GN For Principal Designer - Bi

DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES
GUIDELINES ON
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (MANAGEMENT)
2017
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER/
DESIGNER(s)
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page 1 of 145

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER/DESIGNERS
DISCLAIMER
This publication is not for sale and is provided solely for reference purpose.
The Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Malaysia as the owner of
all copyright subsisting in this publication. All unauthorized copying or
reproduction in any means of this book or part of it is strictly prohibited.
DOSH Malaysia makes no warranty with respect to the accuracy and

completeness of the contents of the book and should under no
circumstances be held liable for providing such information.
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page i of 145

DEFINITIONS
Project –Means a project which includes or is intended to include

construction works and include all planning, design, management or
other works involved in a project until the end of the construction
phase.
Structures –Are defined as any permanent or temporary structures,

which also include any part of the structure and any product, or
mechanical or electrical system intended for the structure.
Reasonably practicable –Means that the degree of risk in a

particular situation can be balanced against the time, trouble, cost and
physical difficulty of taking measures to avoid the risk. An action is
considered to be practicable when it is capable of being done. To
decide if an action is reasonable, one has to consider:
(a) the severity of any injury or harm to health that may occur;
(b) the degree of risk (or likelihood) of that injury or harm
occurring;
(c) how much is known about the hazard and ways of
eliminating, reducing or controlling it; and
(d) the availability, suitability and cost of the safeguards.
Person is defined as anyone:

a) Carrying out or liable to be affected by construction work
for the structure; or
b) Working in a completed building or structure as a
workplace including an individual who maintains or cleans
the structure, or anything in or on the structure.
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page ii of 145

Pre-construction phase –Means any period of time during which
design or preparatory work is carried out for a project and may
continue during the construction phase;
Domestic Clients – Domestic client means client for whom a

construction project is carried out which is not done in connection with
a business. Construction work on domestic homes, where the home is
the principal residence of the client, will not be in the course of
furtherance of a business, but if another house is built within the site
of the principal residence, or the family house is converted into
apartments, it is likely to be in furtherance of a business (potentially
tax liable on any profit).
Contractor suitability – The test of suitability will include an

assessment of sufficiency of available time and other resources, past
experience of similar projects, and the experience and qualifications of
the employees.
Management Corporation –In relation to any subdivided building

refers to any corporation established under sections 39, 64 or 64A,
Strata Titles Act 1985 [Act 318].
The construction phase plan –Is similar to the safety and health
plan as recommended in the Guidelines for 1.Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) Specification; 2.OSH Schedule of Prices by the
Construction Industry Development Board.
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page iii of 145

ACRONYM
a) OSHCIM Guidelines 2017 – Guideline on Occupational Safety &

Health Construction Industry (Management) 2017
b) OSH – Occupational Safety & Health
c) CIDB – Construction Industry Development Board
d) DOSH – Department of Occupational Safety and Health
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page iv of 145

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................ii
ACRONYM ....................................................................................................iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 1
1.1 Scope & Application.......................................................................... 1
1.2 General Principles ............................................................................ 2
1.3 Design Risk Management Concept .................................................. 3
1.4 Who can be principal designer?........................................................ 4
2.0 WHAT IS SAFE BY DESIGN? ............................................................. 6
2.1 Design options to control risks in various stages of the lifecycle ..... 8
2.1.1 Design for safe construction ....................................................... 8
2.1.2 Design to facilitate safe use ....................................................... 9
2.1.3 Design for safe maintenance.................................................... 10
2.1.4 Modification .............................................................................. 11
2.1.5 Demolition and dismantling ...................................................... 12
3.0 WHO ARE DESIGNER(S) ................................................................. 13
4.0 WHO ARE PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD) .......................................... 15
5.0 DESIGNER(S) AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER ROLE ......................... 17
5.1 Role Summary ................................................................................ 17
5.1.1 Preparation of Pre-Construction Information ............................ 18
5.1.2 Design risk management.......................................................... 19
5.1.3 Cooperation of all involved ....................................................... 19
5.1.4 Extent of the role ...................................................................... 20
6.0 DUTIES OF DESIGNER(S) ............................................................... 21
7.0 DUTIES OF PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD) ........................................ 28
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page v of 145

