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AIM & OBJECTIVES

Aim:

Construction Phase Plan (CPP), and Health & Safety File (HSF)

Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

Explain the construction phase plan, and health & safety file.

Produce a construction phase plan for a roof construction activity.

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CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN

A Construction Phase Plan (CPP) is a health and safety management document that outlines how construction work will be carried out safely, addressing the risks associated with the construction phase of a project.
The CPP is drawn up during the pre-construction phase.
It is a legal requirement on notifiable projects.
CPP must set out health and safety arrangements and construction site rules.
CDM Regulations 2015 (Regulation 12) ensures that the client ensures that a construction phase plan is drawn up by the contractor/principal contractor, or plan for a CPP to be drawn up.

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CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN

It is a fully functional working document, which should be:

Reviewed and updated as the project develops.
Amended when further design work is completed.
Updated when information from subcontractors starting work becomes available.
Reviewed considering unforeseen circumstances or variations to planned circumstances.
Updated when any other changes affecting health and safety arise.

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THE COMPONENTS OF CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN

Introduction:

Brief overview of the project, its scope, and objectives.

Project Description:

Detailed information about the construction project, including its purpose, location, and key features.

Project Team:

List of key personnel involved in the construction phase, along with their roles and responsibilities.

Scope of Work:

Detailed description of the construction activities to be undertaken during the phase.

Health and Safety Policy:

Statement outlining the project's commitment to health and safety, including any specific policies that apply.

Risk Assessment:

Identification of potential hazards and risks associated with the construction activities, along with an assessment of their severity and measures to control or mitigate them.

Control Measures:

Specific actions and measures that will be implemented to control and minimise identified risks.

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THE COMPONENTS OF CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN

Site Rules:

Clear rules and procedures that all workers and visitors must adhere to while on the construction site.

Emergency Procedures:

Detailed plans for responding to emergencies, including evacuation procedures, first aid, and contact information for emergency services.

Communication Plan:

Strategies for effective communication within the project team and with external stakeholders, including the reporting of health and safety concerns.

Training and Competency:

Overview of the training requirements for workers, ensuring they are competent to carry out their tasks safely.

Welfare Facilities:

Provision of adequate welfare facilities for workers, including toilets, rest areas, and drinking water.

Site Induction:

Details about the site induction process, ensuring that all personnel are informed about health and safety procedures before starting work.

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THE COMPONENTS OF CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Requirements for the use of PPE, specifying the type of protective equipment needed for different tasks.

Monitoring and Review:

Procedures for monitoring and reviewing health and safety performance throughout the construction phase.

Environmental Considerations:

Identification of potential environmental impacts and measures to minimise or mitigate them.

Emergency Procedures:

Detailed plans for responding to emergencies, including evacuation procedures, first aid, and contact information for emergency services.

Completion and Handover:

Plans for the safe completion of the construction activities, including any necessary handover procedures.

Documentation:

Record-keeping procedures for health and safety documentation, including incident reports, inspections, and training records.

Signatures and Approvals:

Spaces for relevant parties to sign and approve the Construction Phase Plan, indicating their commitment to health and safety.

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CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN – IMPORTANCE/BENEFITS

Legal Requirement: A CPP is a legal requirement under CDM 2015, and failure to have a robust plan can result in legal consequences.
Risk Management:

Identification of Hazards: The CPP identifies potential risks and hazards associated with the construction phase, allowing for proactive risk management.
Risk Mitigation: It outlines measures and controls to mitigate identified risks, promoting a safer working environment.

Communication:

Stakeholder Awareness: The CPP ensures that all stakeholders, including workers, subcontractors, and site visitors, are aware of the health and safety requirements.
Clear Communication: It provides a clear platform for communication regarding safety procedures, emergency protocols, and responsibilities.

Environmental Management: The CPP may include considerations for environmental impact, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and responsible construction practices.

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CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN – IMPORTANCE/BENEFITS

Emergency Preparedness:

Emergency Response: The CPP includes emergency procedures and measures, ensuring that the project team is prepared to respond to unforeseen incidents promptly.
Evacuation Plans: It outlines evacuation plans, contributing to the safety of workers and site visitors in case of emergencies.

Project Success:

Timely Completion: A well-prepared CPP contributes to the timely completion of the construction project by minimising accidents, disruptions, and rework.

Client Satisfaction: Successful implementation of a CPP enhances client satisfaction, as it demonstrates a commitment to safety and project excellence.

Continuous Improvement:

Learning from Experience: The CPP allows for a review of health and safety performance, facilitating continuous improvement through lessons learned.
Adaptability: It provides a framework for adapting safety measures based on changing project conditions.

Documentation and Auditing:

Record Keeping: The CPP serves as a documented record of health and safety planning during the construction phase.
Audit Compliance: It aids in compliance with regulatory audits by providing a comprehensive overview of safety measures in place.

Worker Welfare: The CPP prioritises the welfare of workers, ensuring that they have a safe working environment and are equipped with the necessary information and training.

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CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN - TEMPLATES

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SELF-ASSESSMENT TASK

As the roofing subcontractor on a residential building project, the principal contractor has requested that you produce a construction phase plan for the roof construction activity, to update his record.

