Design and Construction Materials
CDM (GB) Knowledge Base
Introduction
The aim of this section is to identify hazards in the original design, make changes to the design and specification in order to eliminate or minimise these hazards following the hierarchy of risk control. Further, to record the remaining hazards and possible risks that will be encountered during the construction phase and for the life of the project in the health and safety plan and the health and safety file.
Demolition and dismantling is considered a construction process and is audited within this section.
Underground
New Services
All proposed new services should be identified within the health and safety plan. They should be illustrated on the drawings and particularly described.
Third Party Information
The advice, conditions, and codes of safety of the various authorities should be identified and copied as necessary into the health and safety plan.
Guidance
The HSE provide advice in their Guidance Note series in the form of HS(G)47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services, available from HSE Books.
Ground Level
- Site Access & Egress
- Access Generally
- Temporary Site Accommodation
- Welfare
- Unloading and Storage of Materials
- Manual Handling
- Materials
- Temporary Support
- Voids
- Falling Objects
- On-Site Fabrication and Manufacture
Structures
Access
Consider the following issues as they effect the access to from and around structures:
- Access
- Confined Spaces
- Demolition & Dismantling
- Erecting Structures
- Falling Objects
- Restricted Spaces
- Temporary Support
- Voids
- Working at Height
Materials
Consider the issues on all materials and substances used.
Construction Process
Consider the issues and the need for individual method statements:
- Application of Paints and Surface Treatments
- Hazardous Substances
- Lifting and Manual Handling
- Noise
- Steam/Water Pressure Cleaning
- Explosives
- Temporary Support
- Vibratory Tools
Fixtures and Finishes
Consider the following issues in context:
Consider the issues arising from the following processes and the need for individual method statements:
- Application of Paints and Surface Treatments
- Hazardous Substances
- Manual Handling
- Noise
- Steam and Water Pressure Cleaning
- Temporary Support
Other Considerations
As a final check to this section, consider any other possible hazards within the construction process either below ground, at ground level, as part of the structure to be built, or in the use of specified materials that could give rise to a hazardous situation. Consider the effects of hazardous weather conditions, the location of the site and the proximity of other, possibly hazardous, enterprises.