Building Safety Act insights for the glazing industry

In the latest of our new series of advice pieces for PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society, Jasmine Gussmann, Health & Safety Marketing and Engagement Lead at Peninsula, provides an informative piece on the Building Safety Act.

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents a fundamental shift in how safety is approached in the construction and built environment sectors, including the glazing industry.

Triggered by the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, the Act introduces stricter safety standards, greater accountability, and long-term responsibilities for those involved in building design, construction, and maintenance. For glazing professionals, whether contractors, suppliers or installers, this legislation carries significant implications that must not be overlooked.

Why the glazing industry should care

Glazing plays a critical role in a building’s overall fire safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency. Poorly installations and glazing systems can contribute to the spread of fire, compromise escape routes, to fail under high temperatures. With the Act enforcing stricter standards an accountability, glazing companies can no longer view their work in isolation. They are now part of a regulated system that demands clear documentation, traceability and competency.

Key considerations for Health and Safety

Under the Act, all those involved in the construction process, including glazers, must demonstrate competence. This means up-to-date training, verification, and awareness of relevant safety codes and regulations. Companies must be able to prove that their teams are qualified to carry out work to the required standard and understand how their work impacts the safety of the entire building.

The requirement to maintain a “golden thread” of information, detailed, accurate records covering design, material, installation and maintenance, means glazing companies must document every aspect of their contribution. This includes product specs, installation methods, and compliance checks. Failure to do so not only jeopardises safety but could also lead to legal consequences.

Accountability and Legal Risk

Perhaps most crucially, the Act introduces personal and corporate liability. If a glazing firm breaches safety requirements, its senior management could be held personally accountable if negligence. Claims can also be brought decades later, up to 30 years, which means decisions made today must stand the test of time.

The glazing sector must treat health and safety as a central concern, not just comply with the law, but to protect lives. Adhering to the new standards is not just a regulatory requirement, it is a professional and ethical obligation.

Peninsula is a leading provider of Employment Law, Human Resources (HR), and Health & Safety consultancy services and today supports more than 30,000 businesses of all sizes across the UK and Ireland, alongside branches in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

For more information about how Peninsular can benefit your business, contact Mark Witcomb, Business from Peninsula direct by email or call on mobile 07800 918679