If you are a Contractor looking to manage and carry out building work, you will most definitely need to consider the development of a Construction Phase Plan.
Regardless of the size, nature, the duration, the number of workers, the number of contractors involved and the risks associated with your project, if you are planning to carry out construction work, then you must draw up, or make arrangements for the Construction Phase Plan to be drawn up before setting up your construction site; this is a legal requirement under The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.
What Is A Construction Phase Plan?
The Construction Phase Plan is a document which is developed prior to commencing construction work on site. The plan must set out the health and safety arrangements and site rules, taking into account the activities taking place on and adjacent to the site for the period that construction work is carried out.
The Construction Phase Plan (or CPP for short) must also consider the pre-construction information for the project and any design risk information provided by the Design Team.
It’s important to remember that the CPP is a live document and must be updated during the construction phase of the project to reflect the various phases of the project and the changes to the on-site conditions.
Who Develops The Construction Phase Plan (CPP) Will Depend On A Number Of Factors?
If there is more than one trade contractor working on a project, then the Client is required to appoint a Principal Contractor. This tends to be the Contractor who will have overall control of the construction phase of the project. In this instance, the Principal Contractor is required to ensure that a suitable CPP is developed.
In cases where a Contractor is appointed to carry out construction work and they are the only contractor working on the project, then they must develop the Construction Phase Plan, or arrange for a Plan to be drawn up.
Perhaps This Doesn’t Apply To Me – What Is The Definition Of Construction Work?
The definition of Construction Work is far reaching. If you are demolishing a structure, refurbishing a building or constructing an extension or a new structure, then this seems quite obvious – it’s clearly construction work. But there are some less obvious examples of Construction work, and for the avoidance of any doubt, construction work includes: –
- The construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance, de commissioning, demolition or dismantling of a structure.
- The preparation for an intended structure such as site clearance, exploration, investigation and the clearance and preparation of a site or structure.
- The assembly on site of prefabricated elements to form a structure or the disassembly on site.
- The installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair or removal of mechanical, electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulics, telecommunications, computer or similar services which are normally fixed within or to a structure.
Should I Just Ignore The Need For A Construction Phase Plan?
The answer is quite simply, NO!
Its particularly important to bear in mind that if there was an incident or an accident on site, and it was found that there was an inadequate Construction Phase Plan, or not even a Plan in place, then you’ll be exposing yourself for prosecution for being in breach of the CDM Regulations, as well as other legislation.
As well as criminal prosecutions, Civil action may be taken against you from those who may have been affected by your actions or non-actions.
As well as being a legal requirement, a well-developed Construction Phase Plan can have a positive effect on your project. It will help you to coordinate, manage and deliver a project safely, minimising incidents and accidents on site. This forms part of a positive health and safety culture, which is vital for the moral of your workforce and enhances your business reputation.
So, I Need A Construction Phase Plan, What Do I Do Next?
There are many considerations when planning your construction project and health and safety is just one of them. Your duty is to ensure that a suitable Construction Phase Plan is drawn up, or to arrange for the plan to be drawn up.
Why not let us take the burden away and let one of our experienced CDM Consultants help you develop your CPP, allowing you to focus on what you do best. Call Marpal today on 01332 668877 or email us at [email protected].
