CDM 2015: Questions and Answers, A Practical Approach

This is the second book on the CDM Regulations I ve read recently see last month's review here and it has been interesting to compare the two approaches to exploring the legislation. The author, Pat Perry, has written various books for the Institution of Civil Engineers and has stuck with the winning formula of her previous work by following a similar question and answer format. CDM 2015 Questions and Answers: A Practical ApproachThe book aims to provide best practice answers to a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions about the CDM Regulations. Perry explains that the almost 500 questions she covers have been asked by a range of construction clients, architects, designers and contractors over the years. Part one looks at roles and duties under CDM 2015 and begins with an explanation of the aims of the revised legislation. This includes reference to domestic projects, which are incorporated in the 2015 regulations, and some useful guidance on the difference between demolition and dismantling. The roles of client, principal designer, designer, principal contractor and contractor each have their own chapter, clarifying their purpose, duties and responsibilities. Perry also covers designing for safety and design risk assessments, project notification and preconstruction information. There are valuable appendices, including an example of a design risk register, notification of construction project pro-forma documents and useful site survey information. The chapter on the construction phase health and safety plan is the longest in the book and incorporates sample plans for both major and small projects. Extra chapters are devoted to the health and safety file, and competency and training. Part two, which focuses on construction safety issues, is where the book moves from very good to great. There is a relatively brief but informative summary of 17 pieces of legislation that apply to the construction industry and its projects, supported by useful case studies. Other sections look at risk assessments, with guidance on how the HSE s five steps might apply to a building site, and on the management of health and safety on construction projects, which includes a comprehensive site safety checklist. Further chapters cover accident and incident management, site welfare facilities, noise, asbestos and hazardous substances. As you might expect, the book also examines in depth excavations and demolitions, underground and overground services, and temporary works including useful explanations of falsework and formwork. But it is the chapter on work at height that particularly hits the mark, with checklists, case studies and helpful answers to questions such as Does the two metre rule regarding falls from height still apply? (It doesn t.) The list of topics covered in this book is comprehensive and the quality of Perry s advice remains consistently high, with useful tips on inspecting and testing electrical equipment, lifting equipment checklists, and manual handling assessment forms. Her stated aim was to deliver a quick, practical reference guide to CDM 2015 to help dutyholders comply with their legal responsibilities. She has certainly achieved that, and more. This is an enjoyable and easy read that I would highly recommend. The question and answer format works well and the book is good value. --Health and Safety at Work December 2015 Donald Muir

Given the extensive consultation, industry publications and debates, the changes to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations in 2015 didn t come as surprise. A year on, it is fair to say that a large majority have a good understanding of what the updated Regulations (Regs) require. With this in mind, CDM 2015 Questions and Answers provides an excellent go-to guide for those that need to look beyond the headline changes and understand at a practical level, what is required of them. Unlike the 2007 update, there is currently no ACOP for CDM Regs 2015 and therefore areas are still stringently debated with many awaiting the first prosecution(s) to understand how the HSE will be enforcing the updated Regs. For this reason this book provides invaluable insight into the roles and responsibilities of all Dutyholders. Unlike an ACOP or even HSE guidance though, this Pat Perry book provides useful information in language that is accessible to all. A common complaint with health and safety books or even advice, is it is too ambiguous and doesn t provide a suitable response or even starting point. Perry provides straightforward answers that anyone can use, for instance page 110: How thorough does the client or principal designer have to be in providing information? Perry responds The answers from the HSE is likely to be very . This book is particularly helpful to those new to construction and looking to get a better understanding of what the Regs require; equally those for whom CDM and/or health and safety is their primary vocation will find this an excellent text to dip in and out of as required. Another feature that I find particularly useful is the number of examples provided throughout from site set up through to design risk assessments. These provide a good foundation for those looking to review their own systems as well as providing a good starting point if looking to put together a new management system. There is no doubt this is a valuable addition to my growing collection of CDM and health and safety literature and I thoroughly recommend you get a copy. However, there is one area that the book does omit major projects. Whilst the generally principals of CDM remain the same it is equally true that major projects are complex in their make-up, at times with multiple independent clients working concurrently on the same site or vicinity. As the number of these projects is growing, it would be invaluable to have some industry guidance on how leading figures such as Perry believe CDM should be implemented and managed on such intricate and complex projects. That being said, Perry remains true to the title and it really is A practical approach which I believe everyone should have on their desk. Whilst you may not read this book cover to cover, it will prove to be an invaluable source of information at your fingertips that you can dip in and out of when required. --Rhaynukaa Soni CMIOSH, a Director at RLS Consultants Ltd in SHP Online, June 2016