8.0 PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & DESIGNER(S) THOUGHT PROCESS ... 32
8.1 Pre-Construction Phase .................................................................. 33
8.1.1 Summary of Critical Tasks for Principal Designer .................... 34
8.2 During Construction Phase ............................................................. 35
8.3 Post Construction Phase ................................................................ 38
9.0 DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT ......................................................... 40
9.1 Hazard Identification ....................................................................... 43
9.1.1 Consideration of Type of Hazards ............................................ 43
9.1.2 Consideration of Particular Risks ............................................. 45
9.1.3 Hazard Identification and Assessment Methodology ................ 49
9.2 Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HAZAN) ........................... 50
9.2.1 Hazard Analysis ....................................................................... 50
9.2.2 Risk Assessment...................................................................... 53
9.3 Risk Control .................................................................................... 54
9.3.1 Types of Control ....................................................................... 55
9.4 Risk Reduction Strategy based on Hierarchy of Control ................. 59
9.4.1 Integrating Design & Risk Management for Design Review

Process 61
9.5 Communicating the Residual Risk .................................................. 62
10.0 DESIGN REVIEW PROCEDURE ........................................................ 64
10.1 Design Review Procedure Overview ........................................... 67
10.2 Design Review Basic Rule .......................................................... 69
10.3 Design Review Rule Samples ..................................................... 72
10.3.1 RULE-1 Concept Design Review ......................................... 72
10.3.2 RULE-2 Detail Design Review ............................................. 76
10.3.3 RULE-3 Pre-Construction Review....................................... 86
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page vi of 145

11.0 DOCUMENTS TO PRODUCE AND MAINTAIN .................................. 90
11.1 Client Brief ................................................................................... 91
11.2 Pre-Construction Information (PCI) ............................................. 91
11.3 Appointment of principal designer and principal contractor ......... 92
11.4 Design Risk Management Reviews ............................................. 93
11.5 Construction Phase Plan (CPP) .................................................. 93
11.6 Safety and Health File ................................................................. 94
11.7 Distribution of Documents ........................................................... 95
11.7.1 What to acquire? ................................................................... 96
11.7.2 What to distribute? ............................................................... 96
12.0 APPENDIXES ................................................................................. 97
12.1 Examples..................................................................................... 97
12.2 Checklist ...................................................................................... 97
12.3 Table ........................................................................................... 97
13.0 REFERENCE.................................................................................. 98
13.1 Reference Publications................................................................ 98
13.2 Case Studies further readings ..................................................... 99
APPENDIX 1. Sample of Principal Designer Appointment Letter .............. 100
APPENDIX 2. Sample of Client Pre-Construction Information (PCI) ......... 101
APPENDIX 3. Sample of Client Principal Designer Assessment ............... 103
APPENDIX 4. A sample of Qualitative Risk Assessment Form ................. 108
APPENDIX 5. A sample of Construction Phase Plan (CPP) ...................... 109
APPENDIX 6. A sample of Safety and Health File (SHF) .......................... 112
APPENDIX 7. Checklist for Duty Holders .................................................. 115
APPENDIX 7.1. Checklist for Duties of Client ........................................ 115
APPENDIX 7.2. Checklist of Consideration for Client............................. 118
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page vii of 145

APPENDIX 7.3. Checklist of Consideration for Principal Designer and
Designers ............................................................................................... 121
APPENDIX 7.4. Checklist of Consideration for Principal Contractor and

Contractors ............................................................................................. 123
APPENDIX 8. Construction Plan of Work .................................................. 126
APPENDIX 9. Sample of Preliminary Hazard Analysis (Adopted from HK

OSHEC & DEVB Guidance Notes 2010) ................................................... 128
APPENDIX 10. Sample of Safety & Health File Content ........................... 129
APPENDIX 11. Sample of Preliminary Hazard Identification ..................... 131
APPENDIX 12. The red, amber and green lists (RAG Lists)...................... 133
GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page viii of 145

