On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed
Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Pilgrim as Principal, Managing Director and UK Head of Capital Markets. Chris joins Avison Young from Colliers, where he was based in both London and Singapore as Managing Director of Global Capital Markets for Asia Pacific and sat
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David
Fresh figures from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reveal that up to 75% of high-rise residential buildings are falling short of the UK’s latest building safety requirements, raising major concerns across the sector. Of the 1,454 high-risk buildings where owners have submitted their mandatory safety case files, the BSR has
With major infrastructure projects such as HS2 driving demand, rail improvement sites across the UK are under pressure to deliver safely, efficiently and without delay. Behind the scenes it’s the logistics, planning and safety solutions that keep everything moving. Here are seven top tips from Paul Goossens, operations director at
Italy has confirmed plans to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland in Calabria, with completion targeted for 2032. Final approval for the long-discussed Strait of Messina Bridge project has been granted by the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS), marking a decisive
Mace has been appointed as construction manager for the £1.1 billion redevelopment of the British Library’s iconic St Pancras site in London. The major cultural and commercial scheme will see the library expanded and modernised to meet growing public demand while providing extensive new facilities. The appointment was made by
Aldi has announced ambitious plans to open an average of one store every week for the remainder of 2025, alongside a major refurbishment programme aimed at modernising its existing estate. The German-owned discount supermarket, which has been steadily increasing its footprint in the UK, will also revamp 35 of its
Maintaining site safety is a core responsibility for the construction manager. As part of this duty, understanding the regulatory framework for confined space rescue is absolutely essential so, in this article we explore the key legal requirements, the practical implications for busy sites, and best-practice how-to steps. What Counts as
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and provide actionable solutions for an industry that continues to evolve at pace. Developed in partnership by the Fire Protection Association (FPA), Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Sector Confederation (FSC), FIRE2025 will bring together over 400 professionals from across the fire, construction, insurance, risk management, local authority, and property sectors. With legislative changes, sustainability requirements, and the push for ever higher safety standards shaping the built environment, FIRE2025 offers an opportunity to hear from industry experts at the forefront of these developments. A full programme of keynote presentations, seminars, and breakout sessions will explore how organisations can meet building safety expectations, adapt to new regulations, and embrace innovation in fire safety technologies. Why Attend?Beyond the speaker sessions, FIRE2025 is designed to be a hub for high-quality networking. Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with peers and suppliers during the dedicated exhibition periods – covering registration, breaks, lunch, and the informal evening drinks reception. Exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services, and solutions, providing hands-on demonstrations and in-depth advice. For professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, the conference offers six hours of IFE-accredited CPD, ensuring attendees not only gain insights but also tangible career benefits. Who Will You Meet?The event attracts a broad and influential audience – from chief fire officers, directors, and chartered building surveyors to fire engineers, risk managers, insurers, architects, and consultants. Whether you’re looking to connect with decision-makers, share best practice, or explore potential collaborations, FIRE2025 brings together the right people in the right setting. A Hybrid ExperienceWith both in-person and online options, FIRE2025 is accessible to professionals across the UK and beyond. The hybrid format ensures those unable to attend in London can still benefit from the knowledge, networking, and exposure the event offers. Be Part of ItWhether you attend as a delegate, showcase your solutions as an exhibitor, or take advantage of the exclusive partnership opportunities, FIRE2025 is a must-attend date in the fire safety calendar. It’s where strategic thinking meets practical application – and where the industry comes together to influence the future of fire protection. For further details, visit fireconference2025.eventbrite.co.uk or contact the event team at events@thefpa.co.uk. Also, to see the Event PDF with further details, please click the below button. