CDM planning period

Revision as of 12:23, 4 November 2016

The CDM regulations require that, 'A client must make suitable arrangements for managing a project, including the allocation of sufficient time and other resources.'

The time allocated by the client under this part of the regulations must be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (along with other information) as soon as is practicable before the construction phase begins. See Notify HSE for more information.

This 'CDM planning period' is intended to allow contractors sufficient time to assess health and safety issues and plan their works before commencing construction. Duty holders will need to ensure that enough time is allowed for this in the programme, both for the appointment of contractors and sub-contractors (including trade contractors and works contractors on construction management or management contract projects).

The regulations do not say how long the CDM planning period should be, as this will vary significantly depending on the nature of the works that are being carried out. However, if the time allocated is short, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) may consider that insufficient time has been allowed. Clients may discuss with duty holders how long they believe the CDM planning period should be and should also consult with proposed contractors.

The client must not allow work on site to proceed unless a construction phase plan has been prepared, at least for the early stages of the works, and arrangements made for the development of the rest of the plan. The construction phase plan sets out how health and safety will be managed during the construction of the project.

Find out more

Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• CDM.
• Construction phase plan.
• Contractor.
• Health and safety.
• Mobilisation.
• Notify HSE.
• Pre-construction information.
• Principal contractor.
• Programme consultant.
• Scheduling construction activities.
• Site facilities.
• Site layout plan.
• Welfare facilities.

External references

• A detailed list of the possible contents of pre-construction information can be found in appendix 2 of Managing health and safety in construction Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Approved Code of Practice.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (2007).