CDM 2007 H&S File

looking at this from a site managers point of view. I am freelance and come up against alot of different set ups, how are we to know if we have covered everything. Bearing in mined smaller contractors dont seem to take this type of thing seriously. i never even met the last cdmc on my last job. The job i am on now the construction phase plan quotes the wrong dates and regs, it also quotes companies that dont even work on the site, Where do i stand in all of this.

our files have Sections 1-9 and then as built drawings in appendix 1 and original drawings in appendix 2, I am unable to send you the template we use but it doesn't take long to type - our base file is 17 pages long, then i just save as when completing for each project.

I put H&S Files together everyday and have been now for the last 3 years... the main items I ask for the Principal Contractor for are:

Project description
Project directory not including subbies
start and finish dates
Sub-contractor project directory
H&S Plan which we have put in place
Asbestos Condition survey report
Structural information
Essential services location sheet
O&M Manuals
Electrical/Fire/Final build certificates
As-Built drawings from designer and structural if any
original drawings

I hope this helps you.

Completely agree with Carl Manning.

Being happy to run with the role 'appears' to be at odds with your question?

Being clear on the various CDM 2007 roles is not the same as being competent to carry any one of them out.

If your company haven't appointed a CDM-C then you might well have a problem how do you know if all other legal obligations ahve been complied with?

Are those in power aware that until you appoint a CMC-C, you (they) have to assume all duties of CDM-C? Which is the point made above, by the exorbinant member of APS:)

The biggest challenge at the moment appears to be getting senior management in organisatios, regardless of size, to appreciate the implications of the 2007 Regs. Many still use the get it done tomorrow approach to management which contradicts the need to allow time for planning, allocate suitable and sufficient resources etc.

We use an external agency for all CDM-C appointments and they have developed a good half day session for Senior Mgrs I am sure they or others could help for a far to large fee:)

Do your management understand the clarification of what constitutes 'Construction' as that in itself might be an internal issue that needs addressing as a matter of urgency?

"Yes -- I agree with all the above. I am tempted to say that if you have to ask about the role of the CDM coordinator, you are not (yet) competent to carry it out"

Thanks for the feedback, but I merely asked if anyone could advise on a layout template for the H&S File, I did not ask about the role as CDM-C. I am very clear on the responsibilities of the CDM-C and have no issues with carrying out the role.

All I asked was for some assistance and though perhaps not as competent as some, am happy to run with the role. Thanks anyway to you all!

As a CDM-C myself I concur with the comments above, there are no generic or templates for the collation of any of the information relating to ay of the various phases of a construction project. The ACOP does give some pointers in the appendices and is well worth a look, but that said if you are only acting as CDM-C for this late stage of the project you are on the back foot to start with.

I'm forever trying to impress upon clients the need to get a CDM-C appointed as early as possible in the project life, that way we get to work with the designers, the Client and the Principal contractors in managing all of the relevant concerns, and even saving them vast sums of money by promoting effetive management and communication, certainly more than enough to justify our 'exorbitant' fee

Relevance is the key word in the Regs, the H&S file in the first instance isn't necessarily a file, what it is is a collation of the relevant information relating to the structure which identifies or will help identify any hazards associated with its operation, use, maintenance, alteration and disposal (demolition).

Information such as as-built drawings, materials used, any awkward maintenance issues, information relating to the operation and maintenance of plant and so on is what I perceive as relevant, method statements and risk assessments from the construction phase are not.. If you have, or had been engaged earlier in the project it may well be the case that such issues have been addressed by the designers and notes made on drawings or amendments made to the design, these are key pieces of relevant information.

I would recommend you consult a good CDM-C for this task, one registered with the APS, who should have sufficient depth of experience in design, contracting and management as well as H&S to do you a good job.

I'm no jobsworth, but in response the comment above by Mr Mathieson, if you've only just been involved in the project at the stage where the H&S file is required then it sounds suspiciously like your clients project has been running on the wrong side of the law....something adrressed in the 2007 Regs as failure to make the necessary appointments brings all responsibilities to the Clients door, and since they're unlikely to be able prove competence as a designer or as a CDM-C, liable for prosectution, a simple overview, granted but nevertheless a fact which is lost on most clients, clever hey?

Yes -- I agree with all the above. I am tempted to say that if you have to ask about the role of the CDM coordinator, you are not (yet) competent to carry it out. It requires a thorough understanding of all the various responsibilities that the different players in construction have, and in particular you have to understand the responsibility of the person commissioning the work, who may well have no real understanding of the design and construction work involved, let alone the ongoing implications for repair and maintenance after completion. Certainly the HSE website is a good place to start, as there is a lot of information there.

It sounds to me as though you will have to bite the bullet and engage an "expensive" consultant or other trained and experienced person to take on this role -- but that is a lot cheaper than the cost and anguish caused by death and injury. On the whole the heavy civils part of the industry are aware of the risks and duties, and have developed a generally effective safety culture. The problem particularly comes from general industrial and commercial work, commissioned by people or firms who do not often get significant construction work done. They tend to be ignorant of their special duties, certainly in respect of the details, and are particularly sensitive to the costs, in particular they can be taken by surprise by these other items that have to be added on to the actual build cost. There can be as much danger and complexity in a half million pound job as in a £50 million job, so cost that is relatively small in heavy civils is surprisingly significant for ordinary building work.

Finally, don't forget that enforcement of health and safety legislation, including the CDM regulations, is a matter of the criminal law. You really don't want to get on the wrong side of that.

I concur with Mark and Anthony. Our Company under the old regulations use to take the role of PS, but we now only bring in sub-consultants who are experts in this field. Ok yes I know we are involved in heavy civils which might be more complex than what you are required to do, but the Act states:
Competence
4.—(1) No person on whom these Regulations (CDM) place a duty shall
— (b) accept such an appointment or engagement unless he is competent;

All the best

colin

I agree with Mark - there is no smple template to follow. One of the main thrusts of CDM is to ensure that people fulfilling the key roles are competent. Unfortunately the co-ordinator has a duty on behalf of the client check out the competencies of those involved. The 2007 changes extended the scope of the co-ordinator to encompass the positon of the "planning supervisor". That means they have to understand what they must do. You can get lots of information from the HSE web site and you can down load the several guides located there. I do recocomend you attend one of the many CDM briefings.

Colin, this area is far more involved and is not as simple as completing a generic template.

There is lots of free advice out there and I have attached a link to a site that may help with the contents you need for your H&S file, all you have to do is sign up for the free trial :www.isurv.com/site/scripts/downloads.aspx?categoryID=175

The acop also states there is certain competency criteria the CDM co-ordinator must meet, while I am not doubting yours, it does appear you require some more experience in this area.

There are lots of two or three day courses available that would help and I do reccomend you attend one of these.

I dont know if you have a copy of CDM 2007 acop, but it is a good starting point. I will try to send you this.

For the first time in my time in Health and Safety I have been asked to create a Health and Safety file for a client. Never having acted as a CDM Co-ordinator this is all very new to me.

Could anyone help me out with any template that they may have used previously please? I have tried everywhere to get assistance and unless I want to pay extortionate prices for consultancy, I cannot seem to find any workable template to start from.

My e-mail is cwelch@linbrooks.co.uk if anyone would be kind enough to help me in this area. And thanks in advance, it is much appreciated! Colin