The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) are a set of health and safety regulations in the United Kingdom that apply to all construction projects, regardless of their size, length or complexity.
The purpose of the CDM regulations is to ensure that construction work is carried out safely and that those who may be affected by the work are protected.
When were the CDM regulations introduced?
The CDM regulations were first introduced in 1994 and have been revised several times since then. The most recent version was introduced in 2015, and it replaces the previous 2007 version. The regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is responsible for ensuring that employers and workers are complying with them.
What do the CDM regulations apply to?
The CDM regulations apply to a wide range of construction projects, from small refurbishments to large infrastructure projects. They also apply to all parties involved in a construction project, including clients, designers, contractors and workers.
The regulations require that all parties work together to ensure that risks are identified and controlled throughout the project.
Key principles of the CDM
One of the key principles of the CDM regulations is the concept of “designing for health and safety”. This means that designers must consider the health and safety of everyone who will be involved in the construction and use of the building or structure. Designers must also ensure that the design takes into account the need for maintenance and cleaning, as well as the safe use of the building or structure.
Another important principle of the CDM regulations is the need for effective communication and cooperation between all parties involved in the project. The regulations require all parties to communicate and cooperate with each other to ensure that risks are identified and controlled throughout the project.
The CDM regulations also require that several documents are produced during the project, including a health and safety file and a construction phase plan. The health and safety file contains information about the health and safety of the building or structure and must be kept up to date throughout the life of the building or structure. The construction phase plan is a document that sets out how health and safety will be managed during the construction phase of the project.
Understanding CDM course
At HCS Safety, we offer both a full-day and half-day version of our Understanding CDM course. The course is engaging, interactive and leaves delegates with a clear understanding of this fundamental piece of legislation.
We have also provided CDM support services for many years. Since the introduction of CDM 2015, we now offer a support role to assist clients and principal designers to understand and carry out their duties under these regulations.
Over the years we have been involved in a wide variety of projects, ranging from new build construction on both green and brownfield sites, refurbishment, housing and M&E works.
To find out more, get in touch with our team today.
