In a move designed to raise standards and improve building safety across the UK, a new resource titled “Guide to Products Critical to Safe Construction” has been published. Developed by prominent organisations including the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and others, the guide is a critical step forward for an industry facing increasing scrutiny on safety and compliance.
A free guide to support informed decision-making
This free guide to construction product safety is aimed at designers, specifiers, and installers who need to make informed decisions about the materials and systems they use. It provides practical guidance, real-world case studies, and examples of best practice that align with standards such as the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).
By helping professionals understand which products are safety-critical and how to evaluate them, the guide contributes to a safer built environment, especially important in the wake of high-profile incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire.
Addressing the failures of the past
Paul Nash, Chair of CIOB’s Quality Implementation Group, emphasised the importance of this guide in light of past failures: “The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire exposed a construction product regulatory regime that was failing… It is against this backdrop that the CIOB, together with other professional bodies, has developed this Guide to Products Critical to Safe Construction to ensure the buildings we create… are safe for those who use them.”
The guide is a response to the recommendations made in the Building a Safer Future Report and the Independent Review of Product Testing and Certification. It complements the UK Government’s Construction Product Reform Green Paper (published in February 2025), which outlines new frameworks to ensure safe products are used safely throughout the supply chain.
Why this guide matters now
In an industry where regulatory reform, safety compliance, and transparency are more important than ever, this guide is a timely tool. It not only helps ensure that construction products used in UK buildings meet the highest safety standards, but also empowers professionals to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Whether you are specifying insulation, cladding, structural components, or entire systems, this guide provides the clarity needed to assess product claims, certifications, and intended use — all critical for avoiding risks and improving outcomes.
Download the guide
Professionals in the construction industry are encouraged to download and share the Guide to Products Critical to Safe Construction as part of their commitment to building safety and compliance.
Developed by trusted industry leaders
This authoritative guide is a collaborative effort involving:
- CIOB (The Chartered Institute of Building)
- RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
- IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
- CPA (Construction Products Association)
- CCPI (Code for Construction Product Information)
By pooling their expertise, these organisations have created a resource that sets a new benchmark for construction product safety best practices.
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