CDM 2015 for Non-Construction Industry

Aims & Objectives

Why this training is needed

CDM 2015 applies because of the type of work being carried out, not simply because an organisation works in the construction industry. Many non-construction businesses are caught by CDM when they install, alter, maintain, dismantle or significantly change buildings, structures, plant or systems.

This course gives delegates a practical method for deciding when CDM applies and how to integrate CDM duties into existing contractor control, permit-to-work and project management arrangements.

Course aim

To give non-construction organisations a clear, practical and defensible approach to identifying CDM work, managing legal duties and applying proportionate controls across workplace projects.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course delegates will be able to:

• Understand why CDM applies in non-construction industries.
• Recognise workplace activities that legally count as construction work.
• Apply a simple test to decide whether CDM is likely to apply.
• Identify Client, Designer, Principal Designer, Principal Contractor and Contractor duties.
• Understand when written appointments are required.
• Recognise notifiable and non-notifiable project requirements.
• Integrate CDM with contractor control and permit-to-work systems.
• Keep documentation proportionate while retaining suitable evidence.

Suitability

Facilities managers, estates managers, engineering managers, maintenance managers, operations managers, project managers, procurement managers, HSE managers, contractor control teams, permit-to-work coordinators, manufacturing managers, warehouse managers, laboratory managers, healthcare estates teams

Requirements

No prior CDM knowledge is required. Delegates should ideally be involved in planning, commissioning, managing or controlling contractors, maintenance, engineering works, shutdowns, refurbishments or workplace projects.

Syllabus

CDM 2015 for Non-Construction Industry (one day)

When everyday work becomes ‘construction’.

Part 1. Why CDM catches non-construction organisations out

• What CDM actually says
• The legal definition of construction work
• Why the definition is wider than most people think
• Typical sectors affected:
  • Manufacturing
  • Warehousing and logistics
  • Food production
  • Pharmaceuticals and laboratories
  • Offices and commercial premises
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities and infrastructure

Part 2. A simple test — does CDM apply?

Introducing the Three Question CDM Test:

• Does the work build, alter, dismantle, extend, remove, install, maintain or significantly change a structure, plant or system?
• Does it involve design input, sequencing, coordination or more than one contractor?
• Does it create construction-type hazards such as work at height, lifting operations, excavation, live services, structural change, confined space, hot work or temporary works?

If the answer to any of these is yes, CDM is likely to apply.

Part 3. The jobs that routinely fall within CDM

Examples relevant to non-construction industry:

• Installing a new conveyor or production line
• Replacing a tank or vessel
• Modifying process pipework
• Replacing roofs, floors or mezzanines
• Building office extensions or welfare areas
• Removing asbestos containing materials
• Large shutdown maintenance involving several contractors
• Demolition or dismantling of redundant plant
• Installing new electrical supplies or switchgear

Part 4. Roles and legal duties

• Who is the Client in a non-construction organisation?
• Who is the Designer?
• When do you need a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor?
• Why self-employed specialists count
• Duties of contractors and workers
• How CDM sits alongside:
  • HSWA 1974
  • MHSWR 1999
  • Permit to Work systems
  • Contractor control procedures

Part 5. Notification and documentation

• F10 notification thresholds
• Why most projects are not notifiable but still subject to CDM
• The minimum documentation needed:
  • Pre-Construction Information
  • Construction Phase Plan
  • Welfare arrangements
  • Monitoring and supervision records
  • Health and Safety File
• How much is enough — keeping it proportionate

Part 6. Integration, not duplication

• How to align CDM with existing systems
• Using existing contractor approval and permit-to-work arrangements
• Avoiding duplication of RAMS, permits and CDM paperwork
• Creating a simple ‘switch into CDM mode’ process
• Suggested trigger points:
  • More than one contractor
  • Structural change
  • Significant engineering work
  • High-risk work activities

Part 7. Practical workshop

Delegates work through realistic scenarios and decide:

• Does CDM apply?
• What roles are required?
• What documentation is needed?
• How should the organisation integrate the requirements into its current systems?

Suggested scenarios:

• Replacement of a process vessel using several contractors during a shutdown
• Relocation of a production line and new service connections
• Roof repair above a live process area
• New laboratory fit-out involving electrical and ventilation contractors

Optional follow-on module (additional half day)

• Writing effective Pre-Construction Information
• Developing proportionate Construction Phase Plans
• Integrating CDM with permit-to-work and contractor management systems
• Running a live project through the decision process

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Key messages reinforced

• CDM applies because of the work being done, not because of the industry you are in.
• The Client usually has the greatest influence and therefore the greatest responsibility.
• More than one contractor means written PD and PC appointments are normally required.
• Notifiable does not mean ‘CDM applies’. Most duties apply regardless.
• Good CDM is about planning, coordination and sensible control, not producing a mountain of paperwork.

Notes

Fully comprehensive notes will be given to all delegates who attend the course. Materials provided include:

• Client dutyholder quick guide
• Client project checklist
• Simple CDM decision flowchart for non-construction organisations
• CDM applicability screening form
• Three Question CDM Test aide memoire
• Example written PD and PC appointment letters
• Example Pre-Construction Information template (full and short-form)
• Example short-form Construction Phase Plan template
• Example project file checklist

Certification

On satisfactory completion of the course a certificate of attendance will be issued