What Principal Contractors Must Know: PAS 8672 and Building Safety Duties

Myra Abordo
Jun 26
3 min read

Construction site manager in hi-vis vest with clipboard or tablet

With the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the publication of PAS 8672:2022, the expectations placed on Principal Contractors (PCs) in the UK construction industry have changed significantly. It’s no longer just about getting the job done. Principal Contractors must now demonstrate clear competence in multiple areas to ensure safety, compliance, and accountability throughout the construction phase, especially when working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

Understanding Principal Contractor Competence

PAS 8672:2022 outlines nine core competencies that Principal Contractors must possess and apply throughout a project. These aren't just technical checkboxes. They reflect leadership, planning, and responsibility.

Core Competencies in PAS 8672: What You Need to Demonstrate

1. Legal and Contractual Knowledge

You must understand all applicable legislation, such as the Building Safety Act, CDM 2015, and Fire Safety Act. You’re expected to apply these in your day-to-day role and ensure contractual obligations are met throughout the construction process.

2. Planning, Managing, Monitoring, and Resourcing Work

Programmes should reflect real-world timelines, with built-in time for safety-critical tasks like inspections, testing, or coordination. You must show you can lead and manage others effectively while adapting to changes without compromising safety.

3. Risk Management and Safety Control

Principal Contractors must be able to identify hazards, assess risk, and put effective controls in place. This includes not only risks during construction, but also future risks to building users.

4. Managing the Golden Thread of Information

Maintaining up-to-date, accurate information is essential. You must keep records of what has been built, how it has been built, and why certain decisions were made. This supports safe handovers and ongoing building management.

5. Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making

You’re expected to lead with integrity. This includes promoting a speak-up culture, challenging unsafe behaviour, and ensuring your team follows through on safety commitments, even under commercial pressure.

6. Collaboration and Communication

Your ability to coordinate effectively with designers, clients, regulators, and building control is crucial. Miscommunication can lead to safety oversights or project delays.

7. Team Management and Competence Oversight

You’re responsible for ensuring everyone working under your control is competent. This means vetting subcontractors, tracking qualifications, and supporting ongoing training and CPD.

8. Building Control Coordination (especially for HRBs)

For higher-risk buildings, you must liaise with Building Control Authorities throughout the process. This includes submitting compliance declarations and ensuring the Construction Control Plan is followed.

9. Handover and Sign-Off

You must manage a structured and well-documented handover process, supplying accurate, complete information to the Accountable Person. This is critical for building safety going forward.

Construction team meeting around table with blueprints and laptop inspecting building site

Takeaway: Competence is More Than Compliance

Competence is not a certificate. It’s an ongoing responsibility. Principal Contractors must demonstrate capability through behaviour, documentation, and team management. This framework ensures buildings are not only completed safely but that their long-term safety can be verified.