CDM 2007 client
For information about the duties of the client under the 2015 CDM regulations see CDM 2015 client.
The text below relates to the superseded 2007 CDM regulations and is provided as a historical reference.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced.
They were introduced in 1994 and came into force on 31 March 1995 following publication of European Directive 92/57/EEC on minimum safety and health standards for temporary or mobile construction sites. They were substantially revised in 2007.
The regulations impose duties on:
- The client.
- Designers.
- The CDM co-ordinator.
- The principal contractor.
- Contractors.
- Workers.
The duties of the client include:
- Taking reasonable steps to make sure arrangements for managing the project by duty holders are suitable to ensure:
- Construction work can be carried out so far as is reasonably practicable without risk to the health and safety.
- Suitable welfare facilities are provided for any person carrying out the construction work.
- Any structure designed for use as a workplace has been designed taking into account the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (the design of, and materials used in, the structure).
- Promptly providing pre-construction information to every person designing the structure and every contractor who has been or may be appointed by the client.
Where projects are notifiable under the regulations (projects which last more than 30 days or involve more than 500 person-days of construction work), the clients must also:
- Appoint a CDM co-ordinator.
- Appoint a principal contractor.
- Ensure construction work does not start unless a construction phase plan is in place.
- Ensure construction work does not start unless there are adequate welfare facilities on site.
- Provide information relating to the health and safety file to the CDM co-ordinator.
- Retain and provide access to the health and safety file.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- CDM
- CDM 2015
- CDM co-ordinator.
- CDM for self-builders and domestic clients.
- CDM regulations duties of clients.
- CDM regulations duties of contractors.
- CDM regulations duties of designers.
- CDM regulations duties of workers.
- Construction phase plan.
- Domestic client.
- Health and safety file.
- Notify HSE.
- Pre construction information.
- Principal contractor.
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.