You as the Principal Contractor under CDM 2015
On most Beams projects you'll be the Principal Contractor under CDM 2015. That means a Construction Phase Plan, RAMS on site, and site H&S coordination throughout the build.
For Beams projects, you'll usually act as the Principal Contractor as defined by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). The article describes what that means in practice.
What the designation means
Principal Contractor is the legal designation given to the builder with the most control over the construction phase. On a typical residential renovation, that's you. The designation gives you specific legal responsibilities for site safety and coordination.
What you have to do
- Prepare a Construction Phase Plan before construction starts. The plan covers how the work will be carried out safely, including arrangements for managing risks specific to the project.
- Make Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for the work, and keep them on site at all times during the build.
- Ensure site health and safety. Maintain a safe working environment, manage hazards, ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used appropriately.
- Coordinate trades on site. Where multiple trades are working on the same project, you ensure their work fits together safely.
- Maintain a site file that holds the relevant safety documentation through the project.
CDM and procurement decisions
CDM responsibilities sit with you on construction. They don't change based on who specifies materials. If a customer-specified material has installation requirements that affect safety (for example, weight or fixings on a bespoke item), it's still your job to plan for them safely under CDM.
Building Control
Building Control sign-off is separate from CDM but related. As the Principal Contractor, you usually coordinate Building Control inspections at the relevant stages of the build. Inspections feed into the certificates you upload before final invoice.
What this means for you
Run your CDM duties tightly — the documentation matters not just for safety but as evidence if anything is questioned later. Keep the Construction Phase Plan current, RAMS on site, and the site file maintained. The article Site setup and safety standards covers the operational side.
Related articles
- Before you break ground — the four gates
- Site setup and safety standards