The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 places legal duties on those involved in construction projects ensuring that rules, regulations and safety procedures are carried out at all times. This ensures the safety of all site contractors, visitors and employees. The appointment of a Principal Contractor is vital and a task not to be taken lightly.
JWCI recently worked on the Cheadle Hulme site for Ecolab, which, following the merger with Nalco meant the site was being decommissioned and equipment relocated to the larger Nalco/Ecolab site at Northwich in Cheshire. The strip-out project began in 2013 and was completed in the summer of 2014.
JWCI were appointed as Principal Contractor on the Cheadle Hulme project. A brief overview of the tasks associated with the Principal Contractor role are listed below:
- 1) Plan, manage and monitor construction phase in liaison with all contractors
- 2) Prepare, develop and implement a written plan and site rules (Initial plan completed before the construction phase begins)
- 3) Give contractors relevant parts of the plan
- 4) Make sure suitable welfare facilities are provided from the start and maintained throughout the construction phase
- 5) Check competence of all appointees
- 6) Ensure all workers have site inductions and any further information and training needed for the work
- 7) Consult with the workers
- 8) Liaise with CDM co-ordinator regarding ongoing design
- 9) Secure the site
In addition Principal contractors are responsible for all safety permit issues, health and safety site paperwork and displays, first aid facilities and putting in to place emergency procedures. With JWCI's many years of experience in the industry this proved to be a suitable challenge to which they easily rose.
Kerry Callear, Health & Safety Director at JWCI said of the project "We have a very good working relationship with Ecolab built over many years in the industry. To be recognised for our commitment to ensuring the highest level of health, safety and workmanship on our sites was a great achievement, reflected in this role."
