Health and Safety

Question 1

What is the role of the designer in under CDM?

Answer 1

1. Designer is responsible for designing out risks and;
2. producing a designers risk assessment on the project and sharing this with the project team.
3. They are also responsible for sharing information with the principal designer to prepare the H&S File.
4. They also are responsible for making the client aware of their duties.

Question 2

What is the role of the surveyor under CDM?

Answer 2

A surveyor does not have a defined role under the CDM regulations however, surveyors tender to merge roles of designer and principal designer so it is important to have an understanding of all the roles under the legislation.

Question 3

What was the role of the client under CDM?

Answer 3

The client is responsible for:

1. preparing the pre-construction information,
2. ensuring duty-holders are appointed to comply with CDM Regs when there is more than one contractor.
3. Provide enough time and resource to the project to allow them to undertake their roles.
4. Ensure welfare facilities can be provided on site

Question 4

What if the client refuses to appoint a PD?

Answer 4

The client will have to act as PD.

Question 5

Where would you go to find out information on CDM?

Answer 5

The HSE website have a full section on their website which outlines the roles under CDM.

Question 6

How did you manage risk within the construction project?

Answer 6

I always prepare a personal risk assessment prior to attending site in line my company’s procedures. I always hold a pre-start meeting to cover all of the H&S topics, ensuring that everyone on the project is aware of their duties but also their influence on a project. As designer, I prepare a designer’s risk assessment which identifies hazards and the likelihood of these issues occurring. Before any project starts on a project to a building pre-2000, I make sure an R&D survey is undertaken to identify any asbestos present within the building. I review the pre-construction information, including the H&S Files to check for any residual risks on site and undertake due diligence on the site prior to commencing works. I allow project contingencies to allow for any unforeseen risks.

Question 7

How would you check the competence of a contractor?

Answer 7

References, past work from experience myself or from colleagues. Checking existing work and physically visiting the sites.

Question 8

What are the contents of H&S File?

Answer 8

• Description of the works
• Residual hazards: E.g. Asbestos, Buried - - Services, Contaminated Land
• Key Structural Principles
• Hazardous materials used, e.g. Lead, pesticides or special coatings.

Question 9

Give me some facts about the HASAW Act 1974…

Answer 9

HASAW 1974 - Employers with over 5 employees must have a written policy in place.
HSE Monitors the Policy and Standards required.
HSE - Issue improvement notices or prohibition notices.
Improvement notice - states what is believed to be wrong and what is required to overcome this. Appeals can be made within 21 days.
Prohibition notice - stops dangerous works and states what is wrong on the notice.