While there is no straightforward ‘yes/no’ answer, we compiled an overview of the different factors to consider to assist you with your design and procurement strategies.
Changes to external walls in Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) are classified as Major Changes under the Change Control requirements of Gateway 2. Specifically, “A change to the external wall of a proposed HRB, including a wall tie, wall restraint fixing, or support system in the wall” falls under this category.
A Major Change requires all construction work on-site to stop immediately, and the proposed modifications must be resubmitted to the Regulator for re-assessment and approval. As a result, the process of specifying and compiling details for Masonry Support during the Gateway 2 submission requires meticulous attention to avoid delays.
When preparing your Gateway 2 submission, it’s essential to demonstrate how your design complies with building regulations, rather than merely asserting compliance. Often, regulators may treat architectural drawings as an overview document. Therefore, when it comes to elements like masonry support, extra care must be taken to ensure that the design is detailed sufficiently. This includes specifying and identifying locations for Masonry Support items. Additionally, it’s essential to provide structural calculations for the system supported by specialist drawings. These drawings should include information such as the thickness of material used.
Another key consideration for a successful submission is demonstrating the competence of your supply chain. This involves proving that the supplier possesses the appropriate Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviors (SKEB) necessary for the work. To ensure this, suppliers must have robust controls in place within their design and manufacturing processes, confirming that only qualified personnel handle specialized tasks and that any design changes are documented and managed appropriately.
The dutyholder regime under Gateway 2 places legal responsibilities on stakeholders to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate their work in compliance with all relevant regulations. This ensures that every party involved—from design to construction—is held accountable for their role in the safety and integrity of the project.
At Firma, we believe that all participants in the design and construction process must take full responsibility for their actions. Competence is not just a one-time requirement; if at any point someone is no longer competent in their role, it is their duty to declare this to maintain safety standards.
We are dedicated to supporting our partners and clients through these regulatory processes by offering educational resources, guidance, and collaborative networking. This commitment helps ensure the highest safety standards across all projects, especially in HRBs.
If you’re interested in learning more, we’d be happy to deliver a CPD session on this subject. Reach out today!
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Contact one of the team to find out more about how to specify masonry support systems. FIRMA provides a complete design and manufacture service - all made in Britain.