Rank: Forum user
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I am relatively new to the construction industry and just have a query
I work for an organisation who are a Contractors, they obtain the work from a variety of different organisations, then to give the work to at least one other contractor. With this being the case, for every project there are at least 2 contractors involved(the contractors i work for and another contracting organisation).
My company are taking on the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer, I believe this is right in accordance with CDM, is this correct?
Even if they only give the work to one organisation, there would also be a requirement for the organisation I work for to complete a Health and Safety File for every project, along with a CPP, even though they give the work to one contractor, is this correct?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Pad,
Seems like your caught in the mire of CDM 2015!
It is for the commissioning client to make appointment of Principal Designer and Principal Contractor. You cannot presume to take on these roles.
The Regulations (and the parent Directive) are a bit clumsy in this regard. Mu advice to any client engaging construction work of any substance is to work to a presumptive approach that there is likely to be more than one contractor on site at any given time, and to make appointments accordingly. Scaffold erection, ground works, etc. etc. various trades and subbies are a matter of routine in most Projects - best (and in a practical sense, easier I find) to work to that presumption.
The Health and Safety File has to be maintained by the Client for the structure. Preparation of a File on a Project-by-Project basis is less than helpful - a common problem with CDM 2007 and 1994.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Good comments by Ron. I would also add it is the PC's responsibility to ensure a CPP has been prepared and the PD to prepare the H&S File in accordance with the Client's instructions. So as Ron has explained it depends on who the client appoints as PC and PD, it could be the same contractor for both of course.
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Rank: Forum user
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I would be very sceptical about taking the Principal Designer role without having the necessary competencies as in accordance with CDM15.
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Rank: Forum user
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I think there is much confusion in relation to CDM 2015, especially when it comes to recruitment for specific roles.
Guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive in January 2015, defines principal designers as ‘…designers appointed by the client in projects involving more than one contractor. They can be an organisation or an individual with sufficient knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the role.’ This may be combined with other roles on the project, such as project manager or architect.
If you have the experience, knowledge and ability to carry out the role then no problem providing the client has appointed you or your company as the PD. You could carry out both roles (PC and PD) but again as previously mentioned it is the responsibility of the client to appoint.
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Rank: Forum user
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If it's D&B it is quite usual for contractors to take the PD/PC role.
But only take the role if you have the relevant skills, knowledge, experience, training. Otherwise you will be looking to novate to a designer who has necessary SKET.
You have stated there is more than one contractor therefore H&S file for projects involving more than one contractor provided by PD. CPP for single contractor and more than one contractor provided by PC.
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