What is a CDM Coordinator?
A Construction (Design and Management) Co-ordinator – also known as a CDMC is someone who is appointed to a project to ensure that The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 are adhered to throughout the project.
What does a CDM Co-ordinator do?
The main duties of a CDM Co-ordinator are:
- To Advise, and assist the client with their duties as set out in the regulations.
- To notify the Health and Safety Executive before any construction work is started.
- To co-ordinate the health and safety aspects of the design and co-operate with others that are involved in the project.
- To help ensure good communications between the client, designers and their contractors.
- To work with the main contractor about any ongoing design work.
- To prepare and/or update the health and safety files on completion of the project.
- To identify, collect and pass on any pre-construction information.
Do I need a CDM Coordinator?
You need to hire a CDM Co-ordinator unless you are what is termed a “Domestic client” – these are people that are having work done on their home, or the home of a family member. If there is any connection to a trade or business (whether it is a “for profit” organisation or not) then you are required to hire a CDM Co-ordinator. So for instance, if you are having a new conservatory built on your home, you won’t need one, but if you are having an extension built as a home office, or a craft workshop, then you would. Also if you are having work done as part of a property development project, you would need to hire a CDM Co-ordinator.
However it is worth noting that if the work on a project will last more then 30 working days (approximately 6 weeks) or will involve more then 500 people days (for example, 50 people working for 10 days) then your project becomes “Notifiable” and you are required by law to appoint a CDM Co-ordinator.
When do I need to appoint a CDM Coordinator?
It is a good idea to appoint a CDM Co-ordinator as early as possible for your project as they are there to advise you on the health and safety aspects of your project, and the CDM Regulations 2007 state that appointment should be “as soon as practicable after initial design work or other preparation for construction work has begun” – by appointing a capable CDMC early in your project you will give them sufficient time to carry out their own duties and assist you with the duties that you, as the client, have placed on you by the regulations.
Where can I hire a CDM Coordinator from?
There are many companies that offer CDM Co-ordinator services, and as with all things, it pays to talk to several companies, and where possible, their previous clients, to ensure that you hire someone that you feel you can trust to do the best they can for your project.
Some companies that offer CDM Co-ordinators can offer other services such as Site Safety inspections, Scaffold Inspections, and accident analysis, which may save you money as you don’t need to hire other individuals for these tasks.