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Duty Holder Work Process Guidance is based on sound

industry practice and will particularly help businesses and
organisations deliver building and construction projects in a way that
prevents injury and ill health.
There are three (3) guidance notes for duty holders and one (1)
guidance note for stakeholder for consideration.
a) Client
b) Principal Designer and Designer(s)
c) Principal Contractor and Contractor(s)
d) Stakeholders
i. Workers
ii. Authorities Enforcement
iii. Educational Institution
iv. AEC Professional Bodies
NOTE: This guidance notes is derived from the Occupational Safety &
Health in Construction Industry (Management) Guideline 2017
[OSHCI(M)], published by the Department of Occupational Safety and
Health, Malaysia, which is readily available to download from
http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/en/.
1.1 Scope & Application
The Principal Designer’s responsibilities are during the pre-

construction phase. They include requirements to plan, manage,
monitor and coordinate the work of the phase and to liaise with the

principal contractor in providing information relevant for the planning,
management and monitoring of the construction phase.
The Designer’s(s)responsibility through their decisions for designs

can affect the safety and health of workers and others who will
construct, maintain, repair, clean, refurbish and eventually demolish or
remove the building or structure, as well as those who will use it as a
completed workplace.
The designers’ duties apply as soon as designs which may be used in

construction work in Malaysia started. This includes concept design,
competitions, bids for grants, modification of existing designs and
relevant work carried out as part of feasibility studies. It does not
matter whether planning permission or funds have been secured, or
the client is a domestic client.
Designer(s) are required to design out these risks which can

positively affect the project and make it easier for these risks to be
managed by contractors and those who will maintain or use the
structure.
The obligation in managing OSHCIM Guidelines 2017 requirements,

which are documented and maintained shall be deemed to be
relevant and will be used to assist the duty holders due diligence
under OSH Act 1994 and prevailing obligations.
1.2 General Principles
The Occupational Safety & Health in Construction Industry

(Management) Guideline 2017aim’s to improve safety and health
within the construction industry by helping to:

a) Plan any project sensibly so the risks involved are managed
effectively, from start to finish;
b) Ensuring the right people are hired for the right job, at the right
time;
c) Coordinate any projects with the relevant people;
d) Document the right information about the risks and how they
are being managed;
e) Communicate the information effectively to those who need to
know;
f) Consult and engage with workers about the risks and how they
are being managed.
1.3 Design Risk Management Concept
The objective of Design Risk Management (DRM) is to identify

significant risk, proportionately and lead to less unnecessary
bureaucracy, better team working and better project management
encourages better quality and value for everyone. Design risk
management is an effective tool to eliminate, reduce and control the
risk at early stage of design.
DRM includes analysing the relevant detail and working

collaboratively with others to identify significant risks, mitigate their
impact, record the significant findings and produce suitable
information to communicate these measures proportionately.

Design risk management covers respective duty holder’s role and
shall go at least three (3) design reviews procedure:
a) Concept Design Review

b) Detail Design Review
c) Pre-construction Plan Review
These stages shall require information and documentation for each

duty holders to produce and distribute as prescribed in Section 7.0.
1.4 Who can be principal designer?
On a commercial project, if a Client fails to appoint a principal

designer, the obligation to fulfil the principal designer duties falls on
the Client.
Where there is likely to be more than one Contractor at work on a

project at any time, the Client for that project must appoint, in writing,
a principal designer.
1. The Principal Designer must be:

EITHER: one of the design organisations or sole practitioner
designers designing the project.
OR: a separate designer or design organisation not part of the
team designing the project.
2. The principal designer must be a design organisation or sole

practitioner designer with design experience appropriate to the
project.
3. The Principal Designer must have skills, knowledge and

experience relevant to the design, construction, maintenance

and use of the project. A designer must not accept an
appointment for the Principal Designer role unless they have
the necessary skills, knowledge and experience, and the
organisational capability, relevant to the project.
4. The Principal Designer must also have knowledge of and the

skill to apply the principles of Design Risk Management and
have knowledge of the OSHCIM Guidelines 2017.
5. Designers offering their services as principal designers will

need to consider how to establish their organisation's ability
and resources to offer the principal designer service. Those
without previous COM experience will need to undertake
training in order to demonstrate skills and knowledge sufficient
to understand and deliver the principal designer role.
6. On a commercial project, if a client fails to appoint a principal

designer, the obligation to fulfil the principal designer duties
falls on the client by default, whether or not they have the
necessary skills, knowledge and experience.
7. On a domestic project, if a client fails to appoint a principal

designer, the designer in control of the Pre-Construction Phase
becomes the principal designer by default.

