Rank: New forum user 
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I have recently been involved (CDMC & H&S Adviser) in emergency works on a listed building which was in imminent danger of collapse (stated by structural engineer). A well known heritage organisation in my opinion tried to force PC to work from inside putting lives at significant risk rather than work from outside and above.
In this case H&S ruled and work completed safely (from outside).
Just wondered if anyone else has had similar experience ?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Can remember a job where we changed some listed houses into offices and the contractor found two walls that were not tied in - they had been built onto the floorboards ob the room and when he showed me them they were gently swaying in the breeze. The heritage organisation who had supplied grants for the work refused to allow the walls to be changed even though guys were expected to work below them including a cellar. I advised to foreman to stop the work in the immediate area and then asked our head Surveyor to contact the heritage people for an urgent meeting that day. I went off to do another job and came back some hours later to be told the heritage company were insisting no alterations regardless of the safety problems - there was even a veiled threat of withdrawing some of the grant. The head Surveyor said that not to worry but the problem had been resolved as the walls had fallen down. I am not convinced even today that, knowing the head surveyor the walls were not given a push o help them fall down - certainly everyone was being very quiet when asked about the fall.
I have other tales about this type of organisation who cannot see that safety sometimes does really need to have priority.
John C
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Rank: Super forum user
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I coud construct an argument that such people are making a design decision as they are specifying techniques of work or limiting choices. I know the HSE have had an interest in planners restricting choices and I think a discussion with them can be helpful
Bob
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Rank: New forum user
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Interesting two comments. The last suggest designer duties which I agree and did enter onto F10.
Then the flack really started !
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Rank: Super forum user
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Not surprised as they do not want to think about it. You need a lot of face to push this but talk to your local HSE about this and they may give you some ammunition or better still join the fight. Alan Parkes at Leeds was exceptional in this area.
Bob
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Rank: New forum user
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Have spooken to local inspector and chief inspector for area. both shown interest but no action to date.
If anyone else reads this topic and have a similiar issue, I would strongly recommend that you stand your ground.
In my instance, client fully aware of risks and his duties and would not accept any "bully tactics" although he did lose grant!
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Rank: Forum user
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We have recently completed refurbishment works on a listed building were the relevant agency were insistant that lead paint be stripped and new lead paints applied. As the safety manager for the company I challenged this and with the client and designer we held our position to use alternative products. The agency fought this but health & safety won out after the hierarchy of control measures were explained and alternative products detailed. So, I say stand firm on the principles as long as the alternatives are there. Unfortunately the CDM (C) never challenged the lead usage at the design stage.
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Rank: Super forum user
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jde
A good example of how these people are designers
Bob
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Rank: New forum user
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I act as both a CDMC and H&S Advisor.
As a CDMC, you do not always get all relevent information to enable a challenge on design.
This goes back to the fact that heritage are clearly designers and therefore should comply with there duties.
Dean
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