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The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and CDM - a proportionate approach

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ recognises that CDM can apply to many of its activities from large events such as Proms in the Park to the smallest of construction related tasks e.g. changing a door handle on the set of Doctors. Both these activities carry an element of construction risk, however the level of risk presented is vastly different. Given these two extremes, it is not realistic to adopt a 'one size fits all' approach. Neither is it possible to provide specific guidance for every scenario across the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ approach is to broadly classify its CDM related activity into three categories; Large Construction Related Projects, Medium Construction Related Projects, & Small Construction Related Tasks. Each of these categories will carry a certain level of construction ‘risk’, the level of CDM planning and management required by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ should be in proportion to the level of risk identified.

To assist those planning activities where CDM may apply, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has looked at 9 projects /productions (A-I on the diagram) and has made suggestions on how the requirements of CDM could be managed for those projects. This is based on our 'Wedge of Effort' model, which in basic terms shows that the greater the level of risk a project / production carries, the greater the 'effort' required in terms of planning and resource allocation.

Large Construction Related Projects

Examples of large construction related projects would include productions on the scale of DIY SOS "the big build" (G) ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Drama's, To Walk Invisible (H) and Proms in the Park (I)

All these projects would be considered relatively high risk in terms of construction risk and require thorough planning. DIY SOS could be considered a traditional construction project and therefore would require a traditional CDM approach. This would involve appointing appropriate dutyholders for example Principal Contractors and Principal Designers and the production of a Client Brief, Pre Construction Information, Construction Phase Plan & Safety File.

Example Construction Arrangements from DIY SOS are shown in the Useful Documents Section of this page.

A production like To Walk Invisible poses a slightly different set of challenges as it involves both some elements of traditional construction as well as a large 'set build in a fairly remote location.

Proms in the Park does not fit into the idea of traditional construction, however the construction element of the event would need to be considered as part of the initial business plan. Duty Holders would still need to be appointed and appropriate plans drawn up. These plans would normally form part of the overall event action plan. Further details are provided in the Event Safety Guide.

The application of CDM to these productions is discussed in greater detail in the Large Construction Related Projects document  (Useful Documents Section)

Medium Construction Related Projects

Examples of medium construction related projects would include set builds for productions at Roath Lock (D) or other drama village locations, temporary constructions on location for example the Antiques Road Show (E), or the erection of several camera towers for an FA Cup tie on Match of the Day (F)

While these type of productions are relatively small scale and often of a temporary nature, they still carry an element of construction risk and therefore need to be appropriately managed. To assist those who are planning to commission this type of project, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has produced a CDM Planning Sheet template document. This simple document allows the user to document basic project details, detail the work required, list key personnel, highlight any identified health and safety considerations, and clarify any administration details. In terms of the CDM Regulations, this would be considered as the client producing pre construction information. This document should be shared with the contractor (s) and any potential designers involved.

Construction Managers, should use the contents of this document and design information provided by Designers to produce a (Construction Phase) Plan for the project 

The application of CDM to all three productions is discussed in greater detail in the Medium Construction Related Projects document  (Useful Documents Section)

Small Construction Related Tasks

Small construction related tasks would include areas such as putting together scenery ‘flats’ (C) , changing a door, painting a wall (A) or installing new lighting in a room (B)

Whilst there is a level of construction risk involved with smaller activities, some jobs will literally take a few minutes to complete so it is not practical to put together paperwork that may take longer to produce than the job takes to complete. In these cases a simple safe system of work will suffice. For example putting together scenery or painting a wall may involve some potential work at height, how can this be avoided / done safely? Changing a door may involve some manual handling; installing lighting will involve working with electricity, think how these risks are going to be controlled? Remember CDM is about sensible risk control, not generating paperwork.

The application of CDM to all three productions is discussed in greater detail in the Small Construction Related Tasks document (Useful Documents Section)

'Grey' Areas

There will be occasions when it will not be that obvious as to which of the three categories of construction activities a particular project will fit into. On these occasions it will be down to the production team to decide where on the scale, their project lies and plan accordingly. The higher the potential risk the more planning required.  If production teams are unsure as what level of planning is required they should discuss their project with their Safety Advisor or speak to the Central Safety Team  

Construction Risk Management - The Golden Rules

Whatever the size of the construction project there are certain common elements that need to be in place to help secure the health and safety of all involved. The Golden Rules;

• The right people and organisations are appointed at the right time.
• Risks are avoided where possible. Where risks cannot be avoided they are evaluated and proportionate control measures are put in place at the source of the risk.
• All involved in the project have the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to enable them to work safely
• Arrangements exist to ensure that all involved in the project cooperate and communicate with each other and coordinate their work.
• Worker engagement is promoted throughout the project.
• If in any doubt - Ask!