The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) says the impact of the new building control regulations introduced by the Building Safety Act will extend beyond Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs)
The Act was implemented on October 1st, designating the Building Safety Regulator as the control authority for HRBs such as high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, and care homes. However, according to TICA, the Building Safety Act will affect all buildings.
TICA says the Building Safety Act will lead to higher competence among individuals and organisations, regardless of the building type. Competence has become a concern in specialised trades, as some organisations have compromised safety for higher profits.
TICA has cited inadequate fire safety and thermal properties in pre-insulated pipework systems.
TICA members face regular safety challenges
The association acknowledged that Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors cannot be experts in every trade on a construction site. However, contractors must show an understanding of trade competence and compliance. This is needed for them to be deemed competent in awarding contracts to specialist trade contractors.
TICA found differences between the expectations set by the Building Safety Act for specialist contractors and the reality on the ground. Many TICA members are challenged by losing bids to non-spec-compliant competitors or being pressured to change specifications to stay competitive.
As the UK’s only trade association for thermal insulation, TICA aims to help its members achieve the best levels of competence. TICA also works alongside other industry leaders to promote positive trade collaboration.
For Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors seeking to appoint a thermal insulation contractor, TICA recommends considering:
- Compliance with specifications (e.g., insulation thickness and type).
- The workforce is properly carded (TICA CSCS Thermal Insulator Card).
- Evidence of additional training where needed, such as heat network awareness certification for relevant projects.
The whole sector needs to buy into the Building Safety Act
“Just like in a relay race, the baton for building safety needs to be held by someone at all times and properly handed over; if dropped at any point, the team is disqualified.
“To make it round the track, the team needs to work together, rely on each other, and fine-tune the handover points,” said chief executive of Build UK, Suzannah Nichol.
“The Building Safety Act will generate a huge amount of secondary legislation that specialist contractors must understand. TICA continues to work hard to ensure our members have the relevant information and knowledge to comply. Our role in specialist ‘Super Sector ‘ defining our sector competency continues, and we hope to complete this work by the end of 2024,” added TICA CEO, Marion Marsland.
