Threading the needle of high-rise safety

Alex Bardett at Ambar Kelly reveals how Golden Thread guidance for high-risk buildings are impacting the design and construction of riser shafts as the industry moves towards greater transparency and incorporates the requirements of Gateway Two. 

The Construction Leadership Council’s 2024 guidance on the Golden Thread of Information requirements for high-risk buildings (HRB) has sharpened the focus on transparency, suggesting building designs be signed off by building control at Gateway Two. Furthermore, any deviations from the original specification at this stage must be recorded in a change control plan and reviewed by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). 

 In HRBs the safety of workers and occupants is absolutely paramount – hinging not just on sound design and engineering practices but also the ability to maintain a clear, comprehensive, and continually updated record of all relevant data. This is often referred to as the Golden Thread of Information.  

This concept is crucial in the management of riser shafts – critical components of large infrastructure that serve as the backbone of a building by housing key utilities and services. Playing an indispensable role, the Golden Thread ensures the integrity of the physical structure while supporting its design, construction and operation through the provision of accurate, up-to-date and relevant information.  

The Golden Thread’s impact on HRBs 

With building safety now at the forefront of the design and construction agenda, the Golden Thread ensures vital documents and information are readily accessible during any stage of a project to support the building control process for HRBs. Aside from helping dutyholders ensure full compliance with regulations when they are designing and constructing a building, the Golden Thread also supports better decision-making and provides assurance that quality and safety standards will be met.  

Essentially, the Golden Thread streamlines the design and construction process, giving all parties access to crucial information that details the requirements and building control approval at Gateway Two, any changes made during the construction phase – in the change control plan – and the evidence needed to support the completion certificate application at Gateway Three.  

Effective and trusted risk management relies on informed decision-making, something that is ultimately made possible by the Golden Thread of Information. Offering a real-time, easily accessible and comprehensive record of the riser shaft design and construction history, this vital information helps architects, contractors and property developers identify potential risks and weak points in the structure early – minimising not only the safety risks but also the need for costly rework.  

Enhancing fire safety and fall prevention 

The recent Grenfell Tower inquiry didn’t just lead to the tightening of regulations and standards – it also highlighted the importance of fire safety in HRBs and the crucial role played by non-combustible material. Giving all parties the ability to access all required information can ensure the specification of non-combustible materials and the accurate installation of such systems to help prevent the spread of smoke and fire.  

Additionally, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealing that falls from height were a leading cause of fatal injuries in the construction industry, early collaboration and the installation of proven systems – such as RiserSafe – will remove these risks and provide assurance that contractors and other workers are safe during construction.  

By providing an extensive audit trail of all actions taken, decisions made during the design and construction phase, and any materials used – such as non-combustible riser flooring systems – the Golden Thread helps building owners and property developers demonstrate compliance with building regulations and the Building Safety Act, avoiding any potential financial penalties and streamlining the approval process between Gateways Two and Three.  

With riser shafts an integral part of building design, having an easily accessible and up-to-date flow of information helps mitigate risks, protect lives and assets, and ensure regulatory compliance. As building complexity continues to increase and regulations tighten, integrating the Golden Thread of Information into riser shaft design and construction not only safeguards buildings but also develops a culture of safety that ensures long-term success.  

www.ambar-kelly.com