The Safe Crackers debate (11 March, page 36) highlighted the difficulties of getting clients and designers to buy into and comply with their obligations under the CDM regulations.
One solution may be to make the planning supervisor more independent (as suggested) and make CDM compliance a condition of planning and Building Regulations approval. There should be:
- A section that must be completed and signed by the planning supervisor confirming their appointment and CDM compliance;
- An attached and supporting original company letter from the planning supervisor, outlining details of the appointment, CDM advice given and measures implemented;
- An undertaking to advise planning or building regulators if an appointment is terminated.
Lack of the necessary approval could be supported by heavy fines and public flogging for fraudulent submissions. Just a thought.
Arthur Gilbert, Surrey
