The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM)
In an effort to try and bring some legislation and risk management info to you I have once again called upon our friends at Aviva who provide the following information. It is certainly worth reading through whether you are a contractor, employer, client as there are implications for all!
Enjoy,
Al
Introduction
The principal aim of the updated CDM Regulations, which came into effect on 6th
April 2007, is to raise the standard of construction health and safety management by trying to anticipate health and safety problems at the design stage.
The CDM Regulations place duties on clients, CDM Coordinators, designers, principal contractors, contractors and the self employed to plan, co-ordinate and manage health and safety throughout all stages of a construction project. This also includes maintenance work after completion and ultimately the demolition of the structure.
When does CDM apply?
CDM applies to all construction projects where people are at work, but projects lasting 30 days or more, or 500 person days or more will require notification to the Enforcing Authority and appointment of CDM coordinator, Principal Contractor and Designers. The arrangements for carrying out demolition and dismantling work must be recorded in writing.
CDM also applies to any design work no matter how long the work lasts.
The CDM Regulations place duties on clients, CDM Coordinators, designers, principal contractors, contractors and the self employed to plan, co-ordinate and manage health and safety throughout all stages of a construction project. This also includes maintenance work after completion and ultimately the demolition of the structure.
Clients
Client duties include:
• Make timely appointments of competent and adequately resourced CDM Coordinator, Designers and Principal Contractor
• Allow sufficient time for design and construction of the project
• Pass on relevant project health and safety information to those who need it (pre construction information)
• Ensure that an adequate Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan has been developed and that adequate welfare facilities are on site before work commences
• Make sure after completion, that the Health and Safety File is maintained and available for all who need it
• If the property is sold/leased then the Health and Safety File must be passed on to the new owners/lease holders
CDM Coordinator
The CDM Coordinator will usually be a team of experts rather than an individual. The main duties include; advise and assist client with their duties; coordinate design, planning and preparation work where relevant to health and safety; produce or update the Health and Safety File and deliver to client at end of project. The CDM Coordinator is also responsible for notifying the enforcing authority of all construction work expected to last more than 30 working days or 500 person days.
Designers
Designs must be developed which avoid or minimise risks to health and safety during construction, maintenance and demolition. The designer must provide information about significant risks. Design includes the preparation of specifications and is not limited to drawings.
Principal Contractor
The principal contractor should take account of health and safety aspects when preparing tender documents.
The pre-construction information is developed by the principal contractor who then co-ordinates the activities of all contractors to ensure effective compliance with health and safety legislation.
Contractors and the self employed
Other contractors and the self employed must co-operate with the principal contractor and provide risk information relating to their activities.