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed to build better. Modern construction demands towering skyscrapers rise from the ground with inch-perfect precision – driven by efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, making the need for competent, safety-conscious operatives ever greater. Improving site safety and operational efficiency in the UK’s system formwork and scaffolding sectors is Terry Hall’s top priority. Terry is a field services manager at PERI UK, providing accredited, hands-on training and support to both novice and experienced professionals. “PERI UK is the only company currently offering accredited formwork training of this kind,” Terry states. “And it’s long overdue that the industry catches up.” The man behind the mission With over three decades of experience in formwork carpentry, supervision, and instruction, Terry embodies a blend of deep practical knowledge and a strong commitment to improving industry practices. His journey from apprentice carpenter to a twice-nominated CONSTRUCT Unsung Hero spearheading PERI’s accredited training programme reveals both a dedication to systemic safety and a sharp understanding of the risks involved in formwork and scaffolding. Terry’s goal is to ensure that only individuals with a recognised, formal qualification are authorised to erect temporary works systems. This commitment is reflected in his efforts to introduce clear competency measures in the areas of formwork and falsework. He believes that by introducing mandatory, regulated training, the industry can make meaningful strides in reducing serious accidents and injuries. “There’s no other construction activity where you can use specialist equipment without any formal training,” says Terry. “Electricians can’t work without qualifications, and site operatives shouldn’t use complex, multi-tonne climbing systems for formwork and scaffolding without ever being shown the right way to do it. It’s dangerous.” Bridging the industry’s skills gap PERI UK’s training programme was developed in response to this challenge. PERI UK is now an approved centre by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) for formwork and has accreditation from the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) for system scaffolding. PERI UK offers bespoke formwork and falsework training, accredited by UK industry body AIM, according to necessity and related to working at height, plus scaffolding courses from basic erector to advanced scaffolder and inspection. The courses are delivered by a team of experts and can be carried out at any PERI UK depot, PERI’s Brentwood training facility, or other designated location. Successful participants receive certification from an awarding body and have the qualification linked to their CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, providing instant proof of competence on-site. “When a site manager scans your CSCS card, they can see immediately that you’ve had proper training,” explains Terry. Straight from the classroom Terry believes training should be grounded in real-world experience and delivers all of his courses with this approach. Having worked hands-on with PERI’s systems as a site supervisor for five years before stepping into his managerial role, he understands the challenges that only practical experience can reveal. “I always assume learners have never used the systems before,” Terry says. “Some have, some haven’t, but I treat every session as a blank slate to make sure nothing is missed.” Training figures continue to rise each year, with 2024 marking a record high for PERI UK, up 50% from the previous year. In total, Terry has trained nearly 600 individuals in his career, but the impact goes beyond numbers: “The most rewarding thing is when someone who’s been in the industry for years comes up to me after a course and says, ‘I never knew that, thank you.’ That’s when I know we’re making a difference.” A typical course spans a minimum of two days with additional tailored support available on request. PERI’s courses blend hands-on instruction with theory-based workbooks. With new systems constantly being introduced, Terry also regularly trains alongside designers and engineers from PERI’s global teams to remain ahead of industry evolution, and is consistently involved in meetings held by CONSTRUCT, the organisation which acts as an interface between member contractors, clients and suppliers to improve safety and efficiency and identify best practice and buildability. PERI’s training is increasingly being built into projects from the outset. As Terry explains, major contractors are beginning to require proof of competence before permitting operatives on high-risk tasks such as climbing formwork assembly. “On many projects PERI is involved in, training is embedded into the package,” Terry explains. “We’re supplying the equipment, the drawings, the supervision, and the accredited training. That gives our client confidence that everyone knows what they’re doing and why.” Driving change, one trainee at a time While PERI advocates for wider industry adoption of accredited formwork training, it currently remains the only provider offering this level of formal instruction. In an industry that can be slow on the uptake, Terry and PERI are proving that transformation doesn’t always begin at the top. Sometimes, it starts with someone on the ground, quietly raising the bar until the rest of the industry has no choice but to catch up. Beyond the manuals and lifting diagrams, Terry sees each session as a way to embed safer habits across the industry. Whether teaching apprentices or experienced operatives on cutting-edge hydraulic systems, each training session is a chance to build safer habits. “PERI UK is leading the way, but we shouldn’t be the only ones,” says Terry. “This kind of training needs to become mandatory across the board.” “But it’s not about pointing fingers,” he adds. “It’s about keeping sites and people safe.” And the industry is listening. Several contractors have gone from post-incident training to proactive upskilling across their workforce. The long-term benefits speak for themselves: fewer accidents, more efficient builds, and improved reputation. Looking ahead As construction projects become more complex, Terry and the PERI training team’s role evolves. They are currently involved in training
Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Pilgrim as Principal, Managing Director and UK Head of Capital Markets. Chris joins Avison Young from Colliers, where he was based in both London and Singapore as Managing Director of Global Capital Markets for Asia Pacific and sat on the Capital Markets Global Executive Committee. At Avison Young Chris will bring a global-first approach to the UK capital markets team, focused on leveraging international capital deploying into the UK. He will be integral to expanding Avison Young’s global capital markets service line, working closely with U.S. and Canadian colleagues. This includes Marion Jones, who was recently appointed as Principal and Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets, and Michal Cwiklinski, Principal, Managing Director, Europe. Growing the London Capital Markets team and asset class specialism across the UK capital markets business, Chris will be at the forefront of a talent acquisition drive aimed at driving investment and growth into capital markets at Avison Young. Bringing more than 18 years’ experience specialising in the deployment of capital into major real estate markets and asset classes, Chris is a recognised strategic leader bringing extensive global capital expertise and a deep client base spanning across the UK, EMEA, APAC, MENA and North America. Acting for sovereign wealth funds, REITs, developers, insurance companies, pension funds and investment managers, Chris brings considerable knowledge of advising, structuring and transacting across the risk-return spectrum. He has a proven track record in marketing £1+ billion single asset trades, alongside structuring and marketing complex corporate M&A activity. Nick Walkley, Principal, UK President at Avison Young, said: “Chris brings vast expertise and is a landmark addition to our capital markets team. Bringing international knowledge, Chris will push forward global cross-collaboration across clients and services. This appointment will significantly strengthen our capital markets presence in London, whilst bolstering Avison Young on an international scale.” Chris Pilgrim, Principal, UK Head of Capital Markets at Avison Young, said: “Joining Avison Young is the opportune time to grow an international capital markets service to provide our clients best in class advice and access to global capital. Leveraging the existing strength of Avison Young’s diversified UK platform, I look forward to delivering outstanding outcomes for our people and our clients. Together with global colleagues, we will develop a collaborative team that is open for growth and new talent. The UK is the number one global destination for international real estate capital and we will grow out asset class specialism putting more specialists in place, as well as developing our debt brokerage and equity placement offer to align with our client’s strategies across the capital stack.” Prior to his time at Colliers, Chris also spent a decade at CBRE across their London, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David joins from RPS Consulting Services, part of Tetra Tech, where he served as chief executive officer, having previously led design teams on multiple commercial, industrial, rail and aviation projects, ranging from a business park in Abu Dhabi to the design of the UK’s first gigafactory in Sunderland. David said: “I am really enjoying getting to know our architecture teams based throughout the UK and the projects we are delivering. “Our people and our clients are the cornerstones of Pick Everard’s future success. Working together across our services, we will foster closer collaborative working methods and grow future joint business opportunities.” Pick Everard is recognised for successfully leading the design and delivery of high quality projects across a wide range sectors including education, culture and heritage, healthcare and residential. As part of his role, David will use his experience of managing projects overseas to leverage new growth opportunities. In October 2024 Pick Everard joined Artelia, one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary consultancy, engineering and project management companies. David’s appointment supports the potential for Pick Everard to further enhance and diversify its offer by working together with colleagues across the Artelia group. “I am keen to develop relationships within the wider Artelia business, recognising the prospective openings to promote architecture and design services internationally,” said David. “Pick Everard is known for its design capabilities, and commitment to quality and social value, which it delivers across a vast range of products. I am looking forward to working closely with the team to encourage their growth and business development initiatives while supporting the executive team in the delivery of business objectives. “Together we can build on the strong architectural legacy within Pick Everard, initially connecting as a national team but also across the Artelia business to leverage new opportunities.” Commenting on the appointment, David Harris, Executive Director for Design Services at Pick Everard, said: “David has joined with a strong vision and a keen eye for detail and accuracy. His natural leadership and extensive experience in leading highly performing teams will not only drive our ongoing growth, but his architectural expertise will add significant value to our business. “These qualities will allow us to continue building our reputation of delivering sustainable, purposeful design and architecture able to secure positive and lasting legacies through the work we deliver across the UK and beyond, and I look forward to seeing what David achieves as part of the Pick Everard team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fresh