Construction Phase Plans | ||||||||||
Construction Phase Plans The way in which the construction phase will be
managed and the key health and safety issues for the particular project must be
set out in writing in the construction phase plan. This plan should set out the
organisation and arrangements that have been put in place to manage risk and
co-ordinate the work on site. It should not be a repository for detailed
generic risk assessments, records of how decisions were reached or detailed
method statements, but it may, for example set out when such documents will
need to be prepared. It should be well focused, clear and easy for contractors
and others to understand - emphasising key points and avoiding irrelevant
material. It is crucial that all relevant parties are involved and co-operate
in the development and implementation of the plan as work progresses.
The
plan must be tailored to the particular project. Generic plans that do not
contain the information relevant to the particular risks associated with the
work will not satisfy the requirements of CDM. Photographs and sketches can
greatly simplify and shorten explanations. It should also be organised so that
relevant sections can easily be made available to designers and contractors. Often
the design and preparation for later work is not complete at the start of the
construction phase. Nevertheless, the plan for the initial phase of the
construction work must be prepared before any work begins. It should also
address later activities that will require careful planning. It may only be
practical to address such activities in outline form before work starts and
most will require revision in the light of developments. A
plan is no use if it is treated as merely a paper exercise and gathers dust. To
improve standards, it must be a practical aid to the management of health and
safety on site. Principal contractors and other contractors have a particular
role in both implementing and monitoring the plan to ensure that it works in
practice. Monitoring arrangements will need to be discussed and agreed with the
client as they form part of the management arrangements.
 The
plan needs to be routinely reviewed, revised and refined by the principal
contractor as the project develops. For example, where the plan is not being
followed, and health and safety is put at risk, those involved must take
appropriate action to deal with the risk. Monitoring may show the plan has
shortcomings and needs to be modified. Any significant changes in the plan
should be brought to the attention of all those affected. M.E.L.
are greatly experienced in producing plans that contain the right information
and are easy to use and maintain. If you require any assistance in formulating
or implementing your construction phase plan, please do not hesitate to contact
us.
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