The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) has special legal status and gives practical advice for all those involved in construction work. If you follow the advice in the ACoP you will be doing enough to comply with the law in respect of those specific matters on which it gives advice.

The ACoP explains:

• The legal duties placed on clients, CDM co-ordinators, designers, principal contractors, contractors, self-employed and workers.
• The circumstances in which domestic clients do not have duties under CDM 2007 (but that the regulations still apply to those doing work for them).
• Gives information on the new role of CDM co-ordinator – a key project adviser for clients and responsible for coordinating the arrangements for health and safety during the planning phase of larger and more complex projects.
• Which construction projects need to be notified to HSE before work starts and gives information on how this should be done.
• How to assess the competence of organisations and individuals involved in construction work.
• How to improve co-operation and co-ordination between all those involved in the construction project and with the workforce.
• What essential information needs to be recorded in construction health and safety plans and files, as well as what shouldn’t be included.

The ACoP also includes a copy of the CDM 2007 Regulations.

• Copies of the ACoP are available from HSE Books