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.
The Principal Contractor/Contractor will be responsible for:
- Preparing a plan;
- Organising the work.
- Working together with others to ensure health and safety;
- Identifying risks within the job.
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 be notified to HSE and it is likely to be too complex for this simple plan format.
“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.
Plan:
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 fit out.
You will need to 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.
Organise:
Identify the main dangers on site and how you will control them, eg:
- the need for scaffolding if working at height;
- how structures and excavations will be supported to prevent collapse;
- how you will prevent exposure to asbestos and building dust;
- how you will keep the site safe and secure for your client(s) and members of the public.
- Make sure that there are appropriate toilet, washing, and rest facilities.
- Name the person responsible for ensuring the job runs safely.
- Explain how supervision will be provided.
Working together:
It may be useful to record the details of anybody else working on the job, including specialist companies and labourers.
Explain how you 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 you 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.
You must ensure all risk assessments detailing your control measures are suitable and appropriate for the activity. You must ensure everyone affected by the activity are aware of the relevant control measures.
