Scope of the CDM Regulations 2007
There are a number of sections to the Regulations, each dealing with a different aspect:
- Part 1 is concerned with the application of the regulations (i.e. throughout Great Britain and its territorial seas) and how the regulations should be interpreted and applied.
- Part 2 applies to all construction projects, regardless of size and is concerned with general management duties
- Part 3 applies to notifiable projects and is in addition to the requirements under Part 2.
- Part 4 is concerned with the physical safeguards that must be in place on all construction sites to ensure safety. In general, duties under this section fall to anyone who exercises significant control over the working methods, safeguards and conditions on the site. However, contractors in particular must not permit work to continue if the necessary safeguards are not in place.
- Part 5 is largely concerned with transitional provisions that will only apply for a period while the new regulations are being introduced and the impact of the new regulations on those that preceded them (i.e. statutory instruments that have been revoked or amended).
In addition, there are a number of Schedules associated with the Regulations:
- Schedule 1, which lays down the information that must be passed to the HSE for notifiable projects
- Schedule 2, which lists the Welfare Facilities that must be provided for workers on the site
- Schedule 3, which lays down the information that must be included in a Report of Inspection.
- Schedule 4, which provides a comprehensive list of all the statutory instruments that have been revoked as a result of introducing the new regulations
- Schedule 5, which provides a comprehensive list of all the statutory instruments that have been amended as a result of introducing the new regulations
Philosophy and Aims
A clear philosophy underpins the design of the CDM2007 Regulations, and translates into a number of specific aims.
The Approved Code of Practice that accompanies the Regulations states the Philosophy behind them in terms of:
If risks are eliminated or minimised, as well as paying dividends in terms of enhanced health and safety, it will also result in ". . .reductions in the overall cost of ownership because the structure is designed for safe and easy maintenance and cleaning work and because key information is available in the health and safety file."
(ACoP Page 1, Para 5)
The aims of the regulations can therefore be stated as:
- Make safety an integral part of managing Construction projects
- Identify risks as early in the design stage as possible
- Encourage cooperative working by all parties
- Improve Project Planning
- Reduce bureaucracy
Review your Duties under CDM Regulations 2007
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