Changes proposed to CDM 2015

To simplify the structure of the regulations

Replace the Approved Code of Practice with targeted guidance

Introduce the new role of principal designer in place of the CDM-C

Introduce the need to demonstrate specific skills and training rather than competence, the industrys
understanding of which is varied to say the least.

Key changes of the new CDM Regulations 2015

1. All projects must have:

workers with the right skills, knowledge, training and experience (the client should do some checks not
his, for instance, are they members of institution, what is their past records, D and C must prove they
have the skills and h&s knowledge)

contractors providing appropriate supervision, instruction and information

a written construction phase plan - download this example (146KB, PDF)

2. Project where more than one contractor is involved (domestic or non-domestic) must have 1 above plus:

principal designer and principal contractor must be appointed

a health and safety file

3. If work is scheduled to:

last longer than 30 working days and

have more than 20 workers working simultaneously at any point in the project

OR exceeds 500 person days

All of 1 and 2 above plus

Client must notify project to HSE

Main aspects to be considered:

1) The construction phase plan
2) The health and safety file
3) Parts include:
a. Client duties
b. H&S duties and roles (e.g. designers, PD, contractors, PC) (there
is a general duty of reporting dangerous conditions and
providing clear info and instructions.)
c. General requirements for all construction sites

CLIENTS (at the top of the procurement chain)

Allocate resources and time so that works can be performed in a way that
health safety and welfare are secured.
They appoint D, C and (if required) PD and PC, and make sure they perform
their duties. For instance, the client can control that PD and PC are
performing their duties by holding progress meetings or via written updates.
Also, need to ensure welfare facilities are provided.
For instance, they can also write a clients brief: requirements of project,
H&S risks, set timeframe and budget, establishing point of contact. PD can
help with this.
Appoint a PD early is key, as they can help in matters such as preconstruction information.
Appoint a PC early is important so that he can draw up the construction
phase plan.
Management arrangements can include milestones to assess progress and
whether H&S standards are being met.
PRECONSTRUCTION INFORMATION (client)
Already in clients possession (e.g. drawings, H&S file, asbestos survey) or
easy to get. PD can help to get this.
Provide this to both PD and PC.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN (client)
Outlines H&S arraignments, site rules and specific measures concerning
works involving particular risks. Either C or PC needs to make sure the plan is
prepared.
HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE (client)
(for more than 1 contractor)
To be prepared by the PD. Its purpose is to keep a record of all information for
future works to be carried out safely and without risks to health. The HS file is
prepared so that is finished at the end of the project. You can keep updating
and reviewing. This file will be handed to the PC and anyone who needs it for
future works.

SEE ABOUT NOTIFICATION.

H&S DUTIES AND ROLES (E.G. DESIGNERS, PD, CONTRACTORS, PC)

INFORMATION
Need to make sure instructions and info are clear and easy to understand.
Examples:
Pre-construction info, H&S info about the design, info the PD needs to pass to
prepare the ConstrPHPlan, site rules, info the PC must provide to workers.
DUTIES OF DESIGNERS:
Eliminate, reduce or control foreseeable h&s risk through the design process:
examples of these include the construction work and the
maintenance/operation of the building.
Eliminate (if possible) risks to persons:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Carrying the work

Affected by the works
Maintaining or cleaning the structure
Making use of the structure as workplace

If not possible, then:

a) Reduce/control the risks
b) Inform about the risk to the PC
c) Ensure the info is included in the H&S file
Other duty is to provide a design with sufficient info about
design/construction/maintenance to assist other carry out the duties of the
regulation. Example of info: drawings, details, BOQ, calculations.
Design affects: construction, maintenance, repair, cleaning, refurbishing and
demolition.
Example of decisions: use lighter materials to handle, windows that can be
cleaned from inside. Put the a/c on the ground, or if in the roof, give a proper
barrier. Provide a barrier that separates the pedestrian form the vehicles. Use
light paving for the workers.
Other duties include providing the relevant info to the PD or PC and C.
cooperate and liaise with other designers.
Designers must:

 understand and be aware of significant risks that workers and users can be
exposed to, and how these can arise from their design decisions
have the right skills, knowledge, and experience, and be adequately
resourced to address the health and safety issues likely to be involved in the
design
check that clients are aware of their duties
co-operate with others who have responsibilities, in particular the principal
designer
take into account the general principles of prevention when carrying out
their design work (which are set out in Annex D)
provide information about the risks arising from their design
Co-ordinate their work with that of others in order to improve the way in
which risks are managed and controlled.
Health and safety risks must be considered alongside other factors that
influence the design, such as cost, fitness for purpose, aesthetics and
environmental impact.