figures from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reveal that up to 75% of high-rise residential buildings are falling short of the UK’s latest building safety requirements, raising major concerns across the sector. Of the 1,454 high-risk buildings where owners have submitted their mandatory safety case files, the BSR has reviewed 170 to date. Alarmingly, 125 of these did not meet the required standards. Legal notices have now been served on the owners of non-compliant properties, compelling them to act on serious safety failings. Failures range from inadequate assessments and missing resident engagement strategies, to structural and compartmentation issues requiring significant remedial work. The data was part of the BSR’s first formal performance update, covering the period from late 2023 through early 2025. It also revealed a growing backlog in planning approvals. On average, developers are waiting 36 weeks — or nine months — for Gateway approvals, three times the intended 12-week target. Out of 2,108 applications submitted in that window, only 338 received approval. A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acknowledged the delays and said recent recruitment and process reforms are starting to improve throughput. The BSR has now surpassed a key milestone, with the number of decisions each month finally exceeding the number of new applications received. Further reforms are underway. The BSR, which was previously part of the HSE, is being restructured into a standalone authority. A dedicated Innovation Unit has also been launched to help accelerate new-build approvals, particularly those that adopt modern construction methods or demonstrate exemplary safety strategies. To strengthen enforcement and technical scrutiny, the regulator is also recruiting experienced engineers and building safety professionals following criticism that previous case reviewers lacked sector-specific knowledge. Baroness Taylor of Bolton, chair of the Industry and Regulators Committee, spoke as part of an ongoing inquiry into the BSR’s performance: “The Committee wants to hear from all stakeholders to find out if the BSR has the skills and resources required to ensure the safety of all buildings and its residents in the process of approving applications for high-rise buildings. This is crucial if the Government is going to achieve its manifesto target of building 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament.” As the BSR moves to ramp up its capabilities and regain industry confidence, the figures underscore the scale of the task ahead in transforming building safety in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With major infrastructure projects such as HS2 driving demand, rail improvement sites across the UK are under pressure to deliver safely, efficiently and without delay. Behind the scenes it’s the logistics, planning and safety solutions that keep everything moving. Here are seven top tips from Paul Goossens, operations director at SafeSite Facilities, to ensure a rail improvement project stays on track. 1. Offloading made easy – even on the toughest sites Offloading is one of the biggest challenges on rail projects. That’s why truck-mounted forklifts and crane-equipped vehicles are key to handle the most complex deliveries. Whether it’s a narrow roadside drop or a night-time install, it’s important to coordinate every detail to ensure materials are delivered and installed without delay. Remember it can take a long time to offload from a delivery vehicle. 2. Preventing unauthorised access: people and wildlife Rail sites should be protected with a wide range of fencing which can prevent people and animals from accessing the site. Wildlife fencing can even prevent animals from burrowing into the site and helps to ensure the construction industry protects wildlife. These preventative measures are essential for safety and compliance. There are multiple options, including fencing, concrete and water-filled barriers to consider. 3. CCTV: protecting lives and reputations Modern CCTV systems boast thermal imaging and AI detection, which provide real-time alerts and can trigger public address warnings to prevent accidents. They can monitor site safety which can reduce the risk of accidents and deter young people and trespassers from entering a construction site. 4. Built for high winds and heavy impact Fencing systems with ballast are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high winds, ensuring the site remains secure even in bad weather. Ballast blocks and crash barriers ensure stability and safety, even in exposed or high-traffic areas. 5. Planning and compliance at every stage Every delivery must be backed by detailed documentation to ensure it goes off without a hitch. This includes driver IDs, vehicle MOTs, training certificates and lift plans for cranes which will be used to offload. For projects like HS2, where 24-hour booking systems and strict access routes are expected, this level of planning is essential. 6. Speed and flexibility when it matters most It’s crucial that delivery services can meet urgent site needs, ensuring that materials and equipment are available when required to prevent site closures and work stoppages. Choose operators close to the site which can deliver urgently needed materials within 24 hours. Whether it’s a last-minute request to secure a dangerous area or a planned overnight install, they should be ready to respond, delivering and installing within a single shift so the team can operate safely. 