CDM 2007 principal contractor
For information about the role of the principal contractor under the 2015 CDM regulations see CDM 2015 principal contractor.
The text below relates to the superseded 2007 CDM regulations and is provided as a historical reference.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 health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so 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. They were substantially revised in 2007.
The regulations impose duties on:
- The client. (See CDM client for more information)
- Designers. (See CDM designers for more information)
- The CDM co-ordinator.
- The principal contractor.
- Contractors. (See CDM contractors for more information)
- Workers. (See CDM workers for more information)
The regulations require that a principal contractor is appointed for all notifiable projects as soon as practicable and at the latest before construction works begin. Notifiable projects are those which last more than 30 days or involve 500 person days of construction work.
The CDM co-ordinator must inform the Health and Safety Executive of the appointment of the principal contractor.
The main contractor will usually be the principal contractor. The principal contractor's role is to plan, manage and co-ordinate health and safety during construction.
The duties of the principal contractor include:
- Preparing a construction phase plan (at least an initial construction phase plan for the early stages of the works must be prepared before construction work can begin).
- Providing contractors with information allowing them to work safely.
- Ensuring co-operation and co-ordination between parties involved in the works.
- Ensuring that other contractors identify, assess and manage risks.
- Ensuring that welfare facilities are in place.
- Ensuring that the workforce is inducted, informed, trained and consulted.
- Taking steps to prevent unauthorised access to the site.
- Displaying the required F10 notice on the site.
- Liaising with the CDM co-ordinator regarding any design work.
It is important that the principal contractor is appointed as early as possible in order to allow them sufficient time to prepare the construction phase plan. The CDM planning period is a period allowed by the client to the principal contractor referred to in regulation 15(b) of the CDM regulations for planning and preparing for construction work.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- CDM.
- CDM 2015 principal contractor.
- CDM client.
- CDM contractors.
- CDM co-ordinators.
- CDM designers.
- CDM planning period.
- CDM workers.
- Client.
- Construction phase plan.
- Contractor.
- Health and safety.
- Health and safety file.
- Notify HSE.
- Pre-construction information.
- Site induction.
- Site waste management plan.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.