Under the new CDM regulations, the key change will be the introduction of a Principal Designer (PD) to replace the CDM Coordinator (CDM-C). The role of the Principal Contractor (PC) will remain the same.
The Role of the Principal Designer
The Principal Designer is appointed by the client. Some key responsibilities of the Principal Designer include:- Coordinating and planning adequate Health & Safety before construction begins
- Identifying foreseeable hazards of the project and being able to control and eliminate them
- Making sure that designers adhere to the regulations and cooperate with others on Health & Safety matters
- Liaising with the Principal Contractor to assist with the necessary planning, management, monitoring and co-ordination of the construction phase
- Assisting the Client to identify, obtain and collate pre-construction information
- Preparing the Health & Safety File
The Role of the Client
The CDM 2015 defines a client as anyone for whom a construction project is carried out. The regulations apply to both domestic and commercial clients. A client now has a responsibility to make suitable arrangements for managing a project. This includes making sure that:- Other duty holders are appointed
- Sufficient time and resources are allocated
- Relevant information is prepared and provided to other duty holders
- The Principal Designer and Principal Contractor carry out their duties
- Welfare facilities are provided
