Guide to Using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 - Other - Page 107
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Where the contractor is appointed after Stage 2, the duties in the early stages
may be carried out by the lead designer, by another member of the design team
or by a specialist consultant, depending on the composition of the design team
and the specific complexities of the project prior to the contractor’s involvement.
In any case, the Construction Strategy would be prepared collaboratively with
contributions from each design team member taken into consideration. When the
contractor becomes involved they take over responsibility for the Construction
Strategy, with any major deviations in strategy considered during the tender
phase. Put another way, the document is a core health and safety tool that
requires consideration of the construction process as a whole with specific and
particular attention paid to buildability from the early design stages.
On larger projects the Construction Strategy would ensure that details of aspects
such as site logistics, cranage, site access and similar decisions are incrementally
and proportionately included as the project progresses. Some aspects of the
Construction Strategy, such as how to deal with an underpinned boundary wall,
for example, will be derived from the design process; others may be determined
during the tender process, when the contractor is calculating the preliminary
costs, such as site cabin locations, cranage strategies and other logistical issues.
The contractor will ultimately be the focus of this strategy; however, the design
team will be instrumental in setting out aspects of the design that require specific
attention during the construction period.
On smaller projects, it is likely that the architect would develop the Construction
Strategy for inclusion with the tender documents issued to the contractor. On
these projects, the Construction Strategy can also be useful and can help to
minimise queries or problems arising on site. For example, in the case of a small
first floor flat conversion with a steep and narrow existing staircase, consideration
would need to be given to the delivery of materials (a new bath or a large, heavy
door, for example).
The Construction Strategy might also advocate that all works are registered with
the Considerate Constructors Scheme to provide a further layer of health and
safety monitoring on a project. This scheme also assists in the development of
sustainability measures during the construction process.
Considerate Constructors Scheme
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is the national initiative set up by the
construction industry to improve its image. Construction sites and companies
that register with the Scheme are monitored against a Code of Considerate
Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements.
The Scheme’s remit covers any aspect of construction activity that might have a
direct or indirect impact on the image of the industry as a whole. The main areas
of concern fall into three categories: the general public, the workforce and the
environment. For full details, visit the Scheme’s website: www.ccscheme.org.uk.
www.ribaplanofwork.com
