In short, the answer is YES - the Principal Contractor must 'ensure that the construction phase is properly managed and monitored, with adequately resourced, competent site management appropriate to the risk and activity' [extracted from the CDM ACOP Para. 150 (c)]. It is standard practice to expect a competent person from the Principal Contractor to be in attendance whilst work is being undertaken. However, in the right circumstances it may be acceptable for the Principal contractor to delegate the site supervision role providing he is satisfied with the arrangements and competency of the persons this delegation is being passed to. This may be one of the contractors undertaking part of the works. it needs to be assessed on a case by case basis.

Two conflicting answers so I will give my own interpretation of CDM requirements. First, it must be said that it would be unusual for the PC not to have a 'continuous presence' onsite during the construction phase. That said, the term 'construction' can be a bit vague at times because CDM covers all manner of trades, industries and projects. The PC's duty, inter-alia, is to ensure the construction phase is planned, managed and monitored, with adequately resourced, competent site management appropriate to the risk and activity. Therefore it is difficult to imagine a scenario where the PC is not required onsite. However, PCs don't have to undertake detailed supervision of contractors' work. So, the answer to your question is YES, unless the nature of the project dictates that it is not practical for the PC to retain a presence onsite because, for example, the project involves multiple sites, transient work, etc.

On some of the small projects that still fall under CDM we will have a visiting manager who will generally visit each day and will generally look after 3-4 project in an area, this means that we can manage the works but we also ensure that the operatives on site are supervised by a competent person , this is usually achieved by them holding the SMSTS along with them being well known to the company. All sub contractors will also have to pass a competency assessment in line with appendix 4 of CDM. With the larger project we always have a permanent presence on site. Regards paulR

slightly different question if anyone can help- CDM Clients Responsibilities? We currently have a notifiable project going on. I am aware that it is client responsibility to ensure the appointment of the a competent PC? My question is, if there are sub contractors appointed by PC is it their responsibility to ensure competence or does this still lie with the client? Currently I have been reviewing all RA's and pertinent documentation for all contracots, just not sure if I need to be so involved with CDM project(first CDM project) Apologies for crashing thread, wasn't able to set new post. Any advice greatly welcomed?

Whoops no baptism of fire it should have stated appointment. Corrected post below. Firstly This type of query(and the previous query) should be addressed to the CDM-C who is the clients advisers. (It is a breach of duty if the CDM -C is not competent)the Regs recognise that the client may not be an expert that is why the CDM-C should be appointed at the earliest opportunity( in short to be the clients friend.) The duty is a shared duty The duty lies with the Client (usually through the CDM-C to check, to advise the client and to support the client to meet its duty) the Duty to check competence also lies with the PC to check competence of all appointees however it is the duty of everyone to check their own competence and it is a breach of CDM 2007 Regs (Reg 4 clearly states the requirements.)

Chris Appreciate the input. My inclination was that, hence reason for reviewing all docs etc. My boss felt I was getting to involved. Many Thanks MT

Mark To answer your question - it is the responsibility of the employing contractor to assess/ensure the competence of any subcontractor they employ. Nice neat chain:-) Bob

Mark Having worked on very large projects globally and UK When working for the Client or PC The Managment of contractor Procedure audits are a very good tool , You can audit the PC and the Contractors with the PC and contractor as Part of the team to find any shortfalls or comings and it builds on the One team approach on projects Working well together etc. At Tender stage the Client Should be checking the pc Safety systems as part of the tender process and there should be a system in place in The PC system to do the same as he becomes the contractors Client I hope this helps any issues drop me a line best regards wade