Under CDM, which phase is the Principal Contractor responsible for?

• A. Construction phase
• B. Pre-construction
• C. Post-construction
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is when the Principal Contractor takes charge under CDM. Under the CDM 2015 regulations, the Principal Contractor leads during the construction phase. Their responsibilities include planning, managing, and coordinating health and safety on site, developing and enforcing the Construction Phase Plan, and coordinating the activities of all contractors to ensure safe methods of work, proper welfare provisions, and effective on-site communication. This role focuses on what happens while the build is actually being constructed, rather than the earlier design and planning work or the post-construction handover and completion activities. The pre-construction phase is the domain of the Principal Designer, who handles design risk management before construction starts, while post-construction activities cover handover and final checks. So, the construction phase is the period the Principal Contractor is responsible for.