety Act of 2022, which included a strict new regime for building compliance.

This legislation was introduced alongside other precautionary measures like the Fire Safety Act of 2021, to improve the design, construction and management of high-risk buildings (HRBs). The Building Safety Act has single-handedly rewritten building processes in the UK, and has increased individual responsibility via what’s known as a ‘golden thread of information’. Surveys that make it possible to collect, analyse, and interpret geomatic data throughout building projects play a key role in Building Safety Act compliance. In this article, we consider the different ways surveys, and specifically geomatics, ensure accountability and safety throughout the construction lifecycle.

Understanding the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act has turned construction processes in the UK on their heads and serves as a comprehensive framework for safety across the building lifecycle using a gateway process of approval.

While the secondary legislature is ongoing, the current Act applies to HRBs that contain at least two residential dwellings and are over seven storeys in height. This includes apartment blocks, hospitals, and care homes amongst other property types. While it was first introduced in 2022, the Act was fully implemented in October 2023. It’s now an offence not to register an applicable building with the Building Safety Regulator. After registration, property owners must submit in-depth structural and safety information.

Gateway Approvals

The Regulator then oversees the entire lifecycle across ‘gateways’ which currently include:

• Gateway One: The planning phase, including architectural drawings, survey reports, etc.
• Gateway Two: The building control application and works phase.
• Gateway Three: Completion and handover.

An accountable person should track this information or face criminal charges, including registering new buildings before occupation and cooperating with regulator requests regarding surveys and inspections.

What is the Digital Golden Thread?

British engineer Dame Judith Hackitt introduced the concept of a digital golden thread, a secure source of truth covering a property’s entire lifespan. It begins in the planning stages and applies to all stakeholders—construction workers, engineers, architects and contractors—ensuring accountability and safety throughout.

The Role of Geomatics in Building Safety Compliance

Geomatics refers to collecting, analysing and presenting geographic data via GIS, GPS, photogrammetry and surveying. Cutting-edge technologies like laser scanning and digital twin creation provide real-time 3D data to support compliance.

• Informed site selection: Considering environmental risks and space constraints.
• Identifying hazards: Monitoring floods, fires and other threats.
• Data-driven decisions: Accounting for terrain and obstacles.
• As-built & verification surveys: Checking compliance at each project stage.

As-Built Surveys and The Golden Thread

As-built surveys are detailed record drawings after completion, essential for architectural comparisons, maintenance and future works. They document modifications—drainage plans, fire escape routes, underground sewers—forming a key part of the golden thread.

• Floor plans
• Building sections
• Elevations (windows, doors)
• Overall site plans
• Roof & reflected ceiling plans

Construction Verification Surveys

Verification surveys compare as-built construction with design intent, capturing real-time data that underpins the golden thread and catches issues early. Key checks include defects, tolerance compliance and structural accuracy.

Technology and Collaboration

The Act mandates one secure digital golden thread. Geomatic tech like remote sensing and GIS gather data, while BIM enables collaboration, simulations and clash detection.

The Role of Surveyors in BIM Integration

BIM surveyors deliver models across Levels of Development (LoD 100–500), providing traceable proof of materials and lifecycle changes:

• LoD 100 – Conceptual
• LoD 200 – Generic
• LoD 300 – Specific assemblies
• LoD 400 – Detailed assemblies
• LoD 500 – As-built

Perfect Your Building Safety Act Plans With Castle Surveys Ltd.

Compliance with the evolving Act is complex. At Castle Surveys Ltd, we simplify plans through expert geomatic services—from planning surveys and BIM integration to as-built and verification surveys—ensuring your golden thread stays intact.
Improve your projects and secure your golden thread—contact us today.

This post was written by Paul Jackson