2.0 WHAT IS SAFE BY DESIGN?
Safe design can be defined as a process of integration of hazard

identification and risk assessment methods early in the design
process to eliminate or minimize the risks of injury throughout the life
of the product being designed. It encompasses all design including
facilities, hardware, systems, equipment, products, tooling, materials,
energy controls, layout, and configuration. Safety in design aimed at
preventing injuries and disease by considering hazards as early as
possible in the planning and design process. A safe design approach
considers the safety of those who construct, operate, clean, repair and
demolish an asset (the building, structure, plant or equipment) as well
as those who work in or with it. Designers are in a unique position to
reduce the risks that arise during the life cycle of the asset during the
design phase.
Figure 1 shows a typical lifecycle for a design which a safety in design

approach begins in the conceptual and planning phases through to
the demolition with an emphasis on making choices about design,
materials and methods of manufacture or construction required to
enhance safety.
Maintain/
Design Commission + repair/
Design Construction Demolition
concept Use Clean/
Modified
Figure 1: Life Cycle of Design
Designer’s earliest decisions fundamentally affect the health and

safety of people who come into contact with the design over the life
cycle of the asset. These decisions may influence later design
choices, and considerable rework may be required if it is necessary to

unravel earlier decisions. As shown on Figure 2, it is important to
address health and safety from the very start of a project in order to
provide the greatest influence in safety. Figure 2 also demonstrates
that while the greatest ability to influence safety on a project occurs at
the early stages of a project, safety improvements continue through to
start up followed by operation and maintenance. The designer needs
to consider how safety can best be achieved in each of the lifecycle
phases.
High Conceptual Design
Detailed Engineering
Influence
Ability to
Procurement
Safety
Construction
Start-up
Low
Start End
Project
Figure 2: Ability to influence safety on a construction project
Risk assessment is necessary to anticipate and prevent accidents

from occurring or repeating rather than simply responding to failure
events. Risk is the chance that an undesirable event will occur and the
consequences of all its possible outcomes. The early stages of the
project represent the period when the opportunity for minimizing the
impact or working around a potential risk predominantly exists, as
shown in Figure 3.

Risk Cost
High
Chances of risks
occurring Cost to fix risk
event
Low Project Lifecycle
Figure 3: Risk and cost for the project lifecycle
2.1 Design options to control risks in various stages of the lifecycle
2.1.1 Design for safe construction
Control measures for risks relating to the construction of a structure

include:
i. Providing adequate clearance between the structure and
overhead electric lines by burying, disconnecting or re-routing
cables before construction begins, to avoid ‘contact’ when
operating cranes and other tall equipment.
ii. Designing components that can be pre-fabricated off-site or on
the ground to avoid assembling or erecting at heights and to

reduce worker exposure to falls from heights or being struck by
falling objects, for example fixing windows in place at ground
level prior to erection of panels.
iii. Designing parapets to a height that complies with guardrail
requirements, eliminating the need to construct guardrails
during construction and future roof maintenance.
iv. Using continual support beams for beam-to-column double
connections, be it adding a beam seat, extra bolt hole, or other
redundant connection points during the connection process.
This will provide continual support for beams during erection –
to eliminate falls due to unexpected vibrations, misalignment
and unexpected construction loads.
v. Designing and constructing permanent stairways to help
prevent falls and other hazards associated with temporary
stairs and scaffolding, and schedule these at the beginning of
construction.
vi. Reducing the space between roof trusses and battens to
reduce the risk of internal falls during roof construction.
vii. Choosing construction materials that are safe to handle.
viii. Limiting the size of pre-fabricated wall panels where site access
is restricted.
ix. Selecting paints or other finishes that emit low volatile organic
compound emissions.
x. Indicating, where practicable, the position and height of all
electric lines to assist with site safety procedures.
2.1.2 Design to facilitate safe use
Consider the intended function of the structure, including the likely

systems of use, and the type of machinery and equipment that may be
used.

