You have been appointed the Principal Designer for the project under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015, and are asked to help the Client in collecting together all the pre-construction information required
Assignment Brief
For this component you are required to:
4.1 You have been appointed the Principal Designer for the project under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015, and are asked to help the Client in collecting together all the pre-construction information required in order to appoint a suitable Principle Contractor following a successful tender process.
You should use Appendix 2 of L153: Managing health & safety in construction (HSE publication) to consider what information should be included to the Principal Contractor. You are expected to consider both existing information regarding the site, and information that will have been developed from your previous three calculations. You are expected to make some assumptions about the site and the development in order to support your answer.
4.2 On a copy of the plan, indicate the location of the temporary site facilities. Produce and label a sketch layout of the components of these facilities necessary to satisfy office accommodation, welfare facilities, site security, health and safety, traffic management and any other features considered necessary. All aspects need to be shown and this needs to be linked to the construction sequence. You are encouraged to use Schedule 2 of L153 to help in understanding what needs to be provided as a minimum.
4.3 For this specific development, Produce an Environmental risk assessment identifying significant aspects and impacts that are likely during the construction phase. You should use a suitable scoring system to rank these risks, and identify any mitigation measures. You should consider, as a minimum:
- Air
- Contaminated land
- Flora – Trees & Hedgerows
- Finite resource
- Ground
- Noise & vibration
- Material use
- Water ecology – general
- Archaeology
- Fuel storage
- Energy Use
- Nuisance
- Indirect
- Wildlife
- Waste
4.4 Prepare, in accordance with the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM4), taking off and a Bill of Quantities for all Class R aspects of the proposed development.
Sample Answer
Principal Designer’s Report under CDM 2015 Regulations
Introduction
As appointed Principal Designer for the proposed development, it is my responsibility under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) to assist the Client in preparing and assembling the pre-construction information. This information is essential to enable the appointment of a competent Principal Contractor following a successful tender process. The purpose of this report is to outline the required pre-construction information, propose a plan for temporary site facilities, conduct an environmental risk assessment, and prepare a sample Bill of Quantities in accordance with CESMM4 standards. Where necessary, assumptions have been made regarding site conditions to support the response.
Pre-Construction Information for the Principal Contractor
In line with Appendix 2 of L153: Managing Health and Safety in Construction (HSE), the pre-construction information must cover both existing and project-specific data. The site is assumed to be located in an urban setting with adjacent properties and road access. It is also assumed that previous calculations identified key construction risks, including excavation and lifting operations.
The first category of information concerns existing site conditions. This includes a clear site location plan, boundaries, and access points for both vehicles and pedestrians. The presence of existing structures and underground services such as electricity, gas, water, and drainage must be documented, along with arrangements for their protection or disconnection. A site survey should confirm ground conditions, including soil type and any potential contamination, possibly arising from prior industrial use. Details about adjacent buildings, roads, and public spaces are also critical, particularly for noise control and access planning. Furthermore, an asbestos survey report is required if there is any suspicion of asbestos-containing materials, especially if refurbishment of old structures is involved. Any known archaeological or historical constraints must be noted to avoid accidental damage during excavation.
The second category of information relates to the project’s design and construction. A general programme of works should outline the construction sequence, with key phases identified. Any significant design risks must be highlighted, for example, the need to work at height or in confined spaces. Proposed construction methods should be described, particularly where these involve unusual or hazardous activities such as crane operations or deep excavations. Access and egress routes for workers and materials should be planned to ensure safety and efficiency. Any site constraints, including limited working hours, noise restrictions, or traffic control measures, must also be communicated. Finally, health and safety arrangements, including emergency procedures and welfare facilities, should be addressed to ensure compliance with CDM 2015.
Temporary Site Facilities Plan
To support the safe and efficient operation of the construction site, a detailed plan for temporary facilities must be prepared. The layout should be designed to complement the construction sequence, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety.
Office accommodation for site management and administrative staff should be located near the site entrance for easy access. Welfare facilities, including toilets, changing rooms, and a canteen, must be centrally positioned to serve all workers. A dedicated first aid station must be clearly marked and accessible at all times. Security measures, including perimeter fencing, gated entry, and surveillance systems, are essential to prevent unauthorised access and protect site assets.
In terms of logistics, material storage areas should be placed away from welfare zones and designed to minimise the risk of fire, contamination, or theft. Fuel storage areas must be securely bunded and located safely away from other facilities. Plant and machinery operating zones should be clearly demarcated, with defined routes to prevent collisions. Traffic management measures, including one-way systems for vehicles and separate pedestrian walkways, must be implemented to reduce the risk of accidents. An emergency assembly point should be identified on the site plan, ensuring all workers know where to gather in the event of an incident. These provisions are based on Schedule 2 of L153, which outlines minimum requirements for health, safety, and welfare on construction sites.
Environmental Risk Assessment
During the construction phase, several environmental risks must be identified, assessed, and mitigated. A risk scoring system based on the product of likelihood and severity (on a scale of 1 to 5) is used to rank each risk. Any score above 15 is considered high and requires immediate mitigation measures.
Air quality may be affected by dust and emissions from construction equipment and vehicles. Dust suppression techniques, such as water spraying, and the use of low-emission machinery can reduce this impact. The risk of contaminated land arises from disturbing previously used industrial ground. Soil testing and controlled excavation, combined with protective measures for workers, can help manage this risk.
Flora, particularly trees and hedgerows, may be damaged during site clearance. Protective fencing and limiting the work area can help preserve vegetation. Excessive use of finite resources, such as non-renewable building materials, can be reduced through the use of recycled materials and efficient procurement. Ground stability may be compromised by excavation work, which can lead to erosion or collapse. Retaining structures and phased excavation work are effective controls.
Noise and vibration from heavy machinery can disturb nearby residents. Limiting working hours, using sound barriers, and maintaining equipment can help minimise this nuisance. Construction generates large quantities of waste, so a robust waste management plan must be implemented, focusing on recycling and proper disposal.
Water pollution is another risk, particularly from spills or runoff entering nearby watercourses. Silt fences, proper drainage, and spill response kits are recommended. Archaeological finds may be uncovered during excavation; pre-construction surveys and careful monitoring are necessary. Fuel storage presents a high risk of fire and contamination, and must be properly managed with bunded tanks and fire safety equipment.
Energy use on-site should be monitored and reduced where possible through efficient machinery and power-saving practices. Wildlife disturbance is also possible, especially in areas with protected species. Ecological surveys and timing work to avoid breeding seasons can help mitigate this. Indirect environmental impacts, such as increased road traffic and emissions from transport, can be reduced through efficient logistics and encouraging shared transport options.
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