Construction Phase Plan Requirements

What This Requirement Covers

A construction phase plan is a document that sets out the health and safety arrangements for the construction phase of a project. Under CDM 2015, it must be prepared by the principal contractor (or the sole contractor on single-contractor projects) before the construction phase begins.

Key Requirements

When Required

1. A construction phase plan is required for every construction project, regardless of size
2. For simple projects (e.g., a small domestic extension), the plan can be brief and proportionate
3. For complex projects, the plan must be detailed and cover all significant risks

Content (Regulation 12)

The construction phase plan must include

1. A description of the project (client, location, type of work, expected duration)
2. The management arrangements (who is responsible for what, communication procedures, incident reporting)
3. Arrangements for controlling significant risks, including:

- Working at height - Excavations - Demolition - Hot works - Asbestos - Electrical safety - Traffic management - Fire prevention

1. Arrangements for welfare facilities (toilets, washing, rest, changing, drying rooms, drinking water)
2. The health and safety rules for the site
3. Arrangements for monitoring compliance

Proportionality

1. The plan must be proportionate to the risk and complexity of the project
2. A small domestic project may have a simple one-page plan covering the key risks
3. A large commercial project may have a multi-page document with detailed method statements and risk assessments

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Prepare the construction phase plan before work starts on site; it is a legal requirement
2. Keep the plan on site and make sure all workers and subcontractors are aware of its contents
3. Update the plan as the project progresses and new risks emerge
4. For domestic projects, a simple plan is sufficient; do not over-engineer the documentation
5. Include the contact details for the client, principal designer, and emergency services
6. Record welfare facility arrangements; the plan should confirm that facilities are available from day one
7. The HSE can request to see the construction phase plan during any site visit