Your Guide To Running Your Building Site
When you’re in charge of a construction project, there are some extra responsibilities that you’re required to take on.
Overseeing your own building project means that you have a lot of responsibilities. Although there’s a lot of work involved, there’s no need to abandon your project completely. Plenty of other people manage to do it, and you’ll be able to as well. You just need to make sure that you do lots of research, plan your build thoroughly, and while work is being carried out, adhere to all the relevant rules and regulations. So if you’re about to get your construction venture underway, here’s everything that you need to know to keep your contractors safe, and subsequently, the work running to schedule.
Principal contractor
When you’re the one in charge, there are a few things that you should bear in mind. Firstly, you will be responsible for the overall safety planning for the works, and as a result will need to complete a Construction Phase Safety Plan for the job. This document will be specific to your project, and will have to include risk assessments, logistics and method statements. You’ll need to state within this that you’ve taken health and safety measures into consideration too. You’ll also need to think about things like first aid, security and sanitation as well.
Principal designer
If you design your own build as well, then you’re also the principal designer. This means that as well as all of the above, you’re also responsible for creating a build that’s designed with safety in mind. This includes thinking about safe means of construction, as well as planning for the future and allowing for safe means of maintenance too. Remember, this only applies if you’re designing your build – otherwise the responsibility lies with your architect. If you feel a little unsure due to a large degree of input on your part, get in touch with the relevant authorities to clear up any confusion. Do this before you start to avoid any problems which could delay the project further down the line.
Safety signs
One way of ensuring that your site is safe is by investing in some construction safety signs. These will make your contractors aware of any potential problems that they could face, and they’ll be able to take the appropriate action needed. A whole range of things could need to be signposted on your site – from vehicle access points to warnings for particular hazards. If a full risk assessment is carried out before the work begins, then any potential dangers can be easily identified. A construction site can be a crowded, busy place, so don’t underestimate a sign’s effectiveness, as the most obvious of dangers can be easily overlooked on a hectic site.
Take your role seriously
It’s vital that you follow all the rules and regulations that are in place for primary contractors, as you’ll be fully responsible for everything that happens on your site. If you’re ever unsure over what steps to take, seek advice quickly. it’s never worth taking a chance when construction workers’ safety is at stake. It’s an old saying, but ‘better safe than sorry’ definitely is the motto that you should be living by while your building work is being carried out!
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