Product category:
Estimating and Finance
News Release from: HBXL | Subject: Construction Design Management regulations
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 February 2007
New Construction Design Management
regulations
According to survey carried out by HBXL, the building software specialists, 85% of builders don't know what CDM means.
CDM Uncovered - Are You Ready? The implementation of the new Construction Design Management (CDM) 2007 regulations means that all building companies, no matter how big or small, will have to adhere to the new laws being introduced from 6 April
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 30 Jan 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
85% of builders do not know what CDM means
Survey by building software specialists HBXL highlights huge task facing regulators prior to introduction of new Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations in April 2007.
HBXL Takes The Guesswork Out Of Building Estimates
Revolutionary new software package, EstimatorXpress, which takes the guesswork out of estimating the quantity and cost of building materials will be launched at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show.
However, according to a survey carried out by HBXL, the building software specialists, 85% of builders didn't know what CDM meant and highlights the huge task facing regulators prior to the introduction of the new rules and is why all builders need to get themselves ready now.
Adrian Wild, managing director at HBXL said: "It's a really serious issue.
Many smaller building firms think the new regulations won't affect them but it's imperative they take these new laws seriously as it could result in hefty fines, closure of a site or worse still a jail term.
Further reading
Estimatorxpress Gives Builders Material Prices
Estimatorxpress gives builders 24/7 access to real-time material prices.
Builders waste 67 days a year estimating
Builders across the country waste a staggering 468 hours each per year estimating jobs according to a new set of figures released today.
EstimatorXpress helps relaunch boathouse
EstimatorXpress helps relaunch boathouse in the North York Moors National Park.
"The lack of understanding highlights the urgent need for builders to make sure they're ready".
Many might see this as an irritating distraction to an already busy workload but building companies have a legal obligation to demonstrate that they take their responsibilities seriously and that they have done as much as is reasonably practicable to safe guard their employees, subcontractors and general public.
The revised scheme will, it is hoped, reduce the regulatory burden on the construction industry and improve the level of health and safety.
So what are the new rules and what affect will it have on builders? Firstly the new CDM regulations will place more responsibilities with the client, introduce the new role of CDM Coordinator and dispense with the Planning Supervisor.
They will also clarifying the designer's duties and emphasise the contractor's responsibilities.
Contractors or builders will also be required to plan, manage and monitor the health and safety of all projects.
In addition, contractors need to be competent and in turn, employ only competent sub-contractors.
Contractors will also need to provide information to workers in the form of inductions, site rules and by drawing their attention to health and safety risks identified by risk assessment.
They will also be obliged to consult with their employees on health and safety issues.
The definition of 'Notifiable Work' has also changed to include all construction work except where the project is for a domestic client, when work is expected to:.
* Last more that 30 working days.
* Involve more than 500 person days (e.g 50 persons working for over 10 days).
Where the project is notifiable, contractors now have increased responsibilities with one of the main requirements being the preparation, development and implementation of a construction phase health and safety plan.
Adrian added: "The key objective of CDM 2007 is to simplify and clarify the regulations but whether this objective will be achieved only time will tell.
It is often very difficult for building businesses to know where to start on health and safety, so it's imperative if they haven't already put plans in place to do so immediately and not get caught out".
HBXL's Health and Safety Xpert software has been designed specifically to help builders comply with all health and safety paperwork, allowing them to stay right up to date with their obligations on all health and safety issues.
It interprets the ACOP (Approved Code of Practice) for CDM 2007, producing all the necessary paperwork.
For further information on Health and Safety Xpert please visit the website. Request a free brochure from HBXL ...
• HBXL: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
