ABSTRACT
The principal designer has a duty to liaise with the principal contractor for the duration of their appointment, and this includes liaison regarding design development during the construction phase, and the coordination of health and safety matters during the construction phase. The effort the principal designer and the principal contractor devote to carrying out this liaison should be in proportion to the size and complexity of the project and the nature of risks involved. The principal contractor should expect and receive help from the principal designer, and any other duty holders on larger projects, in identifying the risks associated with the work and determining the necessary controls that need to be put in place. Unless the principal designer’s appointment finishes before the end of the construction phase, the principal designer should continue to liaise with the principal contractor regarding information for the health and safety file.
