BSI publishes new built environment competence standards

To raise the standards of competence across the built environment sector and improve the safety of residents and the workforce, BSI has developed a suite of standards supported by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.

According to Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR: 

"The new PAS documents headline how PCs and PDs can both display and ensure the competence and communication that will enable compliance with building regulations, with the crucial aim of protecting building occupants. They provide a competence framework for anyone taking on the role of the Principal Contractor (PC) or Principal Designer (PD) under the Building Safety Act 2022 and its supporting regulations.

"While there are similarities between these two new roles and the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, they are not the same.  The main role of the PC and PD under the Building Safety Act relates to ensuring compliance with building regulations, not CDM 2015, and PCs managing building work on higher-risk buildings (HRBs) have further specific functions and duties."

PAS 8671:2022 Built environment - Framework for competence of individual Principal Designers - Specification
The PAS specifies competence thresholds that individuals are expected to meet when delivering or managing the dutyholder functions of the Principal Designer role, and additional competencies for working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

PAS 8672:2022 Built environment - Framework for competence of individual Principal Contractors - Specification
The PAS specifies competence requirements for the role of Principal Contractor. It also describes specific competencies common to all Principal Contractors and those which are additional for those undertaking the role on HRBs.

PAS 8673:2022 Built environment - Competence requirements for the management of safety in residential buildings - Specification
The PAS specifies competence requirements for the management of safety in residential buildings and other developments incorporating residential accommodation. It also gives guidance on detailed competencies and the assessment of competence.

Find out more about each PAS and get a free copy by clicking here.