Additional Information: Use the provided templates.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE

A Health and Safety File (HSF) is a compilation of health and safety information about a construction project that provides guidance for those involved in the maintenance, use, alteration, or demolition of a structure.
The Health and Safety File is a crucial document that contributes to the long-term safety, maintenance, and success of a construction project.
It ensures that essential health and safety information is accessible and usable by relevant stakeholders throughout the life cycle of the structure.
The health and safety file is drawn up during the pre-construction phase.
CDM Regulations 2015 (Regulation 4)

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HEALTH �AND �SAFETY FILE

The clients, designers, principal designers, contractors and principal contractors all have legal duties in respect of the health and safety file:

Principal designer must prepare, review, amend or add to the file as the project progresses, and give it to the client at the end of the project;

Clients, designers, principal designers, contractors, and principal contractors must supply the information necessary for compiling or updating the file;

Clients must keep the file to assist with future construction work; and

Everyone providing information should make sure that it is accurate and provided promptly.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE – IMPORTANCE/BENEFITS

Legal Requirement:

Compliance: The HSF is a legal requirement under CDM 2015, and failure to provide a comprehensive file can result in non-compliance and potential legal consequences.

Information Repository:

Centralised Information: It serves as a centralised repository of crucial health and safety information related to the construction project.

Post-Construction Phase:

Transition to Occupancy: The HSF aids in the smooth transition from construction to the occupancy phase by providing essential information for ongoing maintenance and operations.

Future Work and Maintenance:

Guidance for Maintenance: The file contains information that guides future maintenance work, ensuring that maintenance activities are carried out safely.

Emergency Response:

Emergency Situations: It provides critical information for emergency responders in the event of incidents or emergencies, enhancing their ability to respond effectively.

Knowledge Transfer:

Succession Planning: The HSF facilitates knowledge transfer to future owners, operators, or contractors, ensuring that essential safety information is not lost over time.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE – IMPORTANCE/BENEFITS

Identification of Hazards:

Historical Record: It serves as a historical record of hazards encountered during the construction phase, informing future risk assessments and safety planning.

As-Built Information:

As-Built Documentation: The HSF includes as-built information, providing an accurate representation of the final structure as constructed.

Change Management:

Changes and Modifications: Any changes or modifications made during the construction phase are documented, allowing for proper management and assessment of their impact on health and safety.

Communication and Coordination:

Communication Tool: It serves as a tool for communicating health and safety information to relevant parties, fostering coordination and collaboration.

Training and Induction:

Training Reference: The file can be used as a reference for training purposes, ensuring that individuals involved in future work are aware of health and safety considerations.

Record Keeping:

Comprehensive Records: It maintains comprehensive records of health and safety planning, risk assessments, and incident reports, aiding in audits and compliance checks.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE – IMPORTANCE/BENEFITS

Legal Protections:

Legal Protections: Having a complete and accurate HSF provides legal protections by demonstrating a commitment to health and safety compliance.

Client and Contractor Communication:

Client Awareness: The HSF ensures that clients are aware of health and safety responsibilities and can communicate these to contractors.

Audit and Inspection:

Audits and Inspections: It facilitates audits and inspections, providing inspectors with the necessary documentation to assess compliance.

Continuous Improvement:

Learning from Experience: Information in the HSF can be used for continuous improvement, incorporating lessons learned into future projects.

Client Handover:

Client Handover: The HSF is handed over to the client, serving as a valuable resource for ongoing safety management.

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THE COMPONENTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE

Introduction:

Overview of the purpose and contents of the Health and Safety File.

Project Information:

Details about the construction project, including its name, location, and a brief description.

Organisational Information:

Information about the client, principal designer, principal contractor, and other key stakeholders involved in the project.

Pre-Construction Information:

Documentation from the pre-construction phase, including the Preconstruction Information provided by the client.

Construction Phase Information:

Records of health and safety planning and implementation during the construction phase, including risk assessments and method statements.

Health and Safety Plan:

The Health and Safety Plan developed for the construction phase, outlining strategies for managing health and safety risks.

Risk Assessments:

Documentation of risk assessments conducted during the project, including identified hazards and control measures.

Method Statements:

Method statements detailing safe working procedures for specific tasks or activities during construction.

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THE COMPONENTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE

Design and As-Built Information:

Design information relevant to health and safety, as well as as-built drawings and specifications.

Hazardous Materials Information:

Information about any hazardous materials used or encountered during the construction, including safety data sheets.

Safety Inspections and Audits:

Records of safety inspections, audits, and reviews conducted throughout the construction phase.

Incident Reports:

Documentation of any incidents, accidents, or near misses that occurred during the project, including investigation reports and corrective actions taken.

Training Records:

Records of health and safety training provided to workers and relevant personnel during the construction phase.

Emergency Procedures:

Documentation outlining emergency procedures and evacuation plans for the construction site.

Testing and Commissioning Records:

Records related to testing and commissioning activities, ensuring that systems are safe and operational.

Certificates and Permits:

Copies of relevant certificates, permits, and authorizations related to health and safety compliance.

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THE COMPONENTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE

Maintenance Information:

Guidance for ongoing maintenance, including information on the safe operation and maintenance of the structure.

Future Work Considerations:

Information relevant to any future work on the structure, ensuring that health and safety considerations are considered.

Review and Update Procedures:

Procedures for reviewing and updating the Health and Safety File to ensure its ongoing relevance.

Client Handover:

Guidance on how the Health and Safety File will be handed over to the client for ongoing management.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE - TEMPLATES

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SELF-ASSESSMENT TASK

a. Study the figure below and mark areas where work operations contravene safety regulations.
b. Suggest ways safety can be improved on this site.

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REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Health and Safety Executives (n.d.) Construction Phase Plan (CDM 2015). Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis80.pdf (Accessed: 07 October 2023)
Pearson (2017) BTEC national construction student book. London: Pearson.