subject: What Does It Take To Become A Good Cdm Coordinator? [print this page] A CDM Coordinator (CDM-C) is a statutory appointment of a construction project team and is brought on board for non domestic projects when the build will take longer than 30 working days (circa 6 weeks excluding work at weekends) or have at least 500 person days on site. A CDM-C will be involved in a project even from the initial design stages and will assist the project team in identifying and then find ways to avoid or control potential hazards. All stages of the build are taken into consideration; the design, construction, maintenance and eventual demolition.
There is a huge amount of responsibility on the CDM Co-ordinator and the role requires a specific set of skills:
Knowledge of the construction industry
A CDM-C must have extensive knowledge and expertise in hazard identification, hazard control and the construction industry as a whole. They must have a clear understanding of the design process, procurement routes and construction techniques. Being able to discuss the minute details of projects with all members of the team is essential, and a lack of knowledge will soon become apparent. Where request they will also have to help assess the competency of potential contractors and designers. This can be undertaken using formal assessment procedures but local knowledge of can also assist. For example a CDM Bournemouth role can benefit greatly from the skills and experience of a local CDM-C that knows the local contractors and designers.
Communication and inter-personal skills
A CDM-C will be required to communicate with all parties involved in the construction team. Excellent communication skills are essential to successfully manage relationships and facilitate communication and cooperation throughout the project.
Fully Qualified (Competency)
CDM Co-ordinators must demonstrate that they meet with the competency requirements set out in Appendix 4 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Approved Code of Practice. CDM Co-ordinators can demonstrate their competency through 3rd party assessments such as CHAS Registration or can demonstrate their qualifications and experience by other means such as being Registered Members of the Association of Project Safety. To find a local, qualified CDM Co-ordinator for a role just search for CDM Poole or CDM Christchurch for example. You should look for organisations and individuals that can demonstrate experience in construction and design together with formal health and safety qualifications and experience. A copy of the CDM ACOP is available at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l144.pdf and you can use the information in Appendix 4 to assist in reviewing the competency of designers, contractors and CDM-Cs.
