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CDM duty holders explained

A sole contractor has different obligations from a principal contractor managing several trades on a large site.

Client (regulation 4)

Make suitable arrangements for managing the project, including enough time and resources and the welfare facilities in Schedule 2
Provide pre-construction information as soon as practicable to every designer and contractor appointed or being considered
Make sure a construction phase plan is drawn up before the construction phase begins
Make sure the principal designer prepares a health and safety file that is kept up to date and available for inspection
Take reasonable steps to make sure the principal designer and principal contractor carry out their duties
If you dispose of your interest in the structure, give the health and safety file to the new owner

Principal designer (regulations 11 and 12)

Plan, manage and monitor the pre-construction phase and coordinate health and safety during it
Identify and eliminate or control foreseeable risks, so far as reasonably practicable
Make sure all designers comply with their duties
Help the client provide pre-construction information, and provide it to designers and contractors
Prepare, review and update the health and safety file
Liaise with the principal contractor and share relevant information

Principal contractor (regulations 12 to 14)

Plan, manage and monitor the construction phase and coordinate health and safety during it
Draw up, or arrange for, the construction phase plan before setting up the site, and keep it reviewed and updated
Organise cooperation between contractors and make sure they follow the plan where required
Provide a suitable site induction, prevent unauthorised access and provide the Schedule 2 welfare facilities
Consult workers on matters that may affect their health, safety or welfare
Liaise with the principal designer

Appointments: In writing, as soon as practicable and before the construction phase begins
When required: More than one contractor, or more than one foreseeably working at any time
If you do not appoint: The client takes on the principal designer or principal contractor duties
Domestic clients: Client duties normally pass to the contractor (one contractor) or the principal contractor (more than one), or to the principal designer by written agreement

If the client is a domestic client, the client's duties pass to the contractor where there is only one, or to the principal contractor where there is more than one.

Your duties as a construction client under CDM 2015

What a client commissioning construction work must do.

Know your role on the project

Your duties as a construction client under CDM 2015