An Introduction to Importance of a Principal Designer in Pre-Construction Phase

After the construction (design & management) regulation in 2015, the trend of hiring principal designers and constructors has been observed among UK companies. As per the government regulations, a principal designer is an individual or an organization which takes control over the pre-construction (planning and designing) stage, with relevant skills, knowledge and experience to carry out all the necessary roles.

However, it doesn’t mean that the principal designer has to be actively present in the designing work of the project. The ultimate aim behind issuing a law to make principal designers an important part of a construction project is that avoidable risks, injuries and harms can be avoided. They have a significant role to play in deciding how risks to health should be managed and to incorporate safety in the wider management of projects.

Thus, it can be seen that the role of a Principal Designer is vital and the decision he takes during the pre-construction phase will eventually decide whether the particular project is going to deliver safety and secure health or not. He is actively involved with the client and principal contractor to coordinate between different teams involved in the project. Their combined efforts ensure that important, foreseeable risks are managed and necessary steps, such as Refurbishment Survey are performed rightfully during the complete designing process.

When should a principal designer be appointed?

If you are thinking which projects require the involvement of a Principal Designer, then he must be appointed through a written, legal agreement for projects which involve more than one contractor. He should be appointed by client as soon as possible to give valuable suggestions in the initial phase of the project designing process. In some cases, his involvement might be required during the planning or the concept stage of the project, and thus should be appointed accordingly.

For what duration a principal designer should be appointed?

He should be a part of the project for as long as his inputs, like Fire Risk Assessment are required in it. His duration of work should be decided by considering the designing work of a project which is into a construction phase, as well as issues that may arise during construction like asbestos survey, due to which he needs to make suitable modifications to project designing.

What skills and knowledge are required in a principal designer?

• Health & safety skills
• Organizational capability
• Technical Knowledge and experience (SKE)
• Management & coordination skills

With the help of Peligro, you can get an access to highly qualified and trained principal designers and constructors. We offer a complete package of CDM service to UK clients for various projects, including demolition work, new building and refurbishment projects. For all sizes of project, small, medium to big, Peligro is one-stop-destination which has been trusted by many UK entrepreneurs.

Peligro offer a fresh bespoke approach to health and safety consultancy. We have the skills, experience and flexibility to meet the ever changing demands of health and safety within your business.