Demolition is also part of CDM

Construction industry firms need to be aware that demolition is part of CDM 2015, something which has been highlighted after a company was fined for health and safety failings.

Unsafe demolition work was carried out at buildings at the former St Tydfil’s Hospital site in Merthyr Tydfil, which put workers, residents and the public at risk from falling debris and possible collapse of the building.

The Principal Contractor was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £12,000 plus £1,494 in costs after pleading guilty to offences under Regulations 28(1), 29(1) and 29(2) of the CDM Regulations 2007.

The latter two regulations require that arrangements for demolition are recorded in writing and should be planned in a way that reduces danger to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. Regulation 28(1) relates to taking reasonable steps to ensure that structures being demolished do not collapse in an uncontrolled manner.

CDM 2015 interprets construction work as the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work, which includes demolition or dismantling. Regulation 20 of CDM 2015 covers demolition and has a similar scope to Regulation 29 of CDM 2007: A client must ensure, before the works begin, that a plan has been drawn up by the contractor. Works must also be carried out, so far as is reasonably practicable, without risks to the health and safety of any person affected by the project.

It should also be noted that demolition covering structures larger than 50m3 in volume require notification to be provided to the local council. An example of the guidance is available here, although we advise you check the guidance for your relevant council.

With the transitional period now over and lots of people still unsure about their responsibilities under CDM 2015, we can help. Call 01772 736522 or email admin@aegis-services-ltd.co.uk