BBC CDM Guidance -
Medium Construction Related Project
Figure 1 – CDM ‘Wedge of Effort’
Examples of medium construction related projects would include set builds for productions at Roath LockD in Fig 1, temporary constructions such as stages & marquees on location with the Antiques Roadshow E in Fig1and the erection of several temporary scaffolding towers to cover an FA Cup tie F in Fig1.
Although one of the principles of CDM is to avoid generating excessive paperwork, a medium sized project is likely to carry a significant element of construction risk and therefore requires an appropriate level of planning.
Taking for example a set build at Roath Lock which includes the construction and then subsequent demolition of temporary high level flooring designed to simulate a building collapse for a drama production. The construction planning for the build could be carried out using the BBC CDM Planning sheet, but this would need to be supplemented by other documents including the set design drawings with loading calculations and material specifications, possiblythis might also include studio floor loadings if the structure is going to be particularly large or heavy.
The set design provides an interesting challenge for a designer under CDM. The requirements of CDM require that a designer should design a structure that can be safely constructed and used safely as a workplace. However a designer also needs to think from a production point of view what is needed to make the set work for the production. This could mean that the set may need to be designed with weaker / fragile areas or perhaps areas that do not have any edge projection to stop people falling from height.
In such cases, the key to ensuring a safe build is to get all affected parties to input to the design process. This would mean effectively having a design team rather than a single person being responsible for the design. A team comprised for example of the set ‘designer’, the contractors or in house team who are going build ( and ultimately demolish) the set, and the stunt co-ordinator(s) who are going use the set will ensure that hazards and risks are identified and suitable control measures are put in place. Once all the design requirements have been agreed, the contractors or in house team should produce a simple construction phase plan, to detail how the work will be safely managed. An example of a simple plan for a similar project can be viewed by clicking on the link – Construction Phase Plan.
The concept of having a design team rather than an individual designer responsible for a particular design, fits perfectly within CDM, where there is a general duty for those involved in a project to work with each other to ensure the health and safety of all.
Applying CDM to something that can be classed as a collection of temporarystructures, for example a shoot for the Antiques Roadshow, can bring a set of different challenges. Depending on the contractual arrangements entered into with the intended venue, the BBC may be ‘given’ the venue for the duration of the shoot, in which case the BBC will probably assume the role of CDM Client.
It is possible however those venue owners who are familiar with CDM may consider themselves to be CDM Clients and expect the BBC to take on the role of Principal Contractor. In reality, it doesn’t really matter what role the BBC takes on for CDM as long as it is made clear in planning the event, who is responsible for what at the event.
Again the BBC CDM planning sheet could be used as a basic planning document. This would probably need to sit alongside other documentation like Risk Assessment / Method Statements from the marquee contractors, and any technical details provided by the venue provider such as details of site electrics, existing welfare arrangements, arrangements for parking, security, access arrangements, controlling vehicle movements, first aid etc. In this scenario, a key planning document will also be your BBC Event Recce Location Checklist, which can be used as part of the Pre Construction Information, or Construction Phase Plan depending on what role the BBC is taking on.
In basic terms if the BBC is regarded as the Client, then the main duty will be to ensure that there are suitable arrangements in place for any construction required to take place safely. If the BBC is to be regarded as the Principal Contractor / Contractor then the main duty will be to actually plan, manage, and monitor the construction part of the event, including the production of a construction phase plan. It is easyto see how anybody who is not familiar with the requirements of CDM could get confused with what is required. It is therefore vital that at the initial meeting with the venue provider there is a clear understanding of who from a CDM perspective is taking on which role.
The application of CDM for covering an FA Cup tie is similar to the Antiques Roadshow scenario. There will be the need for a recce and a meeting with the venue provider (the club) and an agreement as who takes on what role.
In this case it is highly likely that BBC will assume the role of CDM Client, as well as Principle Contractor & Principle Designer. Whilst this may seem rather onerous, as long as suitable project management arrangements are put together, the construction part is actively managed, and cooperation and coordination takes place between all parties, then CDM responsibilities will be suitably discharged. In reality those who already undertake such projects for the BBC are probably doing all they need to do anyway, it is just not ‘labelled’ as CDM.
As part of their guidance on applying CDM to various events, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have provided a worked example for a Sports Ground OB including an example Construction Phase Plan. The example may not be an exact fit for the intended broadcast but gives a good insight as to the level of detail required. It demonstrates that in most cases the BBC CDM Planning Sheet will suffice in terms of a planning document.
As with all things CDM, if you remain unsure of what is required, speak to your safety advisor.
BBC CDM Guidance MCRP04/02/16