To ensure chartered architects are achieving a high standard of health and safety knowledge and designing with the life safety of building users in mind, the RIBA has introduced an online test based on a comprehensive curriculum to test for competency.

This guide is designed to improve industry understanding of health and safety issues and approaches to design risk management in accordance with CDM Regulations and Building Regulations and to prepare architects for the health and safety test. It provides practitioners with the required knowledge regarding site safety, hazards and design risk management, and building safety regulations to discharge their professional services and legal duties competently and safely.

The 3rd edition features updates and new content reflecting government guidance, current industry best practice and competence requirements developed in response to the new statutory building safety regime in England under the Building Safety Regulator. It sets out details of duties for all designers, including architects and RIBA members, including the enhanced requirements for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).

It provides guidance on designers’ duties for compliance with all aspects of the Building Regulations – fire, structural, public health and safety – covering minimum competence standards, the Building Control approval process, gateway submissions, golden thread information, mandatory HRB reporting and practical examples of how designers can meet their obligations.

• Essential guidance for improving professional standards and ensuring safety among architects
• Companion book for architects taking the mandatory RIBA health and safety test
• Features over 80 high-quality original illustrations, highlighting safety risks and best practice.

Dieter Bentley-Gockmann is a Chartered Architect and Director at EPR Architects Limited. In his role as Director of EPR Architects’ Technical Services team, Dieter oversees and advises the practice’s designers regarding all aspects of regulatory and professional compliance. Dieter is current chair of the RIBA’s Regulations and Standards advisory group and a member of the RIBA’s Practice and Profession Committee.