Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 60
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Stage 0 > Strategic Definition: Supplementary Material: 0/SM3
However, architects sometimes find themselves handling smaller projects where
there is no main contractor and the work is carried out by direct labour, sometimes
volunteers, or through a series of separate trades contracts. If asked to organise
such operations the architect might be acting as the construction manager,
with all the attendant responsibilities for setting up the site, programming and
coordination. This situation is not covered by standard appointing documents,
and it would be well to check with insurers before undertaking to provide this
kind of consultancy service. An appropriately drafted agreement would be
needed.
Appointment of architect as CDM coordinator
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 the client
in most jobs will be under a statutory duty to appoint a CDM coordinator and a
principal contractor.
Architects might wish to consider appointment as a CDM coordinator either
on a job where they are also acting as the architect or one where architectural
services are provided by others. In all cases an appointment as CDM coordinator
should be seen as distinct from the provision of architectural services and the
RIBA publishes a suitable form of appointment.
The CDM coordinator will need a sound knowledge of design and construction
processes and practice and of health and safety matters relevant to the particular
project and, as with the other duty holders, will need to provide evidence of
their competence. The appointment is to be made as soon as is practicable
after the client has sufficient information about the project to be able to assess
the appointee’s competence and adequacy of resources for health and safety.
Typical duties
The duties of a CDM coordinator, as set out in the Approved Code of Practice
issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are:
•• advising and assisting the client with their duties
•• notifying the HSE
•• coordinating health and safety aspects of design work and cooperating with
others involved with the project
•• facilitating good communication between client, designers and contractors
•• liaising with the principal contractor regarding ongoing design
•• identifying, collecting and passing on pre-construction information
• preparing/updating the Health and Safety File.
