The Principal Designer (PD) is a key duty holder appointed under CDM 2015 Regulations to plan, manage, and monitor health and safety during the pre-construction phase. They coordinate design work to eliminate or control foreseeable risks and ensure compliance with regulations, acting as the primary link between the client and the construction team.
Principal designers have an important role in influencing how risks to health and safety are managed throughout a project. Design decisions made during the pre-construction phase have a significant influence in ensuring the project is delivered in a way that secures the health and safety of everyone affected by the work.
It is important to recognise at completion of your project; you will be required to present CQC or the NHS a full set of As-Built drawings during your Inspection. As with all projects, it is commonplace for the Client to request changes to the original designs during the construction phase. These changes must be approved by Building Control and reflected on the As-Built drawing pack.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Design Coordination: Lead, manage, and coordinate Health and Safety during the pre-construction phase.
- Risk Management: Identify and eliminate foreseeable risks to health and safety, reducing or controlling those that cannot be eliminated.
- Information Sharing: Assemble pre-construction information and provide it to designers and contractors.
- Client Assistance: Help the client with their legal duties and ensure effective communication between all parties.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensure all designers comply with their duties, specifically under CDM 2015 Regulations.
- Building Control: To issue Building Control drawing revisions as and when they occur during the life of the project for Building Control sign off.
- As Built Drawings: To issue the client with a set of as-built drawings on project completion.
- Liaison: Liaise with the Principal Contractor throughout the process to ensure a safe construction phase.
- Health and Safety File Management: Prepare, review, and update the Health and Safety File. This file will be required when CQC or the NHS are conducting their inspection.
