The Building Safety Act 2022 is one of the most significant overhauls in building regulation in decades and has transformed the way building safety is managed in the UK.
The act improves accountability and transparency through stricter requirements for managing fire and structural risks, especially in higher-risk residential and mixed-use buildings.
At the heart of this legislation lies the introduction of the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) – the individual or organisation responsible for ensuring that building safety risks are identified, managed and mitigated. For facilities managers this has brought new layers of responsibility around record keeping, reporting, resident engagement, and emergency preparedness.
The Golden Thread
Compliance with this legislation depends on having accurate building safety information that can be made available to those who need it – often referred to as the Golden Thread. The PAP has a responsibility to be able to demonstrate that safety systems are not only in place in the facility but also regularly monitored, managed, and reviewed. This includes maintaining accurate digital records, covering:
- Fire safety systems and maintenance records
- Inspection and test reports
- Incident and communication logs
- Resident complaints and safety feedback
For many facilities management teams, the difficulty lies in the fragmentation of information. With CCTV footage stored in one system, and radio communications recorded separately, the lack of integration makes it harder to maintain a clear, auditable safety record.
Integrated Security Simplifies Compliance
An integrated security system brings together all core safety technologies, including CCTV, access control, body-worn cameras, and two-way radios, into one connected platform.
This unified approach provides real-time visibility, improves accurate data, and supports the Principal Accountable Person in maintaining a consistent, compliant safety record.
Comprehensive Record Keeping
2CL’s integrated systems ensure that data from CCTV, access control logs, body-worn cameras, and radios can be securely stored and linked to incident reports. This provides the PAP with an accurate, timestamped digital trail of safety events, staff activity, and emergency responses – supporting the Building Safety Act’s record-keeping requirements and the Golden Thread principle.
Simplified Reporting and Accountability
When your communication and surveillance tools work together, reporting becomes much simpler. Automated logs and video evidence can be easily accessed during audits which help to demonstrate compliance and improve operational transparency.
Improved Emergency Preparedness
In an emergency, instant communication and situational awareness save lives. 2CL’s integrated radio, access control, and CCTV solutions allow teams to coordinate in real time, sharing visual updates, tracking personnel movements, and maintaining reliable communication even in demanding and complex situations. This helps facilities managers deliver a faster, more effective response during critical incidents.
Enhanced Risk Management
Access control systems play a vital role in identifying potential safety or security risks, such as fire doors left open, unauthorised access to plant rooms, or occupancy levels that exceed safe limits. Combined with CCTV analytics and bodycam footage, facilities managers can take a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation, supporting continuous compliance and operational resilience.
Supporting the Principal Accountable Person
For the Principal Accountable Person, visibility and traceability are key. 2CL’s integrated security solutions provide a unified platform that strengthens building safety governance by:
- Maintaining accurate and centralised safety records
- Streamlining incident and audit reporting
- Enhancing emergency communication and coordination
- Demonstrating compliance with the Building Safety Regulator’s expectations
Conclusion
The Building Safety Act 2022 demands a new standard of accountability for building safety. For facilities managers and Principal Accountable Persons, the ability to access reliable, connected safety data is now essential.
With 2CL, you can build an integrated security system that not only meets your compliance obligations but also enhances safety, communication, and confidence across your estate.
Ready to strengthen your compliance strategy?
Get in touch with 2CL to learn how our integrated security solutions can help you meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 while improving safety, coordination, and operational efficiency.
Further reading
- Sectors: Facilities Management
- Legislation: Building Safety Act 2022
- Gov.uk: Understanding the golden thread