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stitchy690  
#1 Posted : 24 May 2016 12:07:09(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
stitchy690

Hello, I'm a first time poster hoping to get some advice with regards to CDM and client involvement. We are a chemical manufacturer site and over the past couple of years some of the production buildings have went through complete upgrades. Currently there is a disinvestment project for one of these buildings ongoing and it has been demarcated as a CDM area and handed over to the Principal Contractor. Once completed it will be handed over in preparation for the construction phase (again this will be a CDM area). All jobs are still within the boundaries of the main process plant. The issues we are having is that whilst the principal contractors / designers have control / will have control over these CDM areas, the client (ie. the site director) still wants involvement from his own health and safety team (ie. my colleagues and I) and there is dubiety over who should be having, I suppose, the leading authority. Some colleagues from my team are observing practices during tours of these areas that we would not necessarily accept on our site elsewhere, but how much power do we have to be able to request that improvements be made and do they have to take on board what we suggest?
RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 24 May 2016 12:24:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

The principle of CDM is good communication and co-operation between all interested parties. So most of the issues you have raised should have been discussed and agreed prior to the PC starting work and articulated in project documentation e.g. CPP. The PC is responsible for site safety and for preparing the CPP. The PD should assist in pre-construction planning and assist the PC with the CPP. I suggest you or your boss arrange a meeting with the PC to raise your concerns whether they be health, safety, security, PPE or whatever. The Client is paying the bills, so they are entitled to a say in what happens on their premises as long as they are being reasonable with their requests and not try to become a part-time PC.
WatsonD  
#3 Posted : 24 May 2016 12:29:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

Most clients, particularly those who only occasionally commission construction work, will not be experts in the construction process. For this reason, they are not required to take an active role in managing the work. However, the client is required to make suitable arrangements for managing the project so that health, safety and welfare is secured. An extract from L153 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l153.pdf
johnmc  
#4 Posted : 28 May 2016 19:38:42(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
johnmc

IMHO and understanding of CDM15 the PC is responsible for managing safety on site not the client, it can be very frustrating and cause no end of upset when those who are not involved in construction expect the same standards used in other industries, good luck anyway.
bob youel  
#5 Posted : 31 May 2016 08:57:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

Irrespective of law a sensible client will ensure that their back is covered in all areas not just construction; especially so noting the quality of H&S + environmental/fire management on an average CDM site, and in the contract terms should include the point that the client rules if that is not the case a client is at risk. Therefore common sense says that a client should have a competent 'bod' looking out for them who evaluates & manages on their behalf [if needed employ somebody specifically for the duration of a project] And as the client already has somebody protecting them in accounting, procurement, contractual areas etc. so why H&S should be any different]
boblewis  
#6 Posted : 31 May 2016 11:31:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
boblewis

Problems start when client has not already specified client rules and inspection rights etc in the pre contract and contract information. Once the contract is agreed then they can only be added by negotiation. In general terms however the client is probably the most experienced with the specific building and plant risks so does need to be linked in in some way. Co ordination of the client activity surrounding the construction works can also be a bone of contention, but this can be covered under the CDM duties of co-operation.
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