GQA offering support on Building Safety Act
By Dan Brown, GQA’S Strategic Relationship Manager.
“With the Building Safety Act overhauling the regulation of construction products and higher-risk buildings in the UK, GQA Qualifications has plenty of specialist advice and practical assistance to help fenestration industry companies ensure they are equipped to deal with the Act’s edicts. Whilst companies must act to avoid potential pitfalls, they need not be daunted by the prospect, especially if they have the right professional support.
“It’s true that employers in the fenestration industry will find themselves in trouble if they don’t adjust their working practices in accordance with new regulation requirements. However, the key to preventing mis-selling, incorrect installation and site practice is to drive up competencies through accredited training and the acquirement of vocational qualifications. We would advise employers to be alive to the risks, and talk to us about how we can help.
“The Act takes forward the Government’s commitment to fundamental building safety reform, learning lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire and remedying the issues subsequently identified.
“We would encourage fenestration industry professionals to make themselves familiar with what the Act involves, including the implications of certain key areas including the appointment of a Building Safety Regulator; new requirements for a ‘golden thread’ of information to ensure buildings are safe through their lifecycle; the appointment of a Construction Products Regulator; and how the Act will allow those directly responsible for defective building work to be held to account.
“Employers should seek out the correct vocational training or accredited product training for staff in order further to protect their company and employees from incorrect practices or incorrect installation of products. They will need to get to grips with the Act’s underlying need for strong onsite and offsite training regimes underpinned with proof of learning. Having companies’ training courses assessed for consistency, structure and quality of outcome is how GQA can help companies mitigate confusion or the mis-selling of their products in the market. Employers should get in touch with GQA’s friendly team who will be happy to advise on all these issues.”