7. Risk assessment and expert advice Before any order is confirmed, a full risk assessment should be completed with advice on the safest and most efficient solution presented. If a delivery or installation is too risky, it’s crucial to communicate this and help find a better alternative. For more information, visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Italy has confirmed plans to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland in Calabria, with completion targeted for 2032. Final approval for the long-discussed Strait of Messina Bridge project has been granted by the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS), marking a decisive step forward after decades of debate. The project will be delivered by the Eurolink contracting consortium, led by Italian construction giant Webuild, working alongside Japan’s IHI – known for building the Akashi Bridge – and Spain’s Sacyr, which partnered with Webuild on the Panama Canal expansion. Danish engineering consultancy Cowi will lead the design team. The ambitious structure will stretch 3,666 metres, with a central suspended span of 3,300 metres – setting a new world record. Its deck will measure around 60 metres in width, accommodating three vehicle lanes in each direction, two railway tracks, and two service lanes. Capable of handling up to 200 trains a day and 6,000 vehicles an hour, the bridge is expected to transform connectivity between the island and mainland Italy. Steel towers rising to 399 metres will support a suspension system of four massive cables, each 1.26 metres in diameter and 5,320 metres in length. The combined cable weight is estimated at 170,000 tonnes. The deck will clear the water by 72 metres, allowing uninterrupted shipping traffic across a 600-metre width beneath the span. The project is more than just the bridge itself. Plans include over 40 kilometres of new roads and railways, three underground train stations, 10 viaducts, and multiple tunnels. The bridge will link to the Palermo–Catania–Messina rail network and the planned Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed railway. Excavations of 12 million cubic metres of earth in Sicily and 4.5 million in Calabria will help form new infrastructure and restore parts of the Tyrrhenian coastline. The €10.6 billion contract addendum between Eurolink and Stretto di Messina, the concessionary company, will come into effect once the CIPESS approval is published in Italy’s Official Gazette. Webuild chief executive Pietro Salini hailed the decision as a transformative moment for the country. “The bridge will stimulate growth, create jobs and showcase Italian engineering expertise on the global stage,” he said. “It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for young professionals to work on one of the most challenging projects in the world – here at home.” If successful, the Strait of Messina Bridge will stand not only as a feat of engineering but as a powerful symbol of Italy’s ambition and unity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace has been appointed as construction manager for the £1.1 billion redevelopment of the British Library’s iconic St Pancras site in London. The major cultural and commercial scheme will see the library expanded and modernised to meet growing public demand while providing extensive new facilities. The appointment was made by the British Library’s development partner SMBL, a subsidiary of Japanese property group Mitsui Fudosan. Working under the direction of development manager Stanhope, Mace will bring its construction expertise to the procurement and delivery stages of the ambitious project. At the heart of the scheme is a 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) extension designed to enhance the library’s public services. The plans include new exhibition galleries, learning facilities, and events spaces, alongside more than 600,000 sq ft (55,742 sq m) of commercial space. The development has been designed by leading architects RSHP, with engineering input from Arup. Construction is expected to commence in 2026 once the detailed design process is complete and all planning conditions are met. The build programme is anticipated to take around six years. Jason Millett, chief executive of Mace Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, describing the British Library scheme as a high-profile project of international significance. “Our long-standing experience in delivering major and complex developments places us in a strong position to ensure this transformation meets the highest standards,” he said. The redevelopment marks a significant step in the library’s ongoing evolution, aiming to deliver improved public access, better facilities for research and education, and enhanced opportunities for cultural engagement. The addition of large-scale commercial space is also expected to boost the local economy and support the long-term sustainability of the institution. With its combination of cultural ambition and commercial opportunity, the British Library’s St Pancras transformation is set to become one of London’s most significant construction projects of the decade. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi has announced ambitious plans to open an average of one store every week for the remainder of 2025, alongside a major refurbishment programme aimed at modernising its existing estate. The German-owned discount supermarket, which has been steadily increasing its footprint in the UK, will also revamp 35 of its current stores before the end of the year. The dual strategy forms part of a £650 million nationwide investment to enhance accessibility, customer experience, and the overall quality of its retail spaces. Planned new store locations include Deeside in Wales, Market Harborough in Leicestershire, Fulham Broadway in London, Eastbourne in East Sussex, Treharris in Wales, Waterbrook in Kent, Shoreditch in London, Houghton le Spring in Tyne and Wear, Meadowfield in Durham, Litherland in Liverpool, and Brimington in Chesterfield. