Hi All,

I know this question has been asked many times before albeit in a different form! I'm getting utterly confused on CDM 2015 and would appreciate realistic response.

We are getting some racking removed in one of our warehouses (approx 5 aisles). I'll keep it as short as possible and omit names etc. The process will involve multiple contractors:

1. Racking removal company.

2. Fire sprinker company.

3. Fire alarm company.

The work is expected to last approx. 7-10 days and involve around 10-15 people total. Although I don't believe the project will be notifiable I've read from multiple sources that CDM will still apply, even though it's not notifiable. Ok, I understand 'that' but what I am stuggling with is 'how is it different from other contractors on site'.

So, take a step back from CDM, if we have a contractor on site to paint a room or fix a forklift then we will be due dilligent and get copies of risk assessments, method statements, insurance, check for enforcement notices, complete inductions, issue permits etc etc. 

Going back to the above racking requirements, what would I need to do? How do I appoint a principle contractor? What if they don't want to take the responsibily of a principle contractor? Are RAMS and the above due diligence not enough? 

I'm just confused now!

Originally Posted by: ryangavin777

Going back to the above racking requirements, what would I need to do? How do I appoint a principle contractor? What if they don't want to take the responsibily of a principle contractor? Are RAMS and the above due diligence not enough? 

Yes, appoint a Principal Contractor and a Principal Designer (very possibly the same organsiation).  If they don't want the responsibility, they don't get the job - simple.  You are the client, you tell them what needs doping, which includes you need someone to be PC and PD.

You appoint them by writing a letter - or more likely including one extra sentence in the appointment letter you're already going to send them saying that you are appointing them as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor on the project.

(Or, you could not appoint those roles and your own organsiation take all the PC and PD duties.  I suggest that you probably don't want to do that.)

Before insisting an organisation takes on the role of PC/PD make sure you are clear on whether or not they have the correct competencies. Remember, you are a commercial client, you need to carry out background checks on the person or organisation carrying out a specific role.

To be come PD

1 Do they have the skills, knowledge, experience training to fulfil such a role?

2 Are they in a position to influence the design?

3 Can they manage and coordinate the pre-construction phase by ensuring all designers carry out their duties?

4 As client are you aware of your client duties under CDM, the designer cannot take on the role of designer unless they assure themselves the client is aware and can fulfil client duties?

5 You the client with the assistance of the PD are required to put together pre-construction information with the addition of circulating the PCI to all those being considered or have been appointed.

6 Do they hold any recognised health and safety certification? -  a way around this is to appoint a CDM advisor

To become PC

1 Have you carried out a skills, knowledge, experience check on the proposed PC  i.e. have they carried out this kind of work below? Are they health and safety accredited e.g. CHAS or similar

Remember, even though you hold the purse strings you cannot forcibly insist a bidder takes on PD/PC end of - and then bury your head under the carpet, the CDM 2015 regs have now put more emphasise on the commercial client to make suitable arrangements for managing a project.

My advice is draft up a client brief, sit down with your proposed contractors and agree a way forward in ensuring eveyone is clear on their roles and responibilities, advisably as early as possible!

Hi Ryan,

Are you actually based on the site where the Works will be carried out and what is your role?

Cheers

Andy