What is the Construction Phase Plan? (CDM 2015)
A Construction Phase Plan is a key document that details the health and safety risks associated with the construction phase of the project and the control measures that will be implemented to minimise risks or where possible, eliminate them.
Once drawn up, the document should help communicate significant risks, site rules and health and safety arrangements to other people involved in the construction phase.
When is a Construction Phase Plan Required?
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) a construction phase plan is required for every construction project regardless of the industry, scale, and duration of work. Why is that important? Well, these regs now do include many activities that could be relevant to your work in Telecoms.
At first glance it might not be clear, but it’s important to understand how the CDM Regs apply to the Telecoms industry.
We’ve written a blog on Do the CDM Regulations Apply to Telecoms, so you can feel confident applying them to your work.
What should be included in a Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan?
The list of essential points below will help you to plan and organise the job, and work together with others involved to make sure that the work is carried out without risks to health and safety. It will also help you to comply with CDM 2015.
The HSE lists essential points below that will help you to plan, organise the job, and work together with others involved to make sure that the work is carried out without risks to health and safety. It will also help you to comply with CDM 2015.
Plan
Make a note of the key dates, eg:
- when you'll start and finish;
- when services will be connected/disconnected;
- build stages, such as groundwork or fitout.
You will need to find out information from the client
about the property, eg:
- where the services and isolation points are;
- access restriction to the property;
- if there is any asbestos present.
Working Together
It may be useful to record the details of anybody else working on the job, including specialist companies and
labourers.
Explain how you will communicate with others (eg via a daily update), provide information about the job, coordinate your work with theirs and keep them updated of any changes, eg:
- to site rules;
- to health and safety information;
- what you will do if the plan or materials change or if there are any delays;
- who will be making the key decisions about how the work is to be done.
Organise
- Identify the main dangers on site and how you will control them, eg:
- the need for scaffolding if working at height;
- how structures and excavations will be supported to prevent collapse;
- how you will prevent exposure to asbestos and building dust;
- how you will keep the site safe and secure for your client, their family and members of the public.
- Make sure that there are toilet, washing and rest facilities.
- Name the person responsible for ensuring the job runs safely.
- Explain how supervision will be provided.
