What is the construction phase plan?
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, a construction phase plan must be created as a legal requirement for every construction project, regardless of size and duration. The plan should list the health and safety risks associated with the construction phase of the project, and detail how these risks will be managed.
The regulations state that a construction phase plan must be prepared before the construction phase begins on a project. This ensures that risks and their management can be communicated to everyone in the project team prior to any work commencing, and before anyone is exposed to unnecessary hazards.
The construction phase plan must be reviewed, updated, and revised on a regular basis throughout the construction work, so that it remains up to date, and reflects any changes in the project.
Who is responsible for drawing up the construction phase plan?
Planning the construction phase and drawing up a construction phase plan is the responsibility of the principal contractor, for projects involving more than one contractor, or the contractor, for single-contractor projects.
While the principal contractor is in charge of the plan, health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, the client and designers must also ensure that they provide all relevant information to the principal contractor to input into the plan.
What should be included in a construction phase plan?
The construction phase plan will be different for each construction project. Complex projects will involve a much more in-depth plan. A construction phase plan needs to firstly outline the project details, to include contact details of the project team, and the key dates in the project schedule, as well as an overview of the project.
The arrangements for managing health, safety, and welfare on site will form the bulk of the paperwork, to include site rules, security, training, accident management and emergency procedures. Significant site risks should also be detailed in the plan, along with the methods to minimise or eliminate them. All commercial and domestic activity taking place on or near to the construction site should also be taken into consideration.
How can Andrew Goddard Associates help you with your construction phase plan?
Here at AGA, we have created a safety management system, consisting of all the documents and signage needed to effectively manage your construction site. This system includes a comprehensive bespoke construction phase plan, tailored to your individual project, covering all aspects of site safety, security, and emergency arrangements.
AGA will ensure the construction phase plan:
- is relevant to the size and type of project, and the risks involved
- is workable and realistic
- contains sufficient information to allow work to start on site
As well as the construction phase plan, our safety management system includes:
- a start-up checklist to help your site manager set up their site from day one to be legally compliant
- blank method statement and risk assessment templates, including vulnerable workers’ risk assessments
- induction forms and register
- fire risk assessment forms
- RAMS review checklist and communication sheets
- daily sign in sheets
- site diary sheets
- site and plant inspection forms
- near miss and accident register and investigation report forms
- permits to work (hot works, working at height, electrical, confined spaces, excavations)
- example risk assessment templates
- your company’s health and safety policy (if available)
- HSE guidance on common construction practices
- laminated signage/posters, including site rules and emergency procedures
- COSHH register
- toolbox talks
- accident book.
Once the safety management system has been compiled, an AGA consultant will deliver everything to your site. They will discuss with the site manager how to effectively use all the documentation, and put in place practices to monitor site procedures during the project. Two to four weeks later, a consultant will visit the site to carry out a free follow-up inspection, to identify any issues, and to offer any advice required.
To find out more about how we can assist you with your construction phase plan, please contact us, and our consultants will be happy to answer any questions.