What is a CDM Co-ordinator And Why Are They Important?

The CDM Co-ordinator (CDM-C) is a statutory appointment under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and is a key part of the team when undertaking a notifiable construction project (those that are longer that 30 working days or 500 person days on site). The CDM Co-ordinator is appointed by the project client and it is imperative that they are brought in as early as possible; no later than after the initial design work is completed. This ‘initial design work’ includes feasibility studies and any work that identifies what the client wants from the project and also any restrictions or problems that could come up.

The early appointment of the CDM Coordinator enables the role to be discharged effectively, in particular providing advice to the client on the health and safety implications of aspects of the design, and information that will be required to ensure the project can be tendered and constructed safely.

As a broad outline, the role of a CDM-C is to ensure co-operation and co-ordination between project team members where relevant to health and safety issues. A good CDM Coordinator will work with the project team to facilitate provision of the right information, to the right people at the right time. Part of the role is to work with the project team to identify potential hazards associated with the design, construction, maintenance and eventual demolition are identified. The CDM-C can then facilitate the elimination and reduction of these hazards where possible. A CDM-C will need to be appointed on projects that are likely to involve more than 30 working days or 500 man days of construction work and are not for a domestic client.

The CDM Co-ordinator where requested should advise the Client on recruiting competent designers and contractors. An effective CDM Coordinator should be an excellent communicator with extensive knowledge and expertise in hazard identification, hazard control and the construction industry. They must have a clear understanding of the design process, procurement routes and construction techniques.
Further information on the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and the role of the CDM-C can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/coordinators.htm. For clients information on their duties is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/clients.htm.

If you need to appoint a CDM Co-ordinator for your project there are many resources available. You could use any search engine to find one close to you, for example if you search for ‘CDM Bournemouth’ or ‘ CDM Poole’ a list of local co-ordinators will show. You could also use a website that is set up to join up clients and CDM Coordinators such as the professional body the Association of Project Safety. Again, try searching using your town to get local listings, e.g CDM Christchurch.

The Client must ensure that the CDM-C they appoint is competent and can demonstrate that they meet with the requirements set out in Appendix 4 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Approved Code of Practice. You can do this by looking for CDM Coordinators that are CHAS Registered or can demonstrate their qualifications and experience by other means such as being Registered Members of the Association of Project Safety.

About MSAFE: MSAFE are a professional services company specialising in undertaking the role of CDM Coordinator, health and safety management in the construction industry, sound insulation and air tightness testing services. MSAFE are based in Dorset but cover all areas including CDM Bournemouth, CDM Hampshire, CDM Christchurch and CDM Poole.