CDM Key Actions
CDM Key Actions
Rawlings Consultants will help you to keep abreast of the CDM 2007 Regulations.
The Regulations have been provided to enable appropriate steps be taken to ensure that any construction project is built in a safe way, to ensure that the end usage of the project is safe, maintenance conducted with safety in mind and yet still delivers a project which meets all of your requirements from a business point of view
What actions therefore do you need to take ?
1. Appoint the right people
The easiest way to find competent designers and contractors is through a reputable trade association.
2. Allow adequate time
A rushed project is likely to be unsafe and of poor quality. You need to allow enough time for the design, planning and construction work to be undertaken properly.
3. Provide information to your team
You need to pass on key information to your construction team if they are to design and construct something that is safe to build, safe to use and safe to maintain.
4. Ensure you and your team communicate and co-operate
Your project will only run efficiently if all those involved in the work communicate, co-operate and co-ordinate with each other.
5. Ensure suitable management arrangements are in place
Construction projects can be complex and involve many different trades and occupations. Frequently they also involve high-risk activities. The work is more likely to be done safely and to time if those doing the work have suitable management arrangements in place.
6. Ensure adequate welfare facilities on site
You should ensure that your contractors provide adequate welfare facilities for construction workers as soon as possible, before work starts.
7. Ensure workplaces are designed correctly
If your project is for a new workplace or alterations to an existing workplace (e.g. a factory or office), they must meet the standards set out in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Notifiable construction projects
In addition, for notifiable construction work (work lasting longer than 30 days or involving 500 person days of work), you have to do the following.
8. Appoint a CDM co-ordinator
Your CDM co-ordinator is there to advise and assist you with your CDM duties on notifiable jobs. They will:
advise you about selecting competent designers and contractors
help identify what information will be needed by designers and contractors
co-ordinate the arrangements for health and safety during the planning phase
ensure that HSE is notified of the project
tell you if the initial construction phase plan is suitable
prepare a health and safety file for you (this contains useful information you need to enable future cleaning, maintenance and alterations to be carried out safely)
You should appoint the CDM co-ordinator as soon as possible, but no later than the initial design/preparation stage.
9. Appoint a principal contractor
A principal contractor is needed to plan, manage and co-ordinate work while construction work is being carried out on notifiable jobs.
10. Ensure a health and safety plan is in place
The principal contractor has to produce a construction phase health and safety plan outlining the key arrangements to ensure that the work is carried out safely. You should not allow work to start on site until there is an adequate Plan.
11. Keep the health and safety file
At the end of the project, the CDM co-ordinator will give you the health and safety file. The file is a record of useful health and safety information and will help you manage health and safety risks during any future maintenance, repair, construction work or demolition. The file needs to be kept safe, made available to anyone who needs to alter or maintain the building and updated if circumstances change.
Rawlings are able to bring their core competencies to bear, and excel in providing timely advice and expertise as CDM coordinators. Our team of experienced consultants can act as CDM coordinator for your project.
If you would like to discuss the role of CDM coordinator please contact us and one of our consultant team will discuss this further with you.
