mi-digital building FAQs
What is the Golden Thread?
Put simply, it is a digital record of the life of the building and the steps needed to keep both the building and the people in it safe. It will encompass the history of the building, and any safety records, from the design and construction stage through to up-to-date safety records and procedures once the building is occupied.
Who will benefit from using mi-digital building?
Those who manage residential buildings will gain huge benefit from using mi-digital building, be they the directors of Right To Manage Companies or Residents’ Management Companies, or building managing agents. In the case of high-risk buildings, the Accountable Person (being the owner of the building or the person responsible for repairing the common parts) will have a statutory duty to maintain the digital Golden Thread.
Why do we need it?
The Building Safety Act was enacted in April 2022 and is expected to come into full force by October 2023. It will be a legal requirement for all buildings at least 18 metres or 7 storeys high to hold a digital record of The Golden Thread. mi-digital building will also be an increasingly useful tool in the management of all other buildings, allowing statutory safety records to be stored.
Can we not just keep paper records?
In short, no. In order to make the records easy to update and quickly accessible to relevant parties, the legal requirement will be that they must be in a digital format. It is for this reason that we have set up mi-digital building. It will provide you with an easy to use, easy to access and cost-effective digital record of your building.
What needs to go in it?
Information needed to keep the building and the people in it safe. As such, it is likely to be floor plans, as-built drawings, fire safety information, evacuation plans and any other information relating to safety.
When do we need to do this by?
As yet there is no date set; the Building Safety Act was passed in April 2022. There is a transition period for the implementation of the Act in full, but it is anticipated that it will be fully implemented by October 2023.
Who needs to set it up?
Prior to a building being occupied, it will be the responsibility of various ‘dutyholders’ who may be architects, designers or other contractors. Just before it is occupied, responsibility will pass to an Accountable Person or Persons who will be legally responsible going forward. These are likely to be leaseholders, freeholders or the directors of Resident Management Companies or RTM Companies who are responsible for repairing the common parts of the building.
Who can access it?
The idea behind this proposed legislation is that the Golden Thread will be easily accessible to all who need it to ensure the safety of the building, or to act in an emergency.
Is it strictly necessary? What will happen if we don’t set it up?
Yes, for high-risk buildings it will be strictly necessary. Failure to comply will be likely to mean that a building under construction is not allowed to progress through to completion. Where it is already occupied, and a breach occurs, financial and criminal penalties will occur. It is likely to become best practice for all residential buildings to have an easily accessible digital safety record.
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