Construction Phase Plan (CDM 2015)

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) a construction phase plan is required for every construction project.

HEALTH & SAFETY – DOWNLOADABLE PDF: health-and-safety

What you need to know as a busy builder

If we are working for a domestic client, we will be in control of the project if we are the only contractor or the principal contractor.

We will be responsible for:

– preparing a plan;

– organising the work; and

– working together with others to ensure health and safety.

Installing a kitchen or bathroom:

– structural alterations, eg chimney breast removal;

– roofing work, including dormer windows;

– extension or loft conversion.

A simple plan before the work starts is usually enough to show that we have thought about health and safety. If the job will last longer than 500 person days or 30 working days (with more than 20 people working at the same time) it will need to notify the HSE and it is likely to be too complex for this simple plan format.

The list of essential points below will help us to plan and organise the job, and work together with others involved to make sure that the work is carried out without risks to health and safety. It will also help us to comply with CDM 2015.

We will

Make a note of the key dates, eg:

– when you’ll start and finish;
– when services will be connected/disconnected;
– build stages, such as groundwork or fitout.

We will find out information from the client about the property, eg:

– where the services and isolation points are;
– access restriction to the property;
– if there is any asbestos present.

Working together

It will be useful to record the details of anybody else working on the job, including specialist companies and labourers. Explain how we will communicate with others (eg via a daily update), provide information about the job, coordinate your work with theirs and keep them updated of any changes, eg:

– to site rules;
– to health and safety information;
– what we will do if the plan or materials change or if there are any delays;
– who will be making the key decisions about how the work is to be done.

Organise

Identify the main dangers on site and how we will control them, eg:
– the need for scaffolding if working at height;
– how structures and excavations will be supported to prevent collapse;
– how we will prevent exposure to asbestos and building dust;

How we will keep the site safe and secure for our client, their family and members of the public:
– Make sure that there are toilet, washing and rest facilities.
– Name the person responsible for ensuring the job runs safely.
– Explain how supervision will be provided.

If you are unsure about how you can make your site safer, see www.hse.gov.uk/construction for more information and to download other Busy Builder sheets. See www.citb.co.uk for a free smartphone app CDM wizard.