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Are you a smaller builder?
We use the term 'smaller builder' to describe contractors who undertake work on:
· Private domestic projects – involving extensions, repairs and refurbishment work on private homes. The small builder has the sole responsibility for site health and safety on these projects; or
· Smaller business projects – involving short duration repairs and refurbishment work for business clients (fewer than 30 days of construction work) where site safety responsibilities are shared between small builders and the business client.
As a smaller builder, you are a contractor under Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2007 and you must:
· Plan, manage and monitor your construction work so that health and safety risks are controlled;
· Set lead times – inform any sub-contractors of the minimum amount of time that will be allowed for planning and preparation;
· Prevent site access – check that steps have been taken to prevent access by unauthorised persons to the site; and
· Arrange welfare facilities – make sure adequate welfare facilities are in place for your workforce.
You must also provide your workforce with the information and training they need to secure health and safety. This includes:
· site induction – where not provided by another;
· risks and precautions – information on risks identified in assessments, and the necessary precautions;
· site rules; and
· emergency procedures.
Find out more
Busy builder leaflets
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