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said the strategy is about more than simply expanding geographically. “At Aldi, our goal is to make sure people across the UK have access to affordable, high-quality food, and opening new stores is key to making that happen. We’re now opening an average of one new store a week for the rest of 2025, showing just how ambitious our plans are to build a store network that will help us reach millions of new customers. But it’s not just about openings – it’s also about making sure we have the best-paid teams in place to run them.” The expansion drive comes amid a highly competitive grocery market, where discount retailers continue to gain market share as shoppers seek better value in the face of ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Aldi’s focus on frequent openings is expected to increase its presence in both urban and rural locations, making its low-price, quality-focused offer accessible to more communities. The refurbishment element of the programme will see older stores upgraded to meet modern retail standards, with improved layouts, updated interiors, and more energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems. This reflects Aldi’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing operational energy consumption. With its latest investment, Aldi is positioning itself for sustained growth while reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands. For shoppers, the promise is clear – more stores, better facilities, and the same commitment to value that has underpinned the retailer’s success. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maintaining site safety is a core responsibility for the construction manager. As part of this duty, understanding the regulatory framework for confined space rescue is absolutely essential so, in this article we explore the key legal requirements, the practical implications for busy sites, and best-practice how-to steps. What Counts as a Confined Space? According to the UK’s Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, a confined space is any enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed for continuous human occupancy, where there is a foreseeable risk of serious harm such as lack of oxygen, toxic gas exposure, drowning, or explosion. Examples include tanks, silos, manholes, tunnels, sewers, boiler interiors, shafts, vaults, and basements. Key Legislation Construction Managers Must Know 1. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 2. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 & Management Regulations 1999 These set the wider framework requiring competent risk assessment, supervision, planning, and provision of safe systems including training, PPE, and emergency planning. Why Delegation and Preparedness Matter HSE guidance makes clear that relying on external emergency services is inadequate in confined space incidents as response times are often too slow, and access for uniformed crews may be difficult. A dedicated rescue team needs to be immediately available on‑site or nearby. Safe rescue starts well before need arises through hazard assessments, drills, equipment maintenance, and clear communication protocols. Supervisors and rescuers alike must hold appropriate certification including City & Guilds qualifications such as 6160‑03 for high‑risk spaces and 6160‑08 for rescue team members. Look for experienced training providers that offer a wide range of confined space training courses. Practical Checklist for Construction Managers Step Action Risk Assessment Identify confined spaces on your site. Use the HSE-approved Code of Practice L101 to guide assessment. Avoid Entry if Possible Wherever feasible, carry out work from outside. If entry is unavoidable, ensure it follows a robust system of work. Develop Rescue Plan Prepare rescue arrangements before entry (Regulation 5). This must include whether self-rescue, non-entry rescue, or entry rescue is viable. Appoint Competent Personnel Ensure site leaders and safety supervisor are trained in confined space oversight and rescue protocols. Ensure Equipment Readiness Confirm ventilation, atmospheric monitoring, breathing apparatus, harnesses, tripods, winches, lighting, communication tools are all functional. Train & Drill Regularly Ensure entrants, attendants and responders regularly rehearse rescue procedures. Consider mobile training units or experienced third‑party providers for practice scenarios. Audit and Review Conduct periodic reviews of confined space plans, equipment servicing, rescue performance and incident lessons. Real Consequences When Preparedness Lapses Numerous real-world incidents have underlined the danger and according to various studies, about two‑thirds of confined space fatalities occur not to the initial victim but to would-be rescuers entering without proper planning or equipment. By contrast, companies that embed trained rescue teams, regular drills and documented rescue systems improve outcomes significantly, and reduce liability, downtime and risk exposure. Final Thought For construction managers, confined space regulations aren’t just administrative burdens, they’re life-critical frameworks. Understanding Regulations 1997 (especially Regulations 4 & 5), taking proactive steps to minimise entry, appointing competent teams, and establishing ready rescue arrangements are essential. It’s not about promotion it’s about responsibility and informed leadership. Setting a high bar for rescue readiness, training and compliant systems ensures safer worksites, fewer incidents and peace of mind when high-risk jobs arise.