When planning to build a new home, CDM 2015 outlines specific responsibilities for you, the client. Here are the key responsibilities you need to be aware of:
1. Pre-Construction Phase
Appoint Key Roles: Appoint a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor if the new build involves more than one contractor. For a project with a single builder, you may not need to appoint a Principal Contractor, but you still need to ensure health and safety are managed properly.
Ensure Competence: Ensure that the builder and any other professionals you appoint (designers, contractors) are competent and possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for the new home construction.
Provide Information: Share relevant information with the designers and builders. This might include details about the site, existing structures, and any known hazards that could impact the new build.
Develop a Brief: Provide a clear project brief outlining your expectations for the new home, including safety considerations and how you want risks managed.
2. Design and Planning
Consider Health and Safety: Ensure that health and safety issues are considered during the design phase of the new home. The design should aim to eliminate or reduce risks.
Consult with Principal Designer: If you have appointed a Principal Designer, they should be involved in planning the new build and ensuring that safety considerations are integrated into the design.
Review Risk Assessments: Ensure that risk assessments are reviewed and that safety measures are planned for in the new home construction.
3. Construction Phase
Check Compliance: Ensure that the Principal Contractor (if appointed) is managing health and safety on site effectively and that they have prepared a Construction Phase Plan for the new build.
Monitor Progress: Regularly monitor the new home construction to ensure that health and safety standards are being upheld and that the project is progressing according to the agreed plans.
4. General Responsibilities
Ensure Adequate Resources: Allocate sufficient time and resources for health and safety management throughout the new home project.
Keep Records: Maintain records of appointments and any information provided to the builder and other parties involved in the new build.
Engage with the Team: Communicate regularly with the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor to address any concerns or issues that arise during the new home construction.
By adhering to these responsibilities, you help ensure a safer construction process for your new home and compliance with CDM 2015 regulations.
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