When the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) looks at a construction site, it is not carrying out a general site inspection in the traditional sense. The focus is on whether the work on site matches what was approved.
BSR checks that the building is being constructed in line with the approved drawings, fire and structural strategies and agreed specifications. They look for evidence that critical safety elements such as fire stopping, structure, compartmentation and escape routes are being installed correctly.
They also check whether records exist. This includes photos, test results, inspection records and change logs. If something cannot be evidenced, BSR will treat it as not proven, even if the work looks acceptable.
In simple terms, BSR checks what was approved, what was built and what evidence exists to prove it.
BSR checks that the building is being constructed in line with the approved drawings, fire and structural strategies and agreed specifications. They look for evidence that critical safety elements such as fire stopping, structure, compartmentation and escape routes are being installed correctly.
They also check whether records exist. This includes photos, test results, inspection records and change logs. If something cannot be evidenced, BSR will treat it as not proven, even if the work looks acceptable.
In simple terms, BSR checks what was approved, what was built and what evidence exists to prove it.
For site teams, this means that compliance is not judged on intentions or explanations, but on what can be demonstrated. Good workmanship alone is not enough if it is not supported by clear, timely records. If something matters for safety, it must be visible in both the build and the evidence.
This also changes how daily site management should be approached. Decisions that were once resolved informally now need to be recorded, checked and where necessary, approved before work continues. Small gaps in records can quickly become major issues later, particularly at Gateway 3.
The safest mindset is to treat every critical activity as something that may need to be proven in the future. If the work matches the approval and the evidence exists to show it, BSR involvement is straightforward. If either is missing, problems tend to follow.
This also changes how daily site management should be approached. Decisions that were once resolved informally now need to be recorded, checked and where necessary, approved before work continues. Small gaps in records can quickly become major issues later, particularly at Gateway 3.
The safest mindset is to treat every critical activity as something that may need to be proven in the future. If the work matches the approval and the evidence exists to show it, BSR involvement is straightforward. If either is missing, problems tend to follow.
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Expert Verification & Authorship: Mihai Chelmus
Founder, London Construction Magazine | Construction Testing & Investigation Specialist |
