Construction (Design and Management) Regulations

Our experienced CDM Consultants offer Principal Designer and CDM Advisor services for building and construction projects to meet the requirements of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (CDM 2015) are the main set of regulations for managing the health, safety, and welfare of construction projects. CDM applies to all building and construction work and includes new build, demolition, refurbishment, extensions, conversions, repair, and maintenance.

CDM 2015 outlines the duties of various duty holders, including the client, principal designer and principal contractor. Each has a specific role in ensuring health and safety compliance throughout the lifecycle of a construction project.

Our CDM Regulation Consultancy Services

CDM Principal Designer

What is the Principal Designer?

Working alongside the client design team, our CDM Principal Designer will coordinate health and safety aspects during design phase of the project to ensure integration of health and safety considerations during design.

Pre-construction Phase Involvement: Our Principal Designer is required to be appointed as early as possible in the project, during the pre-construction phase. They coordinate health and safety aspects during the design phase of the project.
Coordination of Design and Health and Safety: Our Principal Designer works with the project’s design team to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into the design process. They facilitate communication and collaboration among designers, ensuring a unified approach to managing health and safety risks.
Identification and Management of Risks: Our Principal Designer is responsible for coordinating the identification and management of health and safety risks associated with the design and subsequent construction phases. They work to coordinate the elimination or reduction of risks (ALARP= As Low As Reasonably Practicable) through design decisions, aiming to create a safer working environment as part of design risk review (DRR) meetings and the production of design risk assessments (DRAs).

Our CDM Principal Designer Services include:

Preparation of the Health and Safety File: Our CDM Principal Designers will coordinate the collation of health and safety file information before handover to the client after project completion.
Client Liaison: The Principal Designer liaises with the client regarding health and safety matters. They provide advice and guidance to the client on how to ensure compliance with CDM 2015.
Advisory Role: The Principal Designer provides advice to the client and other designers on how to comply with their respective duties under CDM 2015. They may recommend design modifications or improvements to enhance health and safety.
Cooperation with Other Duty Holders: The Principal Designer cooperates with other duty holders, including the principal contractor, to ensure a coordinated approach to health and safety management throughout the project.
Site Visits: Our CDM Principal Designers will coordinate the collation of health and safety file information before handover to the client after project completion.
Notification to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): The Principal Designer ensures that the client notifies the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the project if it meets certain criteria, such as lasting more than 30 working days or involving more than 500 person-days of construction work.

CDM Advisor

The role of a CDM (Construction, Design and Management) Advisor involves providing advice and assistance to duty holders throughout a construction project to assist in fulfilling their responsibilities under CDM 2015. The specific duties of a CDM Advisor can vary, but typical duties include:

Advisory Services: The CDM Advisor provides advice and guidance on matters related to health and safety, with a focus on compliance with the CDM regulations.
Pre-construction Phase Assistance: During the pre-construction phase, the CDM Advisor may assist in the development and coordination of health and safety plans, risk assessments, and other relevant documentation.
Client Advice: The CDM Advisor may provide advice to the client regarding their duties under CDM regulations. This includes informing the client about their responsibilities in terms of health and safety throughout the project.
Designer Support: The CDM Advisor may offer support to designers in understanding and fulfilling their obligations under CDM 2015. This could involve assisting with risk assessments and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into the design process.
Principal Contractor Assistance: The CDM Advisor may work with the principal contractor to help plan and manage health and safety during the construction phase. This includes assistance with the development of the construction phase plan.
Documentation Review: The CDM Advisor if required may review and assess health and safety documentation, such as Construction Phase Plans (CPP) risk assessments (RAMS) and method statements, to ensure they align with CDM 2015 requirements.
Training and Awareness: The CDM Advisor may contribute to training and awareness efforts, ensuring that relevant personnel are informed about health and safety regulations and best practices.
Communication: Facilitating communication between duty holders is a key role. The Principal Designer helps ensure that information regarding health and safety is effectively communicated among all parties involved in the project.
Site Inspections: The CDM Advisor may conduct site inspections to monitor health and safety practices during the construction phase, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Please click the link below for in-depth information on the CDM regulations 2015-
Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (hse.gov.uk)

What are the key components of CDM Regulations?

Key components of CDM regulations may include but are not limited to:

Building Codes: These are comprehensive regulations that specify the minimum standards for the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings. Building codes cover various aspects, including structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
Zoning Regulations: Zoning codes dictate how land can be used in different areas, specifying the types of structures that are allowed and their permissible uses. This helps regulate the overall urban or rural development plan.
Environmental Regulations: Construction projects often must adhere to environmental regulations to minimize their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. This may involve considerations for waste management, water runoff, and protection of natural habitats.
Safety Standards: Construction management design regulations include safety standards to ensure the well-being of workers and the public. This encompasses guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment, fall protection, and other safety measures.
Permitting Requirements: Before initiating construction, projects typically need various permits from local authorities. These permits may cover zoning, environmental impact, building codes, and other regulatory aspects.
Accessibility Standards: Regulations often mandate that buildings and structures be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes requirements for ramps, elevators, and other features that facilitate accessibility.
Fire Codes: Construction management design regulations include provisions for fire safety, specifying measures such as fire exits, sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant materials to minimize the risk of fire and enhance the safety of occupants.
Structural Standards: Guidelines for the structural design and integrity of buildings and infrastructure are crucial. This includes specifications for materials, load-bearing capacities, and engineering practices.
Energy Efficiency Standards: Some jurisdictions have regulations aimed at promoting energy efficiency in construction. This may involve requirements for insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable building practices.

What is the difference between management contracting and construction management?

The key difference lies in the contractual structure and the role of the intermediary entity. In management contracting, the client directly contracts with trade contractors, while in construction management, the construction manager serves as an intermediary between the client and trade contractors.

When do the construction design and management regulations apply?

The regulations are applicable to a wide range of construction work, including building, civil engineering, and engineering construction work. The regulations cover various stages of a construction project, from initial planning and design through to completion and maintenance.