DO I NEED CDM ADVISORS AND FIRE RISK ASSESSORS IN BASINGSTOKE FOR DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENTS?
If you are planning a domestic development in Basingstoke, you could be asking yourself one simple question; do I still need CDM advisors and fire risk assessors on the job? M.L.A. deals with this question regularly. Homeowners, landlords and smaller developers often assume that CDM 2015 regulations will only apply to large commercial sites.
This is not the case.
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, all domestic projects still have duties. The difference is in how these duties are managed. Domestic clients are not expected to oversee the health and safety aspect of a project but the legal responsibilities do not disappear. Instead, they transfer to the contractor and, when required, to the CDM Principal Designer and Principal Contractor.
CDM duties apply if a project in Basingstoke involves:
- More than one contractor working on a project at a time
- Structural alterations and structural works
- New builds, home extensions and loft conversions
- Jobs of more than 30 working days with 20+ workers onsite
if more than one contractor is involved, there should be a CDM 2015 Principal Designer appointed in writing – even on domestic builds.
WHAT DOES A CDM PRINCIPAL DESIGNER DO?
The CDM 2015 Principal Designer plans, manages or coordinates health and safety during the pre-construction phases. They identify risks early and ensure designers eliminate, or control them, before works start on a site. If converting a build in Basingstoke, poor planning exposes workers to structural collapses, asbestos and unsafe access.
A CDM Principal Designer can address these key issues, and M.L.A. is able to provide CDM advisors who can take on these legal duties.
We make sure:
- Risks are identified and reduced in the design stage
- Designers cooperate and share information
- A compliant construction phase plan is prepared
- All health and safety documents are completed properly
This protects you from liabilities and keeps your projects running.
DO SMALL HOME PROJECTS STILL NEED CDM ADVISORS?
Yes, if more than one contractor is involved. Even something deemed as straightforward as a home extension will often include a builder, an electrician and a plumber. This alone triggers the requirement to appoint a CDM Principal Designer, and perhaps a fire risk assessor.
Many domestic clients in Basingstoke are unaware of this.
Failing to appoint the correct duty holders will lead to enforcement from the Health and Safety Executive. Working with experienced CDM advisors ensures compliancy but without adding stress to a project.
WHAT ABOUT FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS?
Fire safety is a separate but equally important issue. Depending on the type of domestic development, you may need a fire risk assessor.
For example, when:
- Converting a house into flats
- Creating an HMO
- Developing rental properties
- Building new residential blocks
If a build becomes non-domestic in use, even partly, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies. A fire risk assessor will assess escape routes, fire detection systems, compartmentation and overall fire strategies. They provide a clear report outlining what must be improved, and implemented, to meet current legal standards.
In Basingstoke, we can encounter converted properties where the fire doors are inadequate, the alarm systems are poorly designed and the escape routes are obstructed. These are all common failings but they are also avoidable through early input from a fire risk assessor.
CHOOSING M.L.A. FOR SERVICES IN BASINGSTOKE
Your responsibilities are important, so you will want clarity and an easy-to-manage project that is compliant. You do not want delays.
M.L.A. can provide:
- CDM advisors who understand domestic developments
- Competent CDM 2015 Principal Designer services
- Practical and site-focused guidance
- Detailed fire risk assessor reporting
- Local knowledge of all projects across Basingstoke
We speak to you directly, explain what applies to the specific build and never overcomplicate the process. If you are planning a domestic development in Basingstoke, and if more than one contractor will be involved, you will need a CDM Principal Designer. If a property will be rented, converted or used beyond a single private dwelling, it is likely that you will also need the support of a fire risk assessor.
The safest approach is to talk to us early.
M.L.A. supports homeowners, landlords and developers in Basingstoke, providing projects with CDM advisors and fire risk assessors. If you want jobs compliant from day one, now is the time to ask for advice.