Building control services
Construction safety
If you are considering doing building, construction or refurbishment work on your commercial premises or you are having your premises demolished, it is important that the work is carried out in a safe manner. You will also incur duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and may also need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that the work is being carried out.
Who needs to be aware of these rules?
Clients, building owners, designers, contractors, builders and others involved with design and construction work all have duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, in fact anyone who wants building work done, those who design or plan the building work and all those who carry out building work need to understand the duties they incur and act accordingly to ensure every building project is safe.
Remember, site safety is a team game!
What are the rules?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (also known as CDM 2007). These rules help to ensure that a construction project is safe to build, safe to use and safe to maintain.
How can I find out more?
Further information on the duties under CDM 2007 and general information on construction health and safety is available on the HSE website: Summary of Duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007|
or via the HSE telephone info line: 0845 345 0055.
What work is notifiable?
Under the CDM 2007 rules, certain construction work needs to be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this includes construction projects that are expected to last more than 30 working days, or involve more than 500 person work days.
How can I notify the HSE?
For further information on the notification process, visit: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 - How to notify a project| .
Health and safety at work
If you run a business in Calderdale, representatives of Calderdale MBC Environmental Health or the HSE will be the enforcing authority for health and safety matters in your business when operational. You need to be aware of the requirements of CDM 2007, especially how the construction and design of the finished project will affect the health and safety of the users of the premises (including your staff, visitors and customers).
As the owner or manager of a business it is your duty to make sure that the design of the project eliminates hazards and reduces risks to help you meet your duties under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, these include avoiding slips, trips and falls, handling of stock, vehicle deliveries, working at height, noise, electrical safety etc and should be considered early in the design process as amendments and changes later will cost you time and money.
Compliance with much of the published guidance found within the Approved Documents supporting the Building Regulations, will help you meet some your duties under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 relating to buildings and premises, for further advice, please contact Building Control.
We are available during office hours on telephone: 01422 392223, or you can email us at building.control@calderdale.gov.uk.
Where can I find more general health and safety advice?
For further information on general health and safety duties, visit the HSE website: Health and Safety Executive| .
