Statutory Approvals and Local Authorities Approvals

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) in the UK, the principal designer has important duties and responsibilities throughout the pre-construction phase of a construction project. Beta Design Consultants has been acting as the principal designer, typically appointed by the client, has extensive experience in coordinating health and safety aspects of the design process.

As consulting civil, structural, geotechnical engineers with hands-on experience in construction planning and site supervision, our consultants are best positioned in providing practical advice and discharging the duties of the Principal Designer in an effective method that ensures risks are communicated and managed properly on site.

Here are some examples of how we discharge our key duties as the principal designer:

  • Planning, Managing, Monitoring, and Coordinating Health and Safety: As the principal designer, we must plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety in the preconstruction phase. This involves identifying, eliminating, or mitigating potential health and safety risks associated with the design of the project. Design Risk Assessment are conducted to identify site-specific hazards and develop mitigation measures to reduce them as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). We consider the principles of prevention and design out hazards where reasonably practicable. We then communicate such measures together with any residual risks in a very effective and clear manner. The approach is not to “cover yourself” but rather work proactively with the overall construction team to ensure measures and residual risks are acted on. As an example of such construction risks and how they mitigated we mention:
    • risks related to water-proofing failure in car parks, basements and roofs
    • risks related to temporary works intent, shoring intent and surcharge loading
    • risks related to construction sequence and importance of following agreed sequence
    • risks of delayed or unclear flow of information across interfaces (especially considering the large number of subcontractors in some projects and complex supply chain)
  • Preparing and Updating the Health and Safety File: As principal designer, Beta Design Consultants is responsible for preparing and updating the health and safety file. The health and safety file contains important information about the project that is relevant to the future management of health and safety during the construction phase and subsequent maintenance activities. We ensure that the file is prepared, kept up to date, and made available to the client upon completion of the project. Examples of what we typically include in it include:
    • Maintenance activities related to items such as drainage, sumps, ventilation, alarm systems, and any special materials or equipment.
    • Inspection intervals and contacts of organizations/individuals in charge of carrying out regular inspection.
    • Records required for operation and maintenance of assets such as as-built records, data sheets, manuals, design documents.
  • Coordination with Designers and Other Duty Holders: The principal designer should facilitate effective communication and coordination between designers and other duty holders involved in the project. They should share relevant health and safety information, collaborate on risk management, and ensure that the design integrates appropriate health and safety measures. For example, prior to construction, Beta Design Consultants ensure that all parties prepare sitespecific risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) that demonstrate understanding of risks and present mitigation measures clearly. As an example:
    • RAMS of demolition sub-contractors.
    • RAMS of groundworks sub-contractors.
    • RAMS of basement waterproofing sub-contractors.
    • Temporary works and method statement of excavation/shoring.
  • Assessing and Managing Design Risks: As a principal designer, we are responsible for identifying and assessing health and safety risks associated with the design. We prepare our DRA and take steps to eliminate or control identified risks and ensure that appropriate information is provided to other duty holders involved in the project.
  • Collaboration with the Principal Contractor: Beta Design Consultants collaborate with the principal contractor to ensure effective coordination of health and safety matters during the construction phase. They should provide relevant information and cooperate in developing the construction phase plan and implementing health and safety measures.
  • Competence and Resources: Beta Design Consultants have the necessary competence and resources to fulfill the Principal Designer duties effectively. Our track record and experience show a good understanding of health and safety principles and be knowledgeable about the design process and construction techniques. They should also have access to relevant information and resources to carry out their duties.
  • Client Liaison: We liaise with the client throughout the project to ensure that the client is aware of their duties and responsibilities under the CDM regulations. Beta Design Consultants consult the client on matters related to design, risk management, and health and safety.

It's important to note that the our principal designer's duties focus on the pre-construction phase, while the principal contractor takes on the role of coordinating health and safety during the construction phase. The CDM regulations aim to promote effective collaboration and integration of health and safety considerations throughout the lifecycle of a construction project and our approach is to act as a catalyst in ensuring that the whole project team works in a collaborative manner to manage all risks.