Wholesaler Guide
specifi ed by the contractor can be replaced with other products due to availability or convenience. However, this can pose risks to the building’s safety and compliance. Under the Act, maintaining the thread of information from specifi cation through installation and into maintenance is crucial.
Accurate product information allows for quick response times and safe replacements when components need to be changed during a building’s lifespan. Whether it’s 10 or 20 years later, having a complete record ensures that like- for-like replacements are made, preserving the safety and integrity of the structure. A verifi ed product database ensures that all manufacturers, contractors, and building owners have access to the most current and accurate data at any time.
Digital twin technology
Upon the completion of a construction project, it is now standard practice for contractors to provide a digital twin or as-built model of the building. These digital representations contain detailed information about the building’s systems, including the materials and products installed. This approach makes it easier for building owners and maintenance teams to access the information they need for future repairs or upgrades. By integrating product information into these models, stakeholders can quickly reference the exact specifi cations of the materials used. If an issue arises with the MEP system years later, the digital twin can be consulted to identify the products involved and retrieve installation guides or safety documentation. This streamlined process saves time and ensures that any future work on the building meets the same high standards as the original construction.
Enhancing safety
Safety is at the core of the Act, and managing product information eff ectively is key to ensuring
it. Installation guides, maintenance manuals, and safety certifi cations must be readily accessible to everyone involved in the building’s lifecycle. Housing this information in a central, verifi ed database makes it easy for contractors, engineers, and building owners to retrieve the necessary documentation when needed.
Having accurate, accessible information instils
confi dence that the products being used meet regulatory standards and are safe for long-term use. This not only helps ensure compliance with the Act but also provides peace of mind that the materials specifi ed and installed will perform as intended without unforeseen safety issues arising down the line.
Responsibilities across the supply chain The Building Safety Act imposes new duties on every participant in the supply chain, from manufacturers and suppliers to building owners. Each party must collaborate to ensure the safety
and compliance of the products used: • Manufacturers must supply fully attributed product information and prove compliance with regulations. They are responsible for ensuring that the information is provided in a format that can be integrated into various systems used across the supply chain.
• Wholesalers are required to ensure that the products specifi ed by contractors are supplied without substitutions based on stock availability or pricing preferences.
• Contractors are now held accountable for assembling accurate documentation throughout the building’s lifecycle, ensuring that all records are robust and accessible.
• Building Owners must have access to this information for ongoing maintenance and regulatory compliance, ensuring that the building remains safe for occupants.
Conclusion
The Building Safety Act 2022 sets new standards for product information management, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, traceability, accessibility, and safety. By leveraging a robust database which provides stakeholders with what they need to uphold their responsibilities, the industry can meet these regulatory demands, ensuring safer buildings and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Trimble Luckins is a leading specialist in product and pricing data services and software applications for the electrical, HVAC and plumbing sectors.
ewnews.co.uk
February 2025 electrical wholesaler | 27
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