Examples that I think I could provide: transition of barriers and for the 3 rd
bridge the stairs and the guardrails. Also the signs and light posts. Other
aspects that relate to buildability can also reduce risks. Give enough space in
the abutments and piers for inspection, jacking of the bridge. Give enough
widths for stranded vehicles or for vehicles undertaking maintenance. Others
is to design a roof sheeting that can sustain a person on top (i.e. avoid
excessively light). Make provisions for lights (on long bridges). Manholes in
cross frames. Components that can be easily lifted provided the type of
access available. Provide precast (stay in place) formwork to facilitate
construction and provide permanent platform. Staircases and accessibility
requirements. Also providing lifting points on prefabricated elements and
marking the weight and the centre of gravity of heavy or bulky items both on
the drawings and on the items themselves;
Off-site fabrication and prefabricated elements to minimise on site hazards.
Design a roof with a high parapet to eliminate the risk of falls.
Work out whether the effort and expense of installing a fixed access system is
appropriate if an area is only occasionally reached and the work can be done
using a MEWP

Make provision for traffic routes so that barriers can be provided between
pedestrians and traffic. Provide fixed edge protection (barriers) rather than
running lines.
Provide information on drawings or instructions, such as intended
sequencing.
You might need to make others aware of common risks but be in awkward
locations, such as: lack of space for the erection of standard scaffolding or
for deliveries proximity of gas mains or overhead power lines.
Structural issues associated with working around existing foundations
Information for the principal designer. You must provide certain information to
the principal designer. Information relating to your designs, including any
unusual remaining risks and the key assumptions and decisions you have
made. This is an important part of the pre-construction information which will
be provided to the principal contractor

Provide a schedule on appointment As soon as you have been appointed, you

should provide the client with a detailed schedule of services and resources
to help plan what you need to do to ensure the client is clear about what to
expect and to reassure them that you are fulfilling your role. 5.2 Develop a
good relationship with the client. This will assist you in managing health and
safety risk and resolving any issues. It will take time but should be
worthwhile. Talk to the client so that you understand their needs; this is
easier at face-to-face meetings than by phone or email. 5.3 Ensure you
understand the brief Talk to the client about their brief, to receive a further
insight into their requirements. This will also give you an opportunity to ask
questions and offer suggestions. 5.4 Clarify roles To avoid confusion, you
should distinguish between the purpose of the principal designer and the
designer roles by separating the scope of service and resources required for
each. 5.5 Hold regular meetings Leadership from the client is important and
they should be encouraged to hold regular progress meetings to bring all
parties together. Involving the client and principal contractor in meetings
should improve co-ordination and understanding, particularly when making
decisions.
DUTIES OF PRINCIPAL DESIGNER.
Plan manage and monitor the preconstruction phase, and coordinate matters
relating to H&S during pre-construction. Same duties as a designer and
making sure all designers comply with their duties. For instance, he can have

meeting with other designers to discuss risks, decide control measures, and
select info to help developing the construction phase plan.
He is important because he can controls on how h&s risks are managed at
the pre-construction phase.
He ensures coordination and cooperation. He provides the pre-construction
info.
He must prepare (at pre-construction) a h&s file. He updates and reviews and
at the end of the project delivers it to the client.
Typical info in the H&s File (safe working loads, hazards not eliminated,
structural principle, hazardous materials, location of services (cables, gas,) as
built drawings.
Only info that helps when planning future work, but not pre-construction info,
construction risk assessments or the ConsPhPlan)