Consider whether the structure may be exposed to specific hazards,
such as manual tasks in health facilities, occupational violence in
banks or dangerous goods storage in warehouses.
Risks relating to the function of a structure can be controlled by:

i. Designing traffic areas to separate vehicles and pedestrians.
ii. Using non-slip materials on floor surfaces in areas exposed to
the weather or dedicated wet areas.
iii. Providing sufficient space to safely install, operate and maintain
plant and machinery.
iv. Providing adequate lighting for intended tasks in the structure.
v. Designing spaces which accommodate or incorporate
mechanical devices to reduce manual task risks.
vi. Designing adequate access, for example, allowing wide enough
corridors in hospitals and nursing homes for the movement of
wheelchairs and beds.
vii. Designing effective noise barriers and acoustical treatments to
walls and ceilings.
viii. Specifying plant with low noise emissions or designing the
structure to isolate noisy plant.
ix. Designing floor loadings to accommodate heavy machinery that
may be used in the building and clearly indicating on
documents design loads for the different parts of the structure.
2.1.3 Design for safe maintenance
Risks relating to cleaning, servicing and maintaining a structure can

be controlled by:
i. Designing the structure so that maintenance can be performed
at ground level or safely from the structure, for example,

positioning air-conditioning units and lift plant at ground level,
designing inward opening windows, integrating window
cleaning bays or gangways into the structural frame.
ii. Designing features to avoid dirt traps.
iii. Designing and positioning permanent anchorage and hoisting
points into structures where maintenance needs to be
undertaken at height.
iv. Designing safe access, such as fixed ladders, and sufficient
space to undertake structure maintenance activities.
v. Eliminating or minimizing the need for entry into confined
spaces.
vi. Using durable materials that do not need to be re-coated or
treated.
2.1.4 Modification
Design is not always focused on the generation of an entirely new

structure. It can involve the alteration of an existing structure which
may require demolition in part or whole. Any modification of a
structure requires reapplication of the processes detailed in the design
phases.
Consultation with professional engineers or other experts may be

necessary in order to assess the impact of any proposed
modifications or changes in design, for example changes in the load
spread across a building floor when heavy equipment is relocated,
modified or replaced. This ensures that any new hazards and risks are
identified and controlled, and that the safety features already
incorporated into the design are not affected. Additional design issues
identified in these phases should be passed back to the designer.

2.1.5 Demolition and dismantling
This is particularly important with modern designs where ‘limit state’

design techniques are used by the structure designer. In this system,
the designer considers the structure in its completed form with all the
structural components, including bracing, installed. The completed
structure can withstand much higher loads (for example, wind and
other live loads) than when the structure is in the construction or
demolition stage.
A structure should be designed to enable demolition using existing

techniques. The designer should provide information so that potential
demolishers can understand the structure, load paths and any
features incorporated to assist demolition, as well as any features that
require unusual demolition techniques or sequencing.
Designers of new structures are well placed to influence the ultimate

demolition of a structure by designing-in facilities such as lifting lugs
on beams or columns and protecting inserts in pre-cast panels so that
they may be utilized for disassembly. Materials and finishes specified
for the original structure may require special attention.

3.0 WHO ARE DESIGNER(S)
A designer is an organisation or individual, who in the course or

furtherance of a business who prepares or modifies a design for a
construction project (including the design of temporary works); or
arranges for, or instructs someone else under their control to do so,
anything relating to a structure, or to a product or mechanical or
electrical system intended for a particular structure, and a person is
deemed to prepare a design where a design is prepared by a person
under their control.
The term ‘design’ includes drawings, design details, specifications,

bills of quantity and calculations prepared for the purpose of a design.
Designers include architects, architectural technologists, consulting
engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, temporary work
engineers, chartered surveyors, technicians or anyone who specifies
or alters a design. This would include Professional Engineers,
engineers, architects, and even contractors or clients if they prepare a
design plan for permanent or temporary structures. They can include
others if they carry out design work, such as principal contractors, and
specialist contractors, for example an engineering contractor providing
design, procurement and construction management services. Where
clients become actively involved in designing in relation to their
project, they may also be considered to be designers.
Local authority or government officials may give advice and instruction

on designs meeting statutory requirements (for example the Uniform
Building By-Law), but this does not make them designers. A designer
may have no choice but to comply with these requirements, which are
a ‘design constraint’. However, if statutory bodies ask for particular
features to be included or excluded which go beyond what the law
requires (for example, stipulating the absence of edge protection on

flat roofs if there is no basis in planning law or policies to do so), they
may become designers under these guidelines and should comply
with its requirements.
The person who selects products for use in construction is a designer

and must take account of safety and health issues arising from their
use. If a product is purpose-built, the person who prepares the
specification is a designer and so are manufacturers, if they develop a
detailed design.
If a design is prepared or modified outside Malaysia, the designer
duties apply to the person or organisation who commissions it if they
are established in Malaysia, or if not, the client (but not a domestic
client).

