Overview
The Golden Thread of Information ensures comprehensive building safety throughout a building’s life-cycle. Dutyholders must maintain this digital record, which provides essential information about the building's structure and the necessary steps to keep both the building and its occupants safe. This enables dutyholders to:
- Demonstrate compliance with building regulations
- Manage and mitigate safety risks
- Prevent or minimise fire spread and structural collapse
Accessible, reliable, and up-to-date information is crucial for fulfilling and demonstrating legal responsibilities.
Background
Recommended by Dame Judith Hackitt in her report Building a Safer Future, the golden thread supports the holistic design, construction, and management of buildings. It involves maintaining a digital record of vital information from the design phase throughout the building’s life-cycle, stored on multiple systems if necessary.
Components
The golden thread comprises two main components:
- Building Work
- Maintenance
Ensuring all modifications and enhancements are accurately documented, this proactive approach allows building owners to identify and address potential risks or hazards.
Implementation
The golden thread must be established before building work begins and continuously updated throughout the design and construction process, especially when plans change. Upon completion, this information is handed over to the Accountable Person(s) responsible for the occupied building.
Benefits
By maintaining an accurate, up-to-date record, building owners can effectively manage their buildings and optimise safety. Key to this concept is ensuring that those responsible for the building have access to current information and can share it with:
- Maintenance personnel
- Workers
- Residents
- Emergency responders
Discover How We Can Help
Ensure your building's safety and compliance with the Golden Thread of Information. Contact Us to learn more about how we can support you in maintaining comprehensive safety records and managing risks effectively.
