A document the
principal contractor is required to develop from the
pre-tender health and safety plan before work starts on site and to keep up to date throughout the construction phase. The plan must set out the health and safety goals for the project. It must explain how the key health and safety issues will be managed, providing details of good working practice, incorporating, or referring to, any required method statements, safety rules and monitoring arrangements. The level of detail should be proportionate to the risks associated with the project. A short, focused plan is preferable to an unnecessarily long one with limited practical use.
Contents
The following information should included as a minimum, from the start of the construction phase:
a) general information about the project, including a brief description and details of the programme;
b) specific procedures and arrangements for the early work;
c) general procedures and arrangements which apply to the whole construction phase, including those for the management and monitoring of health and safety;
d) welfare arrangements;
e) emergency procedures; and
f) arrangements for communication.
Where the design and preparation for later work is not yet complete, these parts of the plan will need to be developed as information becomes available.
Other informationAny rules contained in the health and safety plan shall be in writing and shall be brought to the attention of persons who may be affected by them.
Every
client shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the construction phase of any project does not start unless a health and safety plan has been prepared in respect of that project.
