CDM Regulations – Is your project prepared?

If you are looking to perform any construction work on your practice then you need to have considered Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM).  Having been introduced initially in 1994, CDM Regulations were re-introduced in 2007. It was hoped that the modified regulations would make it easier for projects to comply with health and safety responsibilities. This is not just for the sake of the builders, but also for the safety of the public. This is especially significant to anyone looking to refurbish their dental practice as more often than not, a practice will choose to remain operational through this period.

The aim of CDM Regulations is to improve the overall management and coordination of health and safety through every stage of the construction process. The goal of this is to reduce the number of both serious and fatal accidents that occur in the construction industry.

Where does CDM apply?

CDM Regulations apply to “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”.[i]

A CDM Coordinator must be appointed by the employer if the project is going to last longer than 30 days or if it involves more than 500 person days of work. Though this sounds like a Planning Supervisor, the role of the CDM Coordinator is simply to advise and assist the employer as to how they can comply with the regulations.

It’s your responsibility

First and foremost, the sole responsibility of hiring a CDM Coordinator rests on your shoulders. CDM is a contract between the employer and the builder, it has nothing to do with your architect. An architect can advise you to sort out CDM, but if you don’t and a problem occurs because you haven’t sorted it out, it will be your problem. However, some Architectural Design Services companies, like Roger Gullidge Design will offer help during this process by suggesting possible CDM Coordinators.

Nowadays, all projects (unless very small) should be backed up by a JCT contract, which has a CDM section to make sure that you have it covered. This is a contract between the employer and the contractor. Through signing this contract you acknowledge whether or not you need CDM. If the JCT Administrator has written in to the contract that you require CDM and you choose to ignore it, there could be big problems if someone gets hurt.

The CDM Coordinator

Drawings of the project must be put together and then sent to the CDM coordinator. Once the drawings and information on the builder has been checked (part of the procedure is to check that the builder is up to date with his insurances/certifications etc.) there will be a meeting with the CDM Coordinator regarding the project. The CDM Coordinator will then fill in all of the correct government forms (they are qualified to do this) and the project can begin.

If you have employed your CDM Coordinator at the basic level he may visit the project once, though it is not law that they visit at all. If you have employed your CDM Coordinator for the top grade then they will normally be there for every meeting. If you are really safety conscious then it is advised that you go for the top grade.

A CDM Coordinator has the power to close the site down, this can be for safety reasons (builder has put up some scaffolding that may fall down etc.) or it could be closed because the contractors welfare is inadequate, i.e. it is too cold or there are not suitable facilities for them.

Be sure not to confuse a CDM Coordinator with a Health and Safety Visitor, though they may seem similar they have completely different roles. A CDM Coordinator checks the paperwork and will be present in meetings whereas a Health and Safety Visitor can visit the site unexpectedly to check your health and safety compliance. If the Health and Safety Visitor visits and discovers that you don’t have a CDM Coordinator, the project can be shut down until this is rectified

The benefits of a CDM Coordinator are clear, by helping you to make your project safer for both your contractors and the public by assessing safety, welfare and site conditions, the chances of you running into problems are significantly decreased. Though a CDM Coordinator has the authority to interfere and temporarily shut down the construction, they should not be seen as a foe. Their advice and assistance is purely there to benefit you and those who come into direct contact with the project, ensuring a safer and smoother project.

Roger Gullidge Design is a specialist design and project management consultancy specialising in the dental sector. Call 01278 784442 for more details or visit: www.rogergullidgedesign.com