Role of the Building Safety Regulator Principal Designer vs. Traditional CDM Principal Designer
Published: 01/08/2024
The landscape of building safety has undergone significant transformation with the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator. A key aspect of this change is the addition of the BSR Principal Designer role, which is not to be confused with the traditional role of CDM Principal Designer.
Traditional CDM Principal Designer
Under the CDM Regulations, the Principal Designer is responsible for managing health and safety during the pre-construction phase.
Focus:
Primarily concerned with health and safety during the pre-construction phase.
Responsibilities:
- Planning, managing, and monitoring the pre-construction phase.
- Coordinating health and safety matters.
- Preparing the Pre-Construction Information (PCI).
- Assisting the Principal Contractor in preparing the Construction Phase Plan.
The CDM Regulations place the onus on Principal Designers to ensure that all design work takes health and safety into account, making them central to the safe planning and execution of construction projects.
Building Safety Regulator Principal Designer
The new Building Safety Regulator Principal Designer role includes enhanced responsibilities, increased accountability, broader stakeholder engagement and more need for continuous professional development.
Focus:
Primarily concerned with building safety throughout the entire lifecycle of a building project.
Responsibilities:
- Planning, managing, and monitoring all design work during the design stage.
- Coordinating matters relating to the design work.
- Ensuring the design complies with building regulations and safety standards.
- Managing design information.
- Communicating with the Principal Contractor.
- Cooperating with the Building Safety Regulator.
The new regulations emphasise a continuous commitment to building safety, with the BSR Principal Designer responsible for ensuring that buildings remain safe for occupants long after construction has been completed.
The BSR Principal Designer role is for all projects that involve building control approval not just for projects involved with the Building Safety Regulator (HRRBs). This means that even for small projects such as removing a structural wall in a domestic building (that would require building control approval) the new role of BSA Principal Designer is still relevant. If a domestic client does not appoint a separate Principal Designer in writing when required, then the designer in control of the design phase of the project will automatically become the Principal Designer by default (usually the contractor).
Key Differences
- Scope of responsibility: The BSR Principal Designer's role extends beyond the pre-construction phase to cover the entire design process.
- Focus on building safety: The BSR Principal Designer has a more specific duty of care to ensure building safety.
- Accountability: The BSR Principal Designer has increased accountability for the safety of the building throughout its lifecycle.
- Collaboration with the BSR: The BSR Principal Designer has a closer working relationship with the Building Safety Regulator.
The new Building Safety Regulator framework represents a significant evolution in building safety, with the new Building Safety Regulator Principal Designer role expanding in scope and responsibility. In essence, while the CDM Principal Designer was primarily concerned with health and safety during the pre-construction phase, the BSR Principal Designer has a broader and more significant role in ensuring building safety.
Harris Associates’ Approach to the New BSR Principal Designer Role
Harris Associates brings a wealth of experience in building surveying and project management and is well-equipped to handle the expanded responsibilities of the new Principal Designer role. Our team are experts in compliance and building safety and stay continuously updated on the latest safety regulations and practices.
We are currently delivering the BSR Principal Designer service for several clients in addition to our existing project management or contract administration projects and can help you to successfully navigate this landscape of ever-changing legislation.
Harris Associates can offer a bespoke solution to enable you to comply with the latest legislation. We are experts in statutory compliance with experienced and qualified surveyors, engineers, and project managers. We have national coverage and can help with all aspects of compliance.
By partnering with us, clients can be assured of a robust approach to building safety that prioritises both compliance and the well-being of building occupants. For more information on how Harris Associates can support your building safety needs, get in touch.