Posted By Ciaran McAleenan
John
The road construction industry were having the same concerns in NI and just recently launched, what they refer to as a "Relationships Protocol", aimed at setting out the actions for all players on site (contractor, utility companies, client). I have reproduced it below, as best as I can, but if you want a properly formatted one I can arrange for that. The protocol is endorsed by all the key organisations and will be monitored for effectiveness.
Hope this helps.
Ciaran
ciaran@web-safety.com"Relationships Protocol"
The Construction Design and Management Regulations require co-operation and co-ordination between all parties involved in the design and delivery of construction work. Compliance with this best practice Guidance Note will promote effective co-ordination and co-operation between Roads Service, Principal Contractors, Contractors, Utility Companies and their Sub-Contractors.
The objective of all the interested parties is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of road workers and road users. The following actions are necessary to further this aim and to establish and maintain a good working relationship between all parties.
Action 1.
Advance notification of proposed utility works, that are to be done by any utility and/or their contractor during the Project, is to be provided to the Principal Contractor before work commences. Liaison arrangements for these works are to be agreed at this stage.
Action 2.
The Principal Contractor is to be provided with a list detailing any nominated utility sub-contractors, seeking access to the site. The listing is to include; nature and scope of work, contact names, telephone numbers and level(s) of responsibility.
Action 3.
The utility company is to provide relevant risk assessments, method statements and the name of their safety advisor to the Principal Contractor before work can commence.
Action 4.
The utility company and/or their sub-contractors are to discuss and agree with the Principal Contractor any necessary accommodation works to facilitate storage of their plant and materials on site.
Action 5.
The Principal Contractor is to facilitate briefing meeting(s) with all interested parties, if necessary, in order that relevant information and program of works can be communicated and agreed prior to work starting on site.
Action 6.
Any changes to works, details of delays or extensions to the utility works, which may affect the overall program, is to be notified to the Principal Contractor at the earliest opportunity.
The sharing of information, clarity and co-operation will ensure that all parties involved are aware of their responsibilities. Adherence to the above procedures will enhance relationships and facilitate the safe and efficient carrying out of work.
The QPANI/ Roads Service liaison committee will monitor the effectiveness of this protocol and its outworking will be discussed at any contract performance reviews.