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Hand picked top ten CDM 2015 Frequently Asked Questions from the HSE specifically for SME building firms

Don’t say we never do anything for you! Always happy to help, the sharp support team at HBXL have sliced through the HSE’s FAQ on CDM 2015 to cherry pick out the issues that most apply to our users. Here we have collected our top ten CDM 2015 Frequently Asked Questions specifically for small building firms. Let the HBXL team ensure you’re covered by all building regulations with award winning software Health & Safety Xpert and our highly rated support and updates. Don’t take the risk of limitless fines and even worse damage to your health! Speak to one of our team today. In the mean time, read our selection of the most relevant FAQ’s from the HSE about CDM 2015…

Who is a small builder?

A small builder is a contractor and includes sub-contractors or any individual self-employed worker. Small builders will usually carry out construction work on:

• Domestic projects – involving extensions, repairs and refurbishment work on the homes of domestic clients. A small builder will usually have the sole responsibility for site health and safety on these projects
• Small commercial projects – involving short duration repairs and refurbishment work (with 15 or fewer people on site) for business commercial clients where site health and safety responsibilities are shared between the small builder and the commercial client

I am a general builder who only works on small-scale commercial and domestic projects, will CDM 2015 affect me?

Yes. CDM 2015 applies to all construction work including domestic projects.
You will have different responsibilities depending on whether you are (for example):

• the only contractor working on the job
• the Principal Contractor (PC)
• one of the contactors workings for a Principal Contractor

Can I carry out the role of more than one CDM duty holder on a project?

Yes. Whether you are an individual or an organisation (client, designer, Principal Designer, contractor or Principal Contractor), you can carry out the role of more than one duty holder.  You must have the skills, knowledge, experience and (if an organisation) the organisational capability to carry out all of the functions and responsibilities of each role in a way that secures health and safety.

As a general builder do I need a Construction Phase Plan for any construction work I do?

Yes. If you are the only contractor or the Principal Contractor , you must draw up a Construction Phase Plan (CPP).  However, it should be proportionate to the size and scale of the job.

A simple plan before the work starts is usually enough to show that you have thought about health and safety.

If you are a contractor working for a PC, it is the PC who must draw up the Construction Phase Plan.

Does CDM 2015 apply to all maintenance work?

No. The definition of construction work has not changed under CDM 2015. The application to maintenance work remains the same as it was under CDM 2007.

When do a small builder’s duties start?

The duties for a small builder start as soon as they are appointed by the client to carry out the construction work. The client should appoint the builder early in the project so that the builder has sufficient time to plan the work and identify any risks to health and safety. Details of any planning must be recorded as a construction phase plan.  The effort devoted to planning should be proportionate to the complexity of the project and the risks involved.

Who is a Principal Contractor?

A Principal Contractor is the contractor with control over the construction phase of a project involving more than one contractor. They are appointed in writing by the client (commercial or domestic) to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during this phase.

When should a Principal Contractor be appointed?

The Principal Contractor should be appointed by the client as early in the project as possible and before the construction phase begins. This is so that the Principal Contractor can:

• allow time to plan the work of the construction phase and, in liaison with the Principal Designer and others involved in the project, identify any risks to health and safety and the control measures which need to be put in place
• record details of any planning in a construction phase plan
• work with the client for the duration of their appointment
• liaise with the Principal Designer for the remainder of their appointment for the purposes of planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating the pre-construction phase

The effort devoted to planning should be proportionate to the complexity of the project and the level of risks involved.

For more information about the Principal Contractor please click here.

Who is a Principal Designer?

A Principal Designer can be an organisation or individual who is appointed by the client (commercial or domestic) to take the lead in planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase (design and planning stage) of a project involving, or likely to involve, more than one contractor.

A Principal Designer is the designer (as defined in the Regulations) with control over the pre-construction phase who has the relevant skills, knowledge and experience and where they are an organisation, the organisational capability to carry out all the functions of the role. However, they do not have to carry out actual design work on the project.

How long should a Principal Designer be appointed for?

The duration of a Principal Designer’s appointment should take into account any design work which may continue into the construction phase or any issues that may arise during construction involving the need to make suitable modifications to the designs. A principal designer should be in place for as long as there is a need for their role to be performed, but where their appointment finishes before the end of the project, they should fully brief the Principal Contractor on matters arising from designs relevant to any subsequent construction work, and also pass the health and safety file on to them.

For more information about the Principal Contractor please click here.

If you are interested in award winning Health & Safety Xpert and the peace of mind it gives when it comes to site legislation please call us on 0117 916 7898 or drop us an email at sales@hbxl.co.uk