CDM 2015 defines the principal designer as the designer who is an organisation or individual (on smaller projects) appointed by the client with control over the pre-construction phase of the project. The pre-construction phase is everything up to work starting on site. This is when most design and planning takes place, so it makes sense that the principal designer should lead this process.
Principal designers influence how risks to health and safety are managed throughout a project.
There are a few important facts to note about the principal designer role:
- There can only be one principal designer appointed at any time
- The principal designer is required on any project with more than one contractor
- The principal designer is responsible for health and safety at the pre-construction phase
Appointing the principal designer early is crucial as they have a number of duties to perform before work starts on site.
If you would like more information on the subject or would like to discuss your own project please do not hesitate to contact us for all Building Surveying services. We are based in Rochdale but cover the North West and the rest of the UK.