Posted By Keith Egerton The HSE guidance says the construction phase of a project ends when construction ends - which seems obvious and fair enough. But how do you actually decided when 'construction' has ended in practice - in my experience contractors continue to return to site for periods, after the main construction has finished, carrying out 'snagging' work (I believe this is the term used to cover minor correction/repairs needed etc, left over from the main construction phase). Therefore I would assume that when contractors have completed the work, in their opinion/to a clients satisfaction/contractural requirements then 'construction' is said to be complete. On large 'glamour' projects does the client/contractors sign a declaration, stating that in their opinion that the project is finished and the building 'handed over' to the client. I know this may sound like a thread asking the 'bleeding obvious', but as a safety person who only gets involved with CDM from a distance, the views of construction safety specialists would be welcomed.

Posted By steviezenga Keith, Most construction project contracts include 6/12 month defects liability periods, obviously sometimes requiring construction work after the main works are finished at practical completion. My own interpretation is that any works in this period are part of the original CDM applicable contract with the Principal Contractor and CDM still applies (a view not shared by some Principal Contractors!). Another grey area!