What is a construction phase plan under CDM 2015?

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Accepted Answer

Under CDM 2015 the construction phase plan must set out three things: the health and safety arrangements for the construction phase, the site rules, and — where applicable — specific measures for the high-risk work in Schedule 3. Headings beyond those (project description, objectives, cooperation arrangements, site induction) sit at guidance level in HSE's L153. The measurement keeps that distinction: of 15 items, 6 are binding and the rest are guidance or conditional. What the regulation asks for The health and safety arrangements for the construction phase. The site rules . Contractors' duty to comply with the parts relevant to their work is set out separately. Where the work falls under Schedule 3 , the specific measures for it. Guidance versus regulation HSE's L153 guidance lists headings it recommends putting in the plan: the project description and key dates, health and safety objectives, arrangements for cooperation and coordination between the project team, worker engagement, and site induction. These are guidance — but some become binding elsewhere: worker engagement and induction are direct duties of the principal contractor. Other binding headings Welfare facilities : Schedule 2 lists the minimum facilities. Fire and emergency : emergency procedures, emergency routes and exits, and fire detection and firefighting are each regulated. Review of the plan : the principal contractor reviews, updates and revises it throughout the project. Why we write the distinction down "It is in the guidance" and "it is in the regulation" are not the same. Substituting one for the other harms in both directions: treating guidance as law creates unnecessary work; treating law as guidance leaves work undone.

Obligation	Legal basis	How the page covers it
During the pre-construction phase and before setting up a construction site, the principal contractor must draw up a construction phase plan or arrange for one to be drawn up.	CDM 2015, reg. 12(1)	The three things the legislation requires start with the duty to draw up the plan.
The plan must set out the health and safety arrangements and site rules, taking account where necessary of the industrial activities on the site, and, where applicable, include specific measures concerning work falling within Schedule 3.	CDM 2015, reg. 12(2)	The three things the legislation requires: health and safety arrangements, site rules and specific measures for Schedule 3 work.
The principal designer must assist the principal contractor in preparing the plan by providing all relevant information held, including pre-construction information obtained from the client.	CDM 2015, reg. 12(3)	The plan rests on the information handed to it.
Throughout the project the principal contractor must ensure that the construction phase plan is appropriately reviewed, updated and revised from time to time.	CDM 2015, reg. 12(4)	Other binding headings: reviewing the plan — the principal contractor reviews, updates and revises it throughout the project.
The client's arrangements are suitable if they ensure that the facilities required by Schedule 2 are provided in respect of any person carrying out construction work.	CDM 2015, reg. 4(2)(b) and Schedule 2	Other binding headings: welfare facilities — Schedule 2 lists the minimum provision.
Where necessary in the interests of the health or safety of a person on a construction site, suitable and sufficient arrangements for dealing with any foreseeable emergency must be made, including procedures for any necessary evacuation.	CDM 2015, reg. 30(1)	Other binding headings: fire and emergency — emergency procedures are regulated in their own provisions.
Where necessary a sufficient number of suitable emergency routes and exits must be provided, and suitable and sufficient fire-fighting equipment and fire detection and alarm systems must be provided, examined and tested at suitable intervals and properly maintained.	CDM 2015, reg. 31(1) and reg. 32(1), 32(3)	Other binding headings: emergency routes, fire detection and firefighting are regulated in separate provisions.
The principal contractor must plan, manage and monitor the construction phase and coordinate matters relating to health and safety during that phase.	CDM 2015, reg. 13(1)	Guidance versus law: some headings become binding through another provision.

What is a construction phase plan under CDM 2015?

What the regulation asks for

Guidance versus regulation

Other binding headings

Why we write the distinction down

Legal basis

United Kingdom — obligations and their legal basis

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What is a construction phase plan under CDM 2015?

What the regulation asks for

Guidance versus regulation

Other binding headings

Why we write the distinction down

Related answers

Legal basis

United Kingdom — obligations and their legal basis

Manage this in Optifora