Is the Building Safety Act Relevant to Your Projects? A Simple Self‑Assessment Check

Many construction businesses know that the Building Safety Act is now in force — but far fewer are confident about whether it actually applies to their projects, roles, or responsibilities.

The risk isn’t just not knowing the law — it’s assuming it doesn’t apply, when in reality it does.

This short self‑assessment is designed to help you quickly sense‑check:

• whether the Building Safety Act is relevant to your work
• where gaps in understanding may exist
• and when formal Understanding the Building Safety Act training should be considered

Quick Self‑Assessment: Does the Building Safety Act Apply to You?

Ask yourself the following questions honestly.

1. Do you work on projects that are subject to Building Regulations?

This includes:

• New build projects
• Refurbishment or alteration work
• Projects requiring Building Control approval

If your work does not go through Building Regulations at all, the Building Safety Act is unlikely to apply.

If any of your work does fall under Building Regulations, continue below.

2. Do you work on or near higher‑risk or complex buildings?

You may be affected if your projects include:

• Multi‑storey residential buildings
• Buildings with 2 or more residential units over 18 metres or 7 storeys
• Care homes, hospitals, or mixed‑use residential developments
• Buildings with complex fire or structural safety systems

Even if you are not the main contractor, your work may still fall within scope.

3. Could your work affect fire safety or structural integrity?

Consider whether your team carries out:

• Fire stopping or fire protection works
• Roofing, cladding, or façade systems
• Structural alterations or penetrations
• Internal fit‑out that affects fire compartments or escape routes

If your work could impact safety‑critical elements, the Act is highly relevant.

4. Are you acting as (or supporting) a duty‑holder role?

You may have new legal duties if you are involved as:

• Client
• Principal Designer
• Principal Contractor
• Designers
• Contractor working under their direction

These roles now carry specific responsibilities for competence, documentation, and information management.

How CDM and the Building Safety Act Are Connected

For many businesses, the Building Safety Act does not introduce new roles — it strengthens and extends the duties they already hold under the Construction (Design and Management) regulations. 

Many businesses don’t realise that their Building Safety Act duties are triggered by the same roles they already hold under CDM. If you’re unsure whether CDM applies to your projects or roles, this is often the first gap to close — and the first step to understanding your Building Safety Act responsibilities.

If you have responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, you are already operating as a duty-holder — and the Building Safety Act builds directly on that foundation.

Under CDM, duty-holders are required to:

• plan and manage work safely
• ensure competence of those appointed
• manage risks through design and construction
• coordinate information and documentation

The Building Safety Act does not replace CDM. Instead, it:

• increases accountability for duty-holders
• places greater emphasis on competence and decision-making
• strengthens requirements around information, records, and handover
• introduces clearer lines of responsibility, particularly where safety-critical elements are involved

If you already have CDM duties, the key question becomes:

Do you understand how those same duties now extend under the Building Safety Act?

For many businesses, this is where the knowledge gap exists.

5. Would you be able to evidence compliance if challenged?

Ask yourself:

• Do we understand our duties under the Building Safety Act?
• Do we know what information must be created, retained, and handed over?
• Could we demonstrate competence and compliance if audited or investigated?

If the answer is “not fully” or “I’m not sure”, that gap creates risk.

What Your Answers Mean

• Mostly “No” → The Act may have limited relevance to your current work, but awareness is still important as project types change.

• A mix of “Yes” and “Not sure” → This is the most common position and indicates a knowledge gap, not a compliance failure — yet.

• Mostly “Yes” → You are very likely operating within scope and should ensure senior staff fully understand their duties.

Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough

General awareness does not equal competence.

The Building Safety Act introduces:

• new legal duties
• new accountability for individuals
• new expectations around competence, documentation, and control

Misunderstanding these duties can lead to:

• enforcement action
• project delays
• personal liability for senior staff
• reputational and commercial risk

When Should You Consider Formal Training?

You should strongly consider Understanding the Building Safety Act training if:

• your projects fall under Building Regulations
• your work affects fire or structural safety
• you hold, support, or influence duty‑holder roles
• you would struggle to explain your responsibilities with confidence

This training is designed to give practical clarity, not legal jargon — helping businesses understand what applies, when, and what to do next.

You can read our full overview of the Building Safety Act and its requirements here:
Understanding the Building Safety Act – Full Guidance

Need Help Sense‑Checking Your Position?

If you’re unsure where your business sits, we can help you:

• map your typical projects against the Act
• identify who needs training (and who doesn’t)
• avoid unnecessary training while closing genuine compliance gaps

Get in touch to discuss whether Understanding the Building Safety Act training is right for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can we find more detailed guidance?

You can read our full overview here: Understanding the Building Safety Act – Full Guidance

This self-assessment is intended as a starting point, not a substitute for formal advice or training.