4.0 WHO ARE PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD)
A principal designer is the designer with control over the pre-

construction phase of the project. This is the very earliest stage of a
project from concept design through to planning the delivery of the
construction work. The principal designer shall be appointed in writing
by the client to carry out their duties at the right time for example, as
soon as practicable and before the start of the construction phase.
(Refer to Figure 4 & Figure 5)
The principal designer is an organisation (or on a smaller project they

can be an individual) that has:
a) The technical knowledge of the construction industry relevant to
the project;
b) The understanding and skills to manage and coordinate the
preconstruction phase, including any design work carried out
after construction begins.
Where the principal designer is an organisation they should have the

organisational capability to carry out the role as well as the necessary
skills, knowledge and experience that individual designers must have.
Principal designer may well have separate duties as designers on a

project, for more information go to Duties of Designers.
NOTE: The PD should be appointed as early as possible in the design

process (if practicable at the concept stage) and at least before the
start of the construction phase, so they have enough time to carry out
their duties to plan and manage the pre-construction and construction
phases. If a client fails to appoint a PD, the client must carry out their
duties.

(PLANNING) (DESIGN & PROCUREMENT) (COMPLETION)
CONCEPT DETAIL TENDER CONSTRUCTION OPERATION &

DESIGN DESIGN STAGE STAGE MAINTENANCE
CLIENT PRINCIPAL
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR
DESIGNER
TRADITIONAL CONTRACT (DESIGN-BID-BUILD)
Figure 4: Appointment of principal designer & principal contractor in

Traditional Contract
CONCEPT TENDER DETAIL CONSTRUCTION OPERATION &

DESIGN STAGE DESIGN STAGE MAINTENANCE
CLIENT PRINCIPAL
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR
DESIGNER
DESIGN-AND-BUILD CONTRACT
Figure 5: Appointment of principal designer & principal contractor in Design

and Build Contract

5.0 DESIGNER(S) AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER ROLE
This guidance notes applies to all projects involving construction

project development, refurbishment and modification of structures, the
installation of plant and equipment, and the use of substances both
during construction and in operation.
This guidance notes applies but not limited to the design of both
permanent and temporary works. All designs must be carried out by
suitably qualified designers with the appropriate level of knowledge,
skills and experience through formal training, in the pertinent area
of engineering practice.
The risk management process described shall be used. However, the

extent of the necessary documentary evidence may vary from project
to project. The determining factors are the likelihood of hazards and
the degree of harm to people and property that they can cause.
OSH Act 1994 principles expects that there will be a balance

between the required effort, time and cost, and the benefit derived
from the process. For works with hazards of low risk and
consequence, the process may be appropriately abridged.
5.1 Role Summary
The main purpose of designer(s) is to design safe building by

designing out hazard at early stage of project design i.e. pre-
construction stage. The designer’s duties apply as soon as designs
which may be used in construction work in Malaysia are started. This
includes concept design, competitions, bids for grants, modification of
existing designs and relevant work carried out as part of feasibility

studies. This can be done through a proper planning and design
review on constructability and buildability to ensure that construction
work is carried without safety and health risk.
5.1.1 Preparation of Pre-Construction Information
The principal designer provides assistance to the client in preparation

of Pre-Construction Information, which is continuously developed as
follows:
i. The Principal Designer will gather and distribute Pre-

Construction Information in the Client's possession at the
start of the project. In practice, the information a Client has
will depend on the type of Client (domestic or commercial),
the size and type of project, and so on. Domestic Clients are
unlikely to have much information available, but Commercial
Clients should have information about their building and site.
For example, Commercial Clients instructing refurbishment
should have asbestos, structural and services information.
ii. The Principal Designer and Designers will identify gaps in
the Pre-Construction Information where the Client needs to
instruct, either themselves or through a consultant, further
investigations and studies during the initial design phases.
iii. The Principal Designer will distribute appropriate Pre-
Construction Information to Designers and Contractors.
iv. The principal designer and designer(s) will identify Pre-
Construction Information gaps as the design proceeds.
v. The Principal Designer will gather information from the
Designers, complete with Design Risk Management
information, to pass to the Principal Contractor or tenderers.

