Principal Designer (CDM 2015)

Principal Designer for construction projects, nationwide.

Practical, properly-qualified PD support for clients, architects, developers and contractors. Preston-based; appointments taken across the UK.

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Design-stage health and safety coordination on a construction project
Do you need one?

One question decides it: more than one contractor?

Under CDM 2015, a client must appoint a Principal Designer in writing on any project involving more than one contractor. The duty to appoint sits with the client under Regulation 5(1). If the client doesn't appoint, those duties default to the client, not the contractor.

Most clients only find out they need a PD when the contractor or building inspector asks who's filling the role. We make that conversation straightforward.

The role

Designing risk out, before it reaches site.

The PD role exists to design health and safety risk out early, when changes are still cheap, rather than fighting it on site when it's expensive and dangerous. The duties sit under Regulations 11 and 12, and the work runs through four stages.

1

Pre-design

We walk you through your duties as the CDM client, set up the Pre-Construction Information pack, and brief the design team.

2

During design

We coordinate the designers' health and safety responsibilities and challenge decisions that store up risk for the build.

3

Pre-construction

We hand a complete, useable PCI pack to the Principal Contractor, confirm CDM duties are in place, and sign off before mobilisation.

4

Handover

We compile a Health and Safety File that gets used, not filed, and hand it over for the life of the building.

Advisory support

Already have a PD? We've got your back.

Already have a Principal Designer but need backup? We support clients, contractors and designers with their own CDM duties - understanding what you're actually responsible for, reviewing documentation, or a second opinion when something doesn't feel right.

Common questions

Principal Designer - your questions answered.

Do I legally need a Principal Designer?
On any construction project involving more than one contractor, CDM 2015 requires the client to appoint a Principal Designer in writing (Regulation 5(1)). If no appointment is made, those duties fall to the client. We help you get the right appointment in place.
What does a Principal Designer actually do?
The Principal Designer coordinates health and safety through the design phase, so risk is designed out early when changes are still cheap. In practice that means preparing the Pre-Construction Information, challenging design decisions that store up risk for the build, and compiling a useable Health and Safety File. The duties sit under Regulations 11 and 12.
When should I appoint a Principal Designer?
As early as possible, before the design work gets under way. The earlier the appointment, the more risk can be addressed at the design stage rather than fought on site later.
Do you take appointments outside Lancashire?
Yes. We are based in Preston and cover the North West for site work, and we take Principal Designer appointments across the UK.
Are you properly qualified and insured?
Yes. Tony Barnes is a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) with an MSc (Distinction), and a Corporate Member of the Association for Project Safety. The practice carries £2m professional indemnity and £5m public liability cover.
Talk to a specialist

Fifteen minutes is enough to know whether BSA is the right fit.

The fastest way is a phone call - but email works too. No obligation.

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