Telecommunications work on HRBs

New arrangements for fibre optic cabling and mobile communications masts

Some telecommunications work can now proceed under specific legal dispensations that remove the need to obtain building control approval from BSR before work starts.

The arrangements apply to:

• qualifying fibre optic cabling work in existing higher-risk buildings
• certain mobile communications mast work carried out on the rooftops of existing higher-risk buildings

Although these routes reduce regulatory requirements before work begins, they do not remove the need to comply with building regulations or other legal duties.

Contractors, installers, clients and building owners must continue to ensure that work is carried out safely and by competent professionals.

The requirements for maintaining building safety information and reporting safety issues continue to apply.

Different requirements for different types of work

The arrangements differ depending on the work being carried out.

Fibre optic cabling

For qualifying fibre optic cabling work, installers must notify BSR after the work has been completed using an online form. The notification route only applies where the work meets specific criteria, including restrictions on the size and location of holes created for cabling.

BSR may review the information provided and consider whether any further assessment is required. If work has been carried out outside the scope of the notification process, enforcement action may be considered where appropriate.

Mobile communications masts

For qualifying mobile communications mast work on the rooftops of existing higher-risk buildings, applicants must apply to BSR for a completion certificate once the work has finished.

BSR will assess whether the completed work complies with building regulations and whether the required information has been provided before deciding whether to issue a completion certificate.

When building control approval is still required

The new arrangements only apply to specific types of telecommunications work.

Building control approval from BSR may still be required where work falls outside the conditions of the dispensations or forms part of wider building projects. Examples include certain roof refurbishment work, work affecting building systems, or fibre installations that do not meet the notification criteria.

Those carrying out work are responsible for determining whether their project qualifies for the alternative routes or whether the full building control process is required.

Maintaining safety standards

The introduction of these arrangements does not reduce the standards expected for work on higher-risk buildings.

Before work begins, written approval must be obtained from the relevant person responsible for the building. Completed work must continue to comply with building regulations, including requirements relating to competence, fire safety measures and the use of compliant materials and products.

BSR’s role remains focused on ensuring that building safety requirements are met and that residents are protected.

Find out more

Detailed guidance is available for: