cdm regulations feature


Anatomy of a CDMC and a CDM project


In the world of construction, under


CDM2007, some very specific duties have to be met to deliver a properly planned and managed construction project. An asbestos work component may be small or dominating but most will be called “construction work” too in this context. On “Notifiable” construction “CDM


Introduction Few would argue against the need for


rigorous control of exposure to asbestos fibres, but when you move into the world of the construction site often, or so it may seem, many risks can go unrecognized or unmanaged or both! To construction projects, and often the funding Client, asbestos is an annoyance, as the design team sets about creating or remodelling a building or a structure to respond to the Client’s business needs and budget. So as a consequence of a Client’s decision


then asbestos and many other design or site based risks have to be considered in the design process. Even the simple decision to remove all existing asbestos in an area is a “specification” and is therefore a design decision. So why does this matter to asbestos


surveyors, consultants or project managers? It matters a great deal because not only must we deal with the Control of Asbestos Regulations but potentially any other significant risk issue covered by other risk specific Regulations under the umbrella of the CDM Regulations 2007.


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projects” (those lasting 30 days or more or involving more than 500 person days of work) the Client should appoint a CDM Co-ordinator (CDMC). Remember too, that generally the CDM Regs 2007 apply to all construction work of any duration! So as projects go they don’t have to be large to become Notifiable! As asbestos project consultants, surveyors or removal specialists the advantage you have on Notifiable projects is that a CDMC should be present and will be there to see that the whole project team is co- operating and co-ordinating over construction and design health and safety.


What does a CDMC look like? Typically human, they come from all


areas of the construction sector and APS has found that most come with a background in construction health and safety, architecture, engineering, surveying or project management. Many CDMCs now choose to operate only as CDMCs but many still work in their other disciplines too. Because the co-ordination role is central


to its success CDMCs should have experience and knowledge of the design process, and have good communication and other soft skills to motivate the design team and encourage an integrated approach to construction hazard elimination or risk reduction.


ARCA & ATAC NEWS


What skills should a good CDM Co-ordinator have? In project health and safety terms to be


“All seeing, all knowing, having an ability to read the Client’s mind


To second guess the significant design risk issues.


To interpret what a contractor meant to say in a Plan.


Limitless time, limited costs. Tick skin, broad shoulders.


Ability to laugh at all the old jokes and prejudices about health and safety.


Knowing when design team meetings take place without being told.” But being less tongue-in cheek ... the role is


pivotal to a successful project as it is widely accepted that a well managed project is also a safer project which is also more likely to deliver on time and on cost (and with greater time and profit certainty for all players).


Who appoints the CDMC and when? Te CDMC appointment is made directly


by the construction Client early-on in the project and should be before any significant design work is started. Te Client has to make all CDM appointments on the basis of competence. Clients have a multiplicity of advisers, project scopes and procurement routes to choose from. Te CDM Regulations still apply, and the need to appoint is still required but these factors can certainly influence the way things get done, and who actually becomes the “ultimate” CDM client.


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