ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the authors consider the standards with which the people need to be familiar: Statute and the regulatory environment, Statutory and non-statutory guidance and Codes of conduct. The primary purpose of the Building Regulations is to ensure that all building work is carried out to a standard that ensures the health and safety of building users, as well as standards for energy conservation, building access and security. The Health and Safety Executive publishes a wide range of non-statutory guidance documents relevant to many areas of health, safety and well-being, many of which are pertinent to the construction industry and our role as designers of the built environment. Whilst non-statutory guidance is helpful in assisting the people to understand their statutory duties, it is no substitute for taking the time to read and understand the statute itself. The ARB Code of Conduct sets out the minimum professional standards expected of all architects registered by the Architects Registration Board.