CDM Co-ordination

If you are a commercial client about to embark on a project, it will fall into the criteria where the CDM Regulations apply. Clients found not to be complying with the regulations are leaving themselves open to prosecution.

Prior to April 2007 Eurosafe UK undertook the role of Planning Supervisor under the CDM Regulations 1994 but this role, and our title, changed with the introduction of the CDM Regulations 2007. Under the new Regulations the Planning Supervisor has been replaced by the CDM Co-ordinator.

Over the last few years Eurosafe UK have acted as Planning Supervisor on over 7000 different projects for a variety of clients. These projects have ranged from large new build schemes in busy city centres to small refurbishments of pubs, restaurants and shops; from complex asbestos removal contracts to data cabling installations; and from major demolition to up market fit outs for financial institutions.

One area in which we specialise is the ability to offer retailers, leisure groups and banks a nationwide service from our offices in York, Derby and Basingstoke. Consequently clients have a fixed price per property for works of a similar nature wherever the project is in the UK. Additionally we have also worked in the Irish Republic assisting clients to deal with the Irish implementation of the original EU directive which introduced the CDM Regulations in the UK.

When did the new regulations come into force?

The new CDM regulations were effective from 6^th April 2007 and do not allow for any ‘honeymoon period’, so all projects which started on site following this date must comply with the new regulations. Additionally, the new regulations also apply to any projects already on site on that date.

What is the reason for the update in Regulations?

The principle aim is to make it easier for Duty Holders (Client, Designers, Contractors etc) to understand their obligations.
It also combines the old CDM and CHSW regulations.
The new regulations apply to both Notifiable and Non-Notifiable projects.

What are the main changes compared to the current regulations?

The updated regulations aim to improve the communication between all persons involved in the running of a project. This includes the requirement of a suitable notification period prior to commencement on site to enable all parties to adequately plan and prepare before works commence. They also replace the Pre-Tender Plans with an Information Pack.
More responsibility is placed on the client to ensure that the appointed duty-holders are ‘competent’ to complete the works specified. The competence criteria has been specified for designers, CDM Co-ordinators, and other duty holders.
They place responsibility on the client to ensure that the contractor's site welfare and management arrangements are being maintained throughout the project. This has been satisfied by our clients proposing that regular independent site safety audits are undertaken on a project.
They require the client (for notifiable projects) to ensure that Designers only undertake initial concept design work prior to the appointment of a Co-ordinator.
Now all commercial construction work is covered by the CDM Regulations 2007.

What is the criteria for a CDM Project?

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 – CDM Co-ordinator role (Applicable from 6th April 2007)

Is the project classed as construction work and does it involve any of the following:

Will the work last more than 30 days on site,
Will the work involve more than 500 person days

If so a CDM Co-ordinator must be appointed.

A Client has specific duties under the Regulations:

To check the competence and resources of all appointees – A client can rely on the recommendation of his CDM Co-ordinator to discharge this duty. Eurosafe UK undertake rigorous checks on contractors, designers etc, via a pre-qualification exercise to ascertain competency.
To ensure that suitable management arrangements are in place for the project, including throughout the project – Eurosafe UK can check the adequacy of the Construction Phase Plan and undertake Site Safety Audits to independently report on the suitability of the management arrangements.
To allow appointees sufficient time & resources.
To provide relevant information at the right time – Eurosafe UK clients are able to use our web site
www.e-constructionmanager.co.uk to discharge this duty.
To appoint a CDM Co-ordinator on notifiable projects.
To appoint a competent Principal Contractor – Eurosafe UK can offer clients an approved list of contractors who are deemed competent to award construction projects to at any given time.
To make sure the Construction Phase does not start unless there are suitable welfare facilities and a Construction Phase Plan – Eurosafe UK can assist with these client duties.
Retain and provide access to the Health and Safety File – Eurosafe UK can produce electronic versions of the Health and Safety File which can be accessed via the web at www.e-constructionmanager.co.uk