Jim Slater
Construction Design & Risk Management
Construction Phase Plans
The construction phase plan sets out the organisation and arrangements that have been put in place to manage risk and co-ordinate work onsite. It is not a repository for detailed generic risk assessments, records of how decisions were reached or detailed method statements. It should be focused, clear and easy for contractors and others to understand; emphasising key points and avoiding irrelevant material. It is crucial that all relevant parties are involved and co-operate in the development and implementation of this plan as work progresses.
Construction Management & Logistics Plans
This plan outlines the proposed building works to be undertaken and how the contractor intends to manage the project to minimise the impact on local residents during the works. The plan is an iterative document which can be updated and augmented as project parameters alter during the pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases of the project as new information is uncovered which is required to be factored into each stage of the process. The construction management plan should not be confused with a construction phase plan. A construction logistics plan (CLP) provides the framework for understanding, managing and mitigating construction vehicle activity into and out of proposed development sites. By using resources efficiently, good logistics planning will reduce waste, carbon emissions and costs on the construction project.
Construction Site Fire Safety Plans
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the law on construction site fire safety including means of escape. CDM Regulations also impose duties including the requirement to prevent risk from fire. The construction site fire safety plan details arrangements to implement, control, monitor and review fire safety standards and to ensure those standards are maintained.
Water Management & Damage Limitation Plans
A clear and logical approach to management and mitigation of the risk of escape of water, and consequent damage, for the duration of the project. The plan is used as a guide for contractors involved in the design, installation and commissioning of water systems and those responsible for emergency response in the event that an escape of water occurs. The plan also provides evidence that sufficient measures are in place to manage the risk of water damage throughout the construction phase & is likely to be audited by the insurer.
Water damage represents a large percentage of construction risks. It can occur on any project and can bring an entire construction project to a halt. From rain entering a structure through openings in the roof and unfinished windows to plumbing leaks and flood waters. Water damage is a significant cause of loss to buildings under construction.
Dust & Emissions Management Plans
It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) to cause
nuisance to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood by generating dust. The purpose of a DEMP is to identify potential activities which may cause dust and air emissions and highlight control and mitigation measures to ensure pollution outside of the site boundary is prevented and health and the environment is protected.
Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 (applicable to England & Wales) is the legal obligation for all individuals and organisations to be competent to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations in both design and construction. This obligation applies across all sectors from the smallest of residential alterations to the most complex mixed-use development, irrespective of whether the designer and/or contractor are legally responsible for compliance. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will act as the Building Safety Regulator; they are the only building control organisation that can be used for high-risk buildings.