vi. The Principal Designer will continue to gather Pre-
Construction Information from Designers including
Contractors undertaking design) during the Construction
Phase, and will liaise with the Principal Contractor about how
to manage design risks identified during the Pre-Construction
Phase.
5.1.2 Design risk management
The Principal Designer must identify, eliminate or control foreseeable

risks to health and safety (so far as is reasonably practicable). They
are expected to have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience
for the size and type of structures on which they are appointed, in
order to work with all Designers to identify risk issues to those who
construct, use and maintain the structure. This does not mean that all
risks must be removed, or all risks listed. Again, remember the
definition of 'so far as reasonably practicable'.
5.1.3 Cooperation of all involved
The Principal Designer must ensure the cooperation of all those

involved in a project. They therefore require soft skills and people
management capabilities. In many cases a Principal Designer will also
be a Designer on the project and will have both Principal Designer
and Designer duties. The Principal Designer has a duty to make sure
that the other Designers on the project are also complying with their
Designer’s duties.
The Principal Designer must ensure prompt provision of appropriate

Pre- Construction Information to all Designers and all Contractors
appointed by the Client. They must pass appropriate Pre-Construction

Information to Designers and Contractors at different stages of a
project, as and when the information becomes available.
5.1.4 Extent of the role
The Principal Designer must liaise with the Principal Contractor for the
duration of their appointment. An initial Principal Designer may be
appointed to provide a partial service (for example, production of
drawings and specification only).However, the Client must appoint a
Principal Designer for as long as the Pre-Construction Phase lasts.
The following scenarios may apply:
i. If there is no further design or temporary works design when
the Pre- Construction Phase has ended, the Principal
Designer role can cease, and the Principal Contractor could
complete the Health and Safety File.
ii. If there is continuing design or temporary works design which
ceases before the end of the project, a Principal Designer
must be appointed (the Client takes on the role by default for
commercial projects) while design continues.
iii. If design or the Principal Designer appointment continues to
the end of the project, the Pre-Construction Phase is as long
as the Construction Phase, and the Principal Designer
appointment needs to continue to mirror the Construction
Phase for the Principal Designer to deliver the safety and
health file to the Client.
iv. The Principal Designer role may be carried out by the
Principal Contractor if they have the capability.

6.0 DUTIES OF DESIGNER(S)
The designer(s) is one of the key personnel who plan, manage and
monitor health and safety in a commercial construction project. A
designer has a strong influence during the concept and feasibility
stage of a project. The earliest decisions can fundamentally affect the
safety and health of those who will construct, maintain, repair, clean,
refurbish and eventually demolish a building. The safety and health of
those who use a building as a workplace may also be affected.
Decisions such as selecting materials that are lighter to handle or

windows that can be cleaned from the inside can avoid or reduce the
risks involved in constructing the building and maintaining it after
construction. Although it is understood that residual risks may well
remain, decisions such as these have an important influence on the
overall safety and health performance of the project and the use and
maintenance of the building once it is built.
A designer should address safety and health issues from the very
start. Where issues are not addressed early on, projects can be
delayed, and it can become significantly harder for contractors to
devise safe ways of working once they are on site. The client may
also be forced to make costly late changes, so the building can be
used and maintained safely once it is built.
The duties of designers include:
a) Informing the client of their duties as prescribed in the

respective legislations, guidelines and/or standards.

