 The Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2007 place specific duties on all those involved in construction projects.
Definitions of construction
‘Construction work' means the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work and includes:
The construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance (including cleaning which involves the use of water or an abrasive at high pressure or the use of corrosive or toxic substances), de-commissioning, demolition or dismantling of a structure.
The preparation for an intended structure, including site clearance, exploration, investigation (but not site survey) and excavation, and the clearance or preparation of the site or structure for use or occupation at its conclusion.
The assembly on site of prefabricated elements to form a structure or the disassembly on site of prefabricated elements which, immediately before such disassembly, formed a structure.
The removal of a structure or of any product or waste resulting from demolition or dismantling of a structure or from disassembly of prefabricated elements which immediately before such disassembly formed such a structure.
The installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair or removal of mechanical, electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulic, telecommunications, computer or similar services which are normally fixed within or to a structure.
Planning for construction health and safety
The aims of the Regulations are to:
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Improve the planning and management of health and safety on construction projects.
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Identify hazards at early stages so they can be designed out or reduced. This will then allow for the effective management of risks during the project.
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Target resources so that health and safety is managed in the most effective way.
Competency for involvement in construction projects
Competency is a key factor in the CDM process. All those involved in a construction project must satisfy themselves that their own organisations and those of the subcontractors they appoint are suitably competent to perform the roles assigned.
Determining this competency can include (but is not limited to) an assessment of:
- The company organisation and arrangements for health and safety (this should be contained in an up-to-date health and safety policy).
- The level of qualifications, experience and competent advice within the company.
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Procedures for monitoring, audit and review.
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Procedures for accident reporting and other emergency arrangements.
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The company risk assessment process and results (hazard identification, assessment and risk control).
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The company experience and track record for projects of a similar size and complexity.
Types of construction projects
There are two types of construction projects defined by the CDM Regulations:
1. Non-notifiable construction projects
A construction project will be non-notifiable where the work lasts for fewer than 30 days or involves fewer than 500 person days of work.
2. Notifiable construction projects
A construction project will be notifiable where the work lasts for more than 30 days or involves more than 500 person days of work (for example, 50 people working for more than 10 days).
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