CDM Regulations & The Ten Top Facts

CDM Regulations & The Ten Top Facts

In this article we will explain what CDM Regulations are and why it’s important you know about CDM Regulations and have an outline understanding of them.

So to start with what do CDM Regulations stand for, it Stands for Construction (Design & Management) Regulations.

CDM Regulations are relevant to all types of building projects, it does not matter the size of the construction project be it small or large and equally the project duration. This blog will give you a good introduction to CDM regulations, what you need to do and we have added “The Ten Top Facts” and how CDM regulations will be applicable to your project whether it be a loft conversion or extension.

Construction (Design & Management) regulations typically referred to as CDM regulations applies to any construction project in Britain, it’s applied to every type of project including domestic construction works.

It can be a small or large size construction project and the projects duration is not relevant.

We have added Ten Top Facts about CDM Regulations within this blog article, and are key facts and requirements under CDM Regulations. Follow these Top Ten Facts you can ensure you comply with CDM Regulations. Some of the Top Ten Facts will be undertaken by others as CDM Regulations is a team undertaking, with different people within a construction project undertaking their part and responsibility.

Lets kick things off with Top Tip Number One

Top Tip Number One

CDM regulations apply to every type of construction project. If you are undertaking a construction project no matter the size or planned duration you legally have to comply with CDM Regulations.

Background

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations launched in 1994, Over the years the regulations have adapted and changes have been made. Overall the regulations have stayed the same with the aim staying the same.

The aim of the CDM Regulations is to improve Health & Safety in the construction industry, a typically high risk industry. Sadly every year people loose their lives in the industry and thousands injured or made ill, through construction related tasks. Thorough planning and assessment of hazards within a project are essential to ensure the safety of those involved in the project.

The intent of the CDM Regulations is to draw the attention of the project team to the health and safety aspects of the construction project, to enhance the planning and management of  construction projects and to aid early identification of hazards.

Top Tip Number Two

If you are appointed to work on a construction project you should have the knowledge, skills and experience to implement that role.

To accomplish its objectives the CDM Regulations put duties on almost everyone involved in construction work, mainly on key project team members such as client, designers and contractor’s. They become known under CDM Regulations as duty holders.

Under CDM Regulations the duty holders are:

Client

Principal Designer

Principal Contractor

Designers

Contractors

Top Tip Number Three

Have knowledge of your duty under CDM Regulations, Every duty holder has their own distinct duties they must carry out under CDM Regulations.

Each duty holder under the CDM Regulations has their own duties; but they are equally responsible for assisting other duty holders. CDM Regulations is a team task and duty holders should coordinate and assist other duty holders.

Top Tip Number Four

On any project with more than one contractor the roles of the principal designer and principal contractor must be appointed.

On the majority of construction projects, the client will need to appoint a principal designer and principal contractor. This must be in writing, failure to do so means the client takes responsibility and the legal duties that fall under the CDM Regulations.

Top Tip Number Five

On any construction project there can only be one principal designer and contractor at any one time.

On domestic construction projects the top tips still apply but the appointment of roles differ slightly. Domestic clients are not presumed to be experts in CDM Regulations so the roles of principal contractor and designer maybe appointed automatically.

CDM Notification

Complying with CDM Regulations means that some construction projects require notification to be made to HSE.

Top Tip Number Six

Construction projects which will last more than 500 person days (or 30 working days with more than 20 people) need to be notified to HSE

 CDM Documentation

Above the documentation required by Health & Safety  such as risk assessments etc the CDM Regulations require additional documents which here at UY S we undertake for every project called a CDM Action Plan.

Top Tip Number Seven

The document’s must be provided by the client on every project, which is why UY S take responsibility for this to take this responsibility and pressure off our clients. 

The documentation gives the team on the construction project key facts about hazards and risks so they can be planned for and controlled.

Top Tip Number Eight

A Construction plan must be produced for every construction project, by the principal contractor or sole contractor.

On every project before work begins a construction phase plan must be produced. The client has a duty to ensure this has been created and the principal contractor has a duty to create it.

Top Tip Number Nine

The principal designer must create a health and safety file to handover unless this role has been delegated.

Site Requirements

We have covered most parts of the CDM Regulations such a duty holders and documentation. You should now have a broad idea of CDM Regulations this last section covers site requirements.

This part of CDM Regulations covers a whole variety of construction tasks such as excavations to lighting. This part of CDM Regulations falls under section 4

Top Tip Number Ten

Be aware and understand the general requirements for construction sites under CDM Regulations

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