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Chapter 28 CONSTRUCTION DESIGN & MANAGEMENT (CDM)

The CDM Regulations are intended to provide safer conditions for construction site workers and also for use of the works in the future.

Basically this regulation asks that all risk assessments for building and construction work be carried out BEFORE the contract starts and should also include assessment of the maintenance of such works in the future.

There will be a new person in the contract team - the CDM Co-Ordinator - who will be responsible for ensuring that safety is being considered, not only during the contract period, but also at planning stage and subsequent maintenance.

The example that is usually given is that of windows on a sky-scraper - in the future the cleaning of the windows will have to be considered at the start - before the contract is let. How can the window cleaner clean the windows? - consideration will have to be given to revolving windows - ladders - 'cherry picker' platforms - suspended work platforms and a RISK ASSESSMENT carried out to determine which method will be safest to use in the long term.

• If revolving windows are used, are safety guards fitted for normal use?
• if ladders are to be used, are eyebolts present for securing ladders and safety harnesses?
• if platforms are to be used, are anchorage points present?

The CDM Regulations apply to all construction work which involves :

• demolition of a structure regardless of the duration of the work and the number of persons working on site.
• All notifiable construction work, i.e. is work which will last in excess of 30 days or will involve more than 500 person days of work
• Non-notifiable construction work where 5 or more are on site at any one time

Construction work on domestic premises is excluded unless the premises are used for business purposes. Occupied offices, shops, restaurants etc. (premises where the Local Environmental Health is the enforcing authority for health & safety ) where only minor construction work is being carried out, is also exempt.

The CLIENT is obliged to prevent the start of construction until a health & safety plan has been prepared - failure to comply with this duty may give rise to a claim for compensation by anyone injured as a consequence.

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So how will this affect you? If any changes in your clubhouse, stadium, golf course, sports facility are envisaged, and these changes are substantial, then the regulations may apply.

Alterations in the clubhouse will probably be exempt but will be checked by the local Environmental Health. Large scale construction of a new golf course, extension of a 9 hole course to 18 holes or a new athletic track may well come under the regulations.

It is unclear at the moment just how onerous the interpretation of the regulations will be but some experts think that in building a golf course, such things as maintenance of steep slopes, water hazards and their surrounds will all have to be considered.

The planning supervisor will need to ensure that adequate provision is made for all health & safety legislation - Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH, Electricity at Work Regulations, Construction (Head Protection) Regulations, Noise at Work Regulations,..................

He will have to develop what is called a Health & Safety Plan which will consider each stage of the project

• description of the work
• project timings
• hazard identification - risks to workers and visitors
• contractors competence details
• contractors method of work statements
• welfare arrangements
• completion of the work
• maintenance in the future
• arrangements for monitoring site health & safety

At this stage the PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR (and every contract which attracts these regulations, will have a principal contractor) will take the plan and develop it as the contract is carried out.

All the above will then become the Health & Safety File which will used as part of the building/ construction documentation to be handed on to the new owner should the building be sold.

The result of these Regulations is that the consequences of many decisions, made during the contract, will have to be considered, not just cost and expediency. As we have discussed in the past, 'Planning and thought must precede action'. I do not believe these regulations will affect the competent architect or contractor but will ensure that some of the ill considered changes to contract, we have seen in the past, will not see the light of day.

However, once more, we have legislation which directly affects the management of our sportsgrounds. The Captain, Secretary, Greens Convenor or whoever else is responsible, will find that their actions, or lack of them, may well break the law and have personal consequences. Many of these office holders, though well intentioned, do not have the background or the training to appreciate these problems. I believe we are now at the stage that a Health & Safety Awareness Course must be made mandatory for all office holders of bowling greens, golf courses and sportsgrounds.

Reference : A Quick guide to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007

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