CDM 2007

New CDM Regulations came into force on 6 April 2007

Notable Changes:

• The '5 man' rule is removed. The CDM regulations now encompass virtually all construction and maintenance work no matter how few workers are involved.

• Unless otherwise declared, Planning Supervisors’ previously appointed assumed the role of CDM Co-ordinator for all Projects which straddled the 6 April changeover date

• For all notifiable Projects post 6 April, Clients’ will assume the role and responsibilities of CDM Co-ordinator and Principal Contractor unless formal appointments of these duty holders have been made

• Emphasis on very early appointment of the CDM Co-ordinator

• No transitional arrangements – as from 6 April 2007 the full CDM 2007 Regulations came force

• CDM Co-ordinators’ have 12 months to demonstrate their competence if required – there is a schedule of assessment guidance within ACOP

• Clients have to declare on the F10 to the HSE the period allowed for Principal Contractor mobilisation

• Clients have to sign the F10 to declare understanding of their duties to the HSE

• Clients have to ensure sufficient welfare facilities are provided by the Principal Contractor

• Clients have to ensure adequacy of management arrangements by the Principal Contractor throughout the construction phase

• Co-ordinator to act as the Clients’ Health and Safety Advisor

• Co-ordinators’ to advise and assist Clients’ in competence assessments of Designers and Contractors

• Co-ordinators’ to prepare the Health and Safety File

• Details of appointed Designers to be declared on the F10

• Designers duties specifically qualified to "be performed so far as is reasonably practicable" - S.40 HSWA invoked and the burden of proof reversed onto the Designers

• Designers’ to design in accordance with provisions of Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 where the structure will act as a fixed workplace

• Designers to assess health and safety implications of their design and materials specified, in accordance with provisions of Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 where the structure will act as a workplace

• “Any designer shall ….. avoid foreseeable risks to the health and safety of any person using a structure designed as a workplace”

• Principles of Prevention are a duty of Clients, Designers, CDM Coordinators and Contractors

• Other project team members can become Designers by their actions

• Un-necessary paperwork out, the focus being on significant hazards

• Many of the important onerous regulations apply even if the project is not notifiable.

• Because of the risks, it is best that CDM principles and safety monitoring be applied to all construction work

Call John Okey on 01925 654158 because we can easily arrange training in CDM 2007 to suit your needs