How the CDM Regulations apply to manufacturing

When you think of CDM it’s very natural to think it only applies to the Construction Industry, after all the clue’s in the title – the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations. But actually, its scope reaches much further.

Firstly, the regulations apply to all construction projects, regardless of the industry; it even applies when the project is a domestic one. Whilst most of the people affected will still be in the construction industry (contractors, designers etc.), the regulations place duties on the Client, who could be anyone, from any industry.

But there are less obvious ways in which the regulations apply, specifically to manufacturing, which could catch you out if you’re unaware. These include:

• Moving machinery within a factory,
• Dismantling machinery for repair or refurbishment,
• Dismantling machinery for decommissioning,
• Installing new machinery,
• Changing work areas by installing or removing structures (walls, walkways etc.),
• Building, or dismantling building extensions,
• Redesigning factory layout, and
• Any work which involves mechanical, electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulic, telecommunications, computer services including installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair or removal.

If you’re ever unsure whether the regulations apply to the work you’re having carried out, speak to the person/people carrying out the work. The CDM Regulations make it the responsibility of both the designers and contractors to make sure that the Client (You) understands their responsibilities under the regulations.

Online CDM Regulations Training

Here at iHasco, we offer an Online CDM Regulations Training course that covers the fundamentals of the CDM Regulations (2015), how to plan a safe project, and what you need to do in order to maintain a safe site.

The course takes roughly 30 minutes to complete and an end-of-course test will provide you with a printable certificate!​