What is CDM and how does it affect me?
OUR GUIDE
CDM stands for Construction Design and Managements Regulations and affects everyone involved with commissioning, designing or executing a construction project - even domestic clients.
The regulations have just changed and now even domestic clients are not exempt from the requirement to appoint a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor. Commercial clients are responsible for ensuring that proper arrangements for managing the project safely are put in place and reviewed throughout the life of the project.
The Principal Designer is a new role that brings with it the specific responsibility to ensure that the Designers working on the project discharge their duties to eliminate, minimise or manage health and safety risks throughout their appointment.
The Principal Designer will support the Client in making sure pre-construction information is provided to those who will need it during the project, they will work with the Principal Contractor to ensure that the health and safety implications of design aspects and later changes are properly considered. They will support the Principal Contractor in drawing up the construction phase plan and in developing the health and safety file to provide to the client at the end of the project.
From all this it can be seen that the duties are very real and apply to everyone involved in construction - even those who previously thought the regulations did not apply to them (although in fact they probably did!). Structural Engineers Cambridge will be providing further help and guidance in this area throughout the year, and if you have any queries regarding this please contact us - we're happy to help.