Updated: 9th July 2026
The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 has transformed the way Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) are designed, approved and constructed. At the centre of these reforms is Gateway 2, a mandatory approval stage that requires comprehensive design information to be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before construction can begin.
For architects, principal designers, principal contractors and developers, Gateway 2 represents a significant shift in project delivery. It requires detailed evidence that building safety has been considered throughout the design process, with accurate documentation and clear coordination between all duty holders.
At Heightsafe, we support project teams by providing specialist expertise in work at height safety, roof access design, façade access systems, and fall protection. Our experienced consultants work alongside your design team to ensure these critical safety elements are fully integrated into your Gateway 2 submission, helping reduce delays and improve the likelihood of first-time approval.
Gateway 2 is the pre-construction approval stage for Higher-Risk Buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022. It applies to buildings that fall within the Higher-Risk Building regime and must be successfully completed before construction work can commence.
Unlike previous approval processes, Gateway 2 is managed by the Building Safety Regulator, which reviews the proposed design to ensure it complies with Building Regulations and demonstrates that building safety risks have been properly considered.
The submission must show that the project team has:
Designed the building in accordance with relevant regulations.
Properly assessed safety-critical elements.
Coordinated information across all disciplines.
Maintained accurate and traceable project documentation.
Considered the long-term safety and maintenance of the building.
Without Gateway 2 approval, construction cannot legally begin.
Work at height and maintenance access are critical elements of many Gateway 2 submissions. Poorly considered access arrangements can lead to Building Safety Regulator queries, redesign work and unnecessary project delays.
Heightsafe provides specialist support throughout the design process, ensuring rooftop safety, maintenance access and façade access strategies are practical, compliant and fully coordinated with the wider design.
Work at Height Strategy
Every building requires safe access for future inspection, maintenance and repair. Our team develops work at height strategies that consider how the building will be safely maintained throughout its operational life.
We assess:
Safe roof access routes
Future maintenance requirements
Access hierarchy
Safe working procedures
Compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005
By addressing these considerations during the design stage, project teams can demonstrate that long-term maintenance has been fully incorporated into the building design.
Roof Access Design
Safe roof access is an essential part of Gateway 2 design information.
Heightsafe designs complete roof access solutions including:
Roof access ladders
Roof access hatches
Roof walkway systems
Plant access platforms
Fire escape staircases
Every system is designed to provide safe access while integrating with the wider building design and maintenance strategy.
Façade Access Design
Maintaining the external envelope of a building requires carefully planned façade access solutions.
Our façade access specialists provide design support for:
Abseiling anchor systems
Davit arm systems
Building Maintenance Units (BMUs)
Fall arrest eye bolts
Deadweight trolley systems
These solutions allow future façade inspections, cleaning and repairs to be carried out safely and efficiently.
Fall Protection Design
Where maintenance activities expose personnel to fall risks, suitable protection systems must be incorporated into the building design.
Heightsafe provides design support for:
Edge protection systems
Safety line systems
Fall arrest systems
Mobile man anchors
Skylight fall protection
Overhead fall protection systems
Our recommendations are tailored to the specific building and maintenance requirements, helping create safer environments for future maintenance teams.
Many Gateway 2 delays occur because work at height considerations are addressed too late in the design process.
Early involvement provides several advantages:
Improved coordination between design disciplines
Reduced Building Safety Regulator queries
More robust maintenance strategies
Better quality Golden Thread information
Reduced redesign costs
Greater confidence during submission
Addressing rooftop access and maintenance early also helps avoid costly changes once the design has progressed.
One of the most effective ways to reduce delays is to identify potential issues before submitting the application.
Heightsafe offers independent Gateway 2 design reviews to help project teams assess work at height and maintenance access information before submission.
Our reviews typically include:
Roof access strategy
Maintenance methodology
Rooftop equipment access
Façade maintenance provisions
Fall protection layouts
Design coordination
Access drawings
Compliance with current regulations and guidance
By identifying gaps early, project teams can reduce the likelihood of Building Safety Regulator comments during the approval process.
The Golden Thread is a key requirement of the Building Safety Act and forms an important part of every Gateway 2 submission.
This digital record must contain accurate, up-to-date information about the building throughout its lifecycle.
Heightsafe contributes specialist information relating to:
Roof safety strategies
Work at height risk management
Maintenance access procedures
Access equipment schedules
Fall protection systems
Inspection and maintenance requirements
Operation and maintenance documentation
Providing structured and accurate information helps support the Golden Thread while simplifying future building management.
The Gateway 2 process often involves close collaboration between multiple disciplines.
Heightsafe works alongside project teams before and during submission, providing specialist support where required.
Pre-Submission Reviews
Our team reviews rooftop safety and maintenance access information before the Gateway 2 application is submitted.
This proactive approach allows potential issues to be resolved before they become formal Building Safety Regulator comments.
Technical Design Coordination
We regularly collaborate with:
Architects
Principal Designers
Principal Contractors
Fire Engineers
Structural Engineers
M&E Consultants
Building Control professionals
By integrating our expertise into the wider design team, we help ensure work at height considerations align with the overall building strategy.
Responding to BSR Comments
Where the Building Safety Regulator requests additional information or clarification, Heightsafe can assist with reviewing comments and preparing technical responses relating to rooftop safety and access systems.
Our experience helps project teams respond efficiently and minimise unnecessary delays.
Gateway 2 is far more than a regulatory checkpoint—it is an opportunity to demonstrate that building safety has been fully integrated into your design from the outset.
By involving Heightsafe early, you can ensure that roof access, façade access and work at height considerations are coordinated, compliant and ready for submission to the Building Safety Regulator.
Whether you’re planning a new Higher-Risk Building or preparing an existing project for Gateway 2 approval, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact Heightsafe today to discuss your project, arrange a design review or find out how we can support your Gateway 2 submission.
Heightsafe supports a wide range of organisations involved in the design and construction of Higher-Risk Buildings.
Our clients include:
Architects
Principal Designers
Principal Contractors
Developers
Design and Build Contractors
Housing Associations
Local Authorities
Property Consultants
Facilities Management Companies
Whether you’re delivering a residential development, commercial scheme or mixed-use project, we can provide specialist support throughout the Gateway 2 process.
Heightsafe is one of the UK’s leading specialists in work at height safety, roof access and façade access solutions.
Our experienced team works closely with project teams to provide practical, compliant solutions that support successful Gateway 2 submissions.
We offer:
Specialist work at height expertise
Nationwide project support
Bespoke roof access design
Façade access consultancy
Fall protection system design
Golden Thread support
Inspection, testing and maintenance expertise
Collaborative design coordination
Practical solutions tailored to each project
By combining technical knowledge with real-world installation experience, we help project teams develop safer, more practical buildings.
Get in touch with Heightsafe’s friendly, professional team today for free, no obligation advice on your Work at Height requirements.
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