CDM Principal Designer (PD)

CDM Principal Designer Services (PD)

What is a CDM Principal Designer?

A CDM Principal Designer (PD) is the designer with control over the pre-construction phase of a project. They are involved with the very earliest stage of a project, from concept design to planning the delivery of construction work. A huge part of their role is to ensure, where possible, that project is carried out without risks to health and safety. 

Do you need a CDM Principal Designer?

Yes. Appointing a Principal Designer is a legal requirement that applies to all construction work under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). Every construction project within the UK that has more than one contractor must comply with CDM.

If a CDM Principal Designer is not appointed in writing by the client, then the responsibility and execution of these duties will default back to the client. In these instances, the HSE can investigate and prosecute a client if any health and safety breaches occur. Penalties include heavy fines, loss of production, compensation pay-outs and legal costs, and in some instances, custodial sentences. 

If you’re still unsure whether your project falls under the CDM, 2015 – check out this handy, free document we’ve put together for you, here. 

What should you look for in a CDM Principal Designer? 

If your construction project is a large-scale operation, your Principal Designer may be an entire organisation. However, if it’s just a smaller project – they could simply be an individual. One thing is crucial, though, whatever the size of your project, it is vital your PD has the following skills:

• A technical understanding of the construction industry relevant to your project
• The knowledge and skills to manage and coordinate the preconstruction phase, as well as any design work that may be required after construction begins
• The technical expertise to be able to apply the principles of Design Risk Management
• A thorough understanding of the CDM (Construction Design Management)  Regulations, 2015

What duties does the CDM Principal Designer carry out?

Planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety 

A CDM Principal Designer will focus on ensuring positive health and safety outcomes are achieved throughout the pre-construction phase. They must take into account the content of any existing health and safety files, as well as any previously created construction phase plans. The PD may also frequently chair meetings with other designers to ensure that everyone understands and fulfils their responsibilities. 

Assisting with pre-construction information

Principal Designers will also help the client organise and collect any pre-existing health and safety documents. This might include any previously collated health and safety files, asbestos surveys etc. The PD will also point out any gaps within the pre-construction information and advise the client on how to fill in these gaps. 

Liaising with the Principal Contractor

The Principal Designer must also liaise with the Principal Contractor throughout the duration of their role. This includes sharing any information that may affect the planning, management and coordination of the construction phase. This includes any information that is needed by the Principal Contractor to prepare the construction phase plan. Generally, this would be fulfilled through regular meetings with the Principal Contractor. 

Collaboration with other designers

Quite often, several designers will be involved in a project’s pre-construction phase. It is the Principal Designer’s job to ensure that everyone involved during this phase is collaborating with one another and communicating effectively. Again, this can usually be fulfilled through the hosting of regular meetings. It is essential that Principal Designers apply the principles of Design Risk Management when collaborating with other designers in order to identify, eliminate and control foreseeable risks to health and safety. 

Why choose pm Connections to be your CDM Principal Designer?

Here at pm Connections, we have years of experience acting as a CDM Principal Designer on construction projects in a variety of industries. With our technical expertise, industry-recognised qualifications and down-to-earth attitude, we are ready to help you with any upcoming construction projects. 

For more information, give us a call on 01925 649 818 or get in touch here.