Rank: Super forum user 
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I am assisting a Principal Contractor with a construction project and struggling to come to terms with a Client's representative who I feel is demanding more than he should regarding the project H&S File.
He sends out a template document to be filled in with all the relevant information required by the CDM Regs. And requires this to be printed out and put into a ring binder, with appendices of all the documents received from sub contractors and suppliers. Then to send it to him with a CD copy of all the information.
There is a lot of printing to be done, costly for stationary, ink etc. plus my time charged to the PC. Anyone who has put a H&S File together will know how much time is needed.
I questioned this chap yesterday and quoted part of the CDM Regs. about the PC's duty and he came back with some things I disagree with.
He stated that it is the PC's duty to provide the H&S File in any format the Client decides.
In my opinion, and according to the Regs. it is the Project Manager who does all that work with information provided by the PC and suppliers.
I am frustrated by all this and would like to have a go at him but do not wish to upset him enough for him to not offer future projects to my PC.
I would appreciate some opinions please.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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It is normally the Principal Designer who prepares the Health and Safety File, unless they have passed it to the PC. I would argue the Client is entitled to request what documents they wish and in what format they want. That said, I think if there is a large amount of documents then a CD is the appropriate medium and not paper copies.
The other option is to give the Client what they want and to charge them nicely for it if you feel it is above and beyond what should be provided.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Kind of agree with Ron. However, the Health and Safety file (HSF) itself should be concise.
The O+Ms, dwgs etc. are the heavyweight items.
Specific 'additional' client requirements should have been established and priced long before this stage.
So, PD is tasked to produce the HSF unless his appointment completes before project completion. In this event the PC produces the HSF for handover to the client.
Good luck!
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Rank: Super forum user
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It is normal practice to have one/two paper copies plus a digital version but the contract should stipulate this. With regards the contents the PC tends to gather the vast majority of the information for the H&SF and puts together the Building Manual/O&M Manual. Depending on the contract other designers may provide information direct to the PD.
A typical design and build contract will require the PC to provide a H&SF but the duty remains with the PD. The PD then should check the information and actually highlight significant, unusual and hidden residual risks. PCs tend to be very poor at this.
Some do get the Building Manual/O&M Manual mixed up with the H&SF. As a PD I would not put together the Building Manual/O&M Manual but I would refer to it. I have however also put together stand along H&SF.
The PM normally checks the Building Manual/O&M Manual is provided and is what is required. They would not actually collate the information but they are likely to hold some of it.
There is no rule saying the Building Manual/O&M Manual can in incorporated into H&SF but the H&SF does not need to contain all the information typically in a Building Manual/O&M Manual. There are though normally wedded to each other.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Ps on a D&B contract I normally scrap the PC effort and draft my own H&SF.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thank you all for your input.
I have exchanged emails with this chap. He does not call himself Pincipal Dsigner, in fact PD is not a title anywhere in his contact list.
He has now told me he is frustrated by my questioning his knowledge of the regs. Although he is happy to question mine ha ha.
I understood the duties are fixed by the regulations and cannot be passed on. If that is the case the PD should collate all information for the H&S File and produce the document. The Guidance to the Regulations states the PC takes a secondary roll but he says I am assuming the guidance is a regulation. As far as I am concerned the Guidance suggests best practice.
I know the regs require all to ensure all else are fully understanding of the regulations but he is allowing the Client to bend the rules.
The requirement for PC to do the work is contained in the contract documents.
Doesn't make it right though does it ??????
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Rank: Super forum user 
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On the other hand, you've been given carte blanche to decide what goes in!
In many instances (on a Project basis) the answer to the items on the big long list is "not applicable" or even "refer to O&M manual" or "as built drawing reference XYZ".
If the PD (and there had to be one at some point) hasn't stipulated, directed or communicated any particular requirements via design, drawing, spec or pre-construction information then you can ignore risks arising from the design.
I've been involved in many refurb. Projects where NO additional information was required for update of the H&S File. The works were essentially like-for like refurb.
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Rank: Forum user
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I feel your pain Firesafety.
As PC we regularly end up bending over backwards to fulfill quite demanding H&S file requirements in spite of the Regs stating this is duty of the PD. Somehow they always manage to pass the duty on.
On recent projects they have demanded a hard copy drafts of O&Ms and H&S file at Practical Completion, upwards of 1500 pages, knowing that they will essentially be binned and re-written as more of the information becomes available.
A very frustrating task.
Andy
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