CITB Managers CDM Regulations 2015 — Duty Holders and Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a pre-construction information pack (PCI) and who provides it to designers and contractors?
- A document from the HSE setting out site-specific rules
- A pack compiled by the client providing information about the site and existing structure that is relevant to designers and contractors (Correct answer)
- A COSHH assessment for substances on site
- A pack of drawings from the planning authority
Correct answer: A pack compiled by the client providing information about the site and existing structure that is relevant to designers and contractors
The client (or principal designer on the client's behalf) compiles and provides the pre-construction information pack, which contains information about the site, existing structures, hazards (e.g., asbestos, contamination), and other relevant health and safety information.
Question 2: When must a project be notified to the HSE?
- When it involves more than one contractor
- When it is likely to last more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers simultaneously, or exceed 500 person-days (Correct answer)
- When the budget exceeds £500,000
- When the client is a local authority
Correct answer: When it is likely to last more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers simultaneously, or exceed 500 person-days
A project is notifiable to the HSE when the construction phase is likely to involve more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers working simultaneously, or more than 500 person-days in total.
Question 3: The principal contractor must consult workers on health and safety matters. Which regulations support this requirement?
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 only
- The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (for unionised workplaces) and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 (for non-unionised workplaces) (Correct answer)
- Only the CDM Regulations 2015
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Correct answer: The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (for unionised workplaces) and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 (for non-unionised workplaces)
Worker consultation is required under two sets of regulations depending on trade union recognition. Together these require the principal contractor to consult workers (directly or through representatives) on matters affecting their health and safety.
Question 4: Which of the following is a specific duty of the principal designer under CDM 2015?
- Managing the health and safety risks during the construction phase
- Planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase, including ensuring designers comply with their duties (Correct answer)
- Providing welfare facilities on site
- Signing off scaffolding inspections
Correct answer: Planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase, including ensuring designers comply with their duties
The principal designer's core duty is to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate the pre-construction phase so that risks are reduced through design, pre-construction information is gathered, and relevant information is passed forward.
Question 5: A contractor's duty under CDM 2015 includes:
- Carrying out work in accordance with the Construction Phase Plan and reporting anything that might affect the health and safety of others (Correct answer)
- Compiling the Health and Safety File
- Appointing the principal designer
- Notifying the HSE of notifiable projects
Correct answer: Carrying out work in accordance with the Construction Phase Plan and reporting anything that might affect the health and safety of others
Each contractor must plan, manage, and monitor construction work under their control so that it is carried out safely. They must comply with the CPP and inform the principal contractor of anything that could affect the health and safety of workers or others.
Question 6: For a project with a single contractor (no principal contractor or principal designer required), what health and safety planning must still take place?
- None — CDM 2015 only applies to multi-contractor projects
- The contractor must still plan, manage, and monitor the work, produce a CPP where required, and ensure the client is aware of their own duties (Correct answer)
- The client must appoint a CDM coordinator
- The same full CDM 2015 requirements as a multi-contractor project apply
Correct answer: The contractor must still plan, manage, and monitor the work, produce a CPP where required, and ensure the client is aware of their own duties
CDM 2015 applies to all construction projects. On single-contractor projects, the contractor carries the combined duties of principal contractor and their own contractor duties. A CPP is still required and the client still has duties — including ensuring management arrangements are in place.
CITB Managers CDM Regulations 2015 — Duty Holders and Responsibilities 2
What is a pre-construction information pack (PCI) and who provides it to designers and contractors?