What is a Principal Designer?
Integral to the safe construction, use, repairs, maintenance and eventually any future demolition of a building, the Principal Designer must ensure that health and safety is at the forefront of every design. Safety For are able to act as Principal Designer or Principal Designer Advisor, utilising our bespoke CDM Policy to allow us to be pragmatic, whilst ensuring compliance.
Safety For can provide Principal Designer services, where appointed by the Client, to oversee the design risk management process through the design phase of the project by planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety.
Our Projects
Over the years, Safety For have been involved with many prestigious projects, throughout the UK. These include residential development, industrial and retail expansion as well as working directly with the MOD. By using our bespoke CDM policy and our years of experience, we have been able to help the Client, Principal Contractors and the Design Team in ensuring these projects run without risks to health and safety.
Our services were relied on when involved in the development of Liverpool Shopping Park, where the previous Principal Designer had left the Client legally exposed. With the help of Safety For, and the Principal Contractor, we managed to turn the project around, which included the development of cleaning and maintenance strategies. A true hands-on approach.
Because of the variety of project’s we are involved in, we understand the constraints that face some Clients and indeed some site locations. More recently our work has involved the redevelopment of student accommodation throughout the UK. On numerous sites, coordination and planning at the pre-construction stages has been vital given the restricted space on an already occupied site. The Client has the full benefit of design risk management by engaging Safety For as Principal Designer at this early stage.
Our Services
At Safety For, a key element of our role as a Principal Designer includes the co-ordination of the design team to ensure identification, elimination and control of foreseeable risks to the health and safety of people. This applies whether they are carrying out or affected by construction work, utilising a structure as a workplace, or cleaning and maintaining a structure.
To do this effectively, communication and co-operation is key. That's why we believe in being involved in a project from start to finish. You will find us on site, involved during the construction phase, not just at a pre-construction stage. This hands-on approach sets us apart from many other Principal Designers, and it's something we pride ourselves on.
Our Credentials
With over 100 years’ combined experience providing CDM services to major clients across the UK, our Principal Designers are all either registered Members of the Association for Project Safety or are Chartered Members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH).
Safety For is a Registered Practice of the Association for Project Safety for both Principal Designer and CDM Advisor services. The Principal Designer and CDM Advisor services are included in our Quality Assurance Management System.
Principal Designer Support Services
FAQ’s
What is a Principal Designer's role under CDM 2015?
A Principal Designer is a key duty holder under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). Their primary role is to plan, manage, and monitor the pre-construction phase of a project to ensure that health and safety risks are eliminated or controlled through the design process.
Do I need to appoint a Principal Designer for my project?
Yes, you must appoint a Principal Designer if your project is a construction project with more than one contractor, or if it is foreseeable there will be more than one contractor on the project at any time. The role ensures that health and safety is considered from the very beginning of the project.
What is the difference between a Principal Designer and a CDM Advisor?
A Principal Designer is a legal duty holder with specific responsibilities under CDM 2015. A CDM Advisor is a role that provides guidance and support to the client, Principal Designer, and Principal Contractor to help them fulfill their duties. A company can fulfil both roles, providing comprehensive support to the client.
Why should I choose Safety For as my Principal Designer?
At Safety For, we provide hands-on, on-site Principal Designer support. We have over 100 years of combined experience and are actively involved in the construction phase, not just the pre-construction phase. This proactive approach ensures a safer project and greater compliance.