What We Do With Your Survey Data: From Field to Final Deliverable (Copy)

If you work in highways or infrastructure, you might think the Building Safety Act 2022 doesn’t apply to you. After all, it was designed mainly for high-rise residential buildings. But since the Hackitt Review, the construction industry has seen wider changes—and they do matter if you're involved in site engineering, surveying, or setting out.

At AKN Engineering, we support civil engineering projects across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk—especially highways—and we’ve already seen how these changes are affecting the way we work. Here’s what you need to know.

Accurate record-keeping, setting out, and survey data play a bigger role than ever under the Building Safety Act—even on highways and infrastructure projects.

What Is the Building Safety Act—and Why Should Site Engineers Care?

The Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 28 April 2022 following the Hackitt Review. It introduced clearer roles, tighter accountability, and more focus on record-keeping and competence across the board.

Even though your project might not involve tall buildings, the ripple effects of this legislation are reaching everyone from design teams to subcontractors. As a site engineer or surveying company, this means better processes and clearer documentation are now more than just “good practice”—they’re expectations.

You can read more about the Act directly from this free white paper via Constructionline.

The “Golden Thread” and What It Means for Surveyors

One of the biggest ideas introduced by the Act is the Golden Thread of Information. It means maintaining accurate, accessible records of a building’s design, construction, and future changes—throughout its lifecycle.

For engineers and surveyors, this translates to:

• Keeping all survey data, CAD files, and setting out records clearly labelled and securely stored

• Using consistent file naming (like our drawing format) and update logs

• Delivering as-built surveys that are both accurate and traceable

This approach helps main contractors build safer structures and stay compliant long term.

Learn more about how this works from the Health and Safety Executive.

Demonstrating Competence on Site

The Act also places a bigger emphasis on the competence of individuals and organisations working on construction sites. This includes engineers, machine control operators, and setting out surveyors.

At AKN Engineering, we’re responding by:

• Providing ongoing training for our engineering team

• Rolling out CPD sessions starting this autumn

• Supporting our clients with qualified engineers who are up to date with best practice

If you're a contractor managing highways or infrastructure, this can be a key part of your due diligence—making sure your surveyor isn’t just accurate, but also up to date with safety regulations.

Stronger Records = Better Risk Management

For project managers juggling multiple subcontractors, the reforms also underline the importance of reliable records. Whether it’s inspection test records (ITRs), survey drawings or setting out files, having everything traceable makes handover and audits smoother—and reduces the risk of disputes.

Even if you're not directly regulated by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), following these principles helps you meet ISO standards and win future tenders.

Key Takeaways for Contractors and PMs

• Make sure your engineering team understands the golden thread

• Choose surveyors who document everything clearly and keep files well organised

• Prioritise partners who invest in training and can demonstrate competence

• Align your records and ITRs with broader industry expectations

These things aren’t just about ticking boxes. They make your life easier when issues arise—or when you’re proving due diligence to clients or insurers.

Need Support with Accurate Surveys and Setting Out?

At AKN Engineering, we work with contractors across highways, infrastructure and civils projects in Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and beyond. Our engineers are trained, equipped, and up to date with industry changes—including those shaped by the Building Safety Act.

👉Visit www.aknengineering.co.uk or give us a call ☎️ on 01279 276030 to discuss your next project.