A designer should not start any design work unless they are
satisfied that the client is aware of the clients’ duties under
these guidelines. Therefore, a designer should have
sufficient knowledge of clients’ duties to give sufficient
advice about the project. This duty can be fulfilled as part of
routine business, for example, in early meetings or liaison
with the client to discuss the project.
b) Ensuring they have the necessary skills, knowledge

and experience;
Designers (including individuals and sole traders) should be

able to demonstrate that they have the safety and health
skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work for
which they are seeking appointment.
Designers are recommended to use the standard safety

and health questions in Appendix 1 Example of OSH
Capabilities Questionnaire in the Guideline on Contract
Management to assess their own capability and supply
relevant documentation to a client in support of a bid for
work. The standard safety and health pre-qualification
questions in Publicly Available Specification 91:2013
Construction related procurement. Pre-qualification
questionnaires may also be helpful in carrying out a self-
assessment.
For example, in addition to the core design capabilities

relevant to the designer’s professional role, a designer
should also have:

i. knowledge of occupational safety and health
legislation, industry codes of practice and other
regulatory requirements;
ii. an understanding of the intended purpose of the
structure;
iii. knowledge of risk management processes;
ii. knowledge of technical design standards;
iii. an appreciation of construction methods and their
impact on the design; and
iv. the ability to source and apply relevant data on
human dimensions, capacities and behaviours.
Many design projects are too large and complex to be fully

understood by one person. Various persons with specific
skills and expertise may need to be included in the design
team or consulted during the design process to fill any skill,
knowledge or experience gaps, for example ergonomists,
engineers and occupational hygienists.
c) Cooperating with others involved with the project or

any project on an adjoining site;
Designers should liaise with any other designers, including

the principal designer, so that work can be coordinated to
establish how different aspects of designs interact and
influence safety and health. This includes temporary and
permanent works designers.
Designers should also cooperate with contractors and

principal contractors so that their knowledge and
experience about, for example, the practicalities of building
the design, is taken into consideration.

Depending on the nature and extent of design work, there
may be a need to carry out design reviews. Reviews enable
the project team to focus on safety and health matters
alongside other key aspects of the project. This can be
done as part of the normal design process. The need for
such reviews is likely to continue throughout the project
although their frequency and the level of detail covered
should remain proportionate to the scale and complexity of
the design work.
d) Providing information to other members of the project

team to help them fulfil their duties.
A designer should provide information to other duty holders

that are using or implementing the design. This includes
information to:
i. the principal designer about significant risks

associated with the design that cannot be eliminated,
so it can be part of the pre-construction information
and taken into consideration in preparing or revising
the safety and health file;
ii. other designers;
iii. the principal contractor (or the contractor on a single-
contractor project) who has responsibility for
preparing, reviewing and revising the construction
phase plan for the project; and
iv. contractors who construct the design.
The designer should agree with the principal designer the

arrangements for sharing information to avoid omissions or
duplicated effort.

Those who need the information should be given it at the
right time. For example, in preparing the construction phase
plan, the information should be provided well before the
construction phase begins.
e) Taking account of the general principles of prevention

and the pre-construction information, with the aim of
eliminating foreseeable risks.
The general principles of prevention provide a framework

within which designers should consider their designs and
any potential risks which may affect:
i. workers or anyone else (for example, members of

the public) who may be affected during construction;
ii. those who may maintain or clean the building once it
is built;
iii. those who use the building as a workplace.
This means thinking about design solutions for reasonably

foreseeable hazards that may occur as the structure is built,
commissioned, used, maintained, repaired, refurbished or
modified, decommissioned, demolished or dismantled and
disposed or recycled. Designs prepared for places of work
also need to comply with the Factories and Machinery
(Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations, taking account of
factors such as lighting and the layout of traffic routes, or
other relevant regulations. For example, when designing a
building with a lift for occupants, the design should also
include space and safe access to the lift well or machine
room for maintenance work, in compliance with the

Factories and Machinery (Electric Passenger and Goods
Lifts).
Safety and health risks need to be considered alongside

other factors that influence the design, such as cost, fitness
for purpose, aesthetics and environmental impact. Working
with contractors (including principal contractors) involved in
the project can help identify the potential risks and ways
they may be controlled.
Once the risks have been considered, the level of detail in

the information provided to those who need it should be
proportionate to the risks remaining. Insignificant risks can
usually be ignored, as can those arising from routine
construction activities, unless the design worsens or
significantly alters these risks.
Where this is not possible, take steps to reduce the risks or

control them through the design process, and provide
information about the remaining risks to other duty holders.
f) Where it is not possible to eliminate safety and health

risks
When preparing or modifying designs, designers must

ensure appropriate information is included in the safety and
health file about the reasonably practicable steps they have
taken to reduce or control those risks. A designer should
apply the principles below in deciding how to reduce or
control the remaining risks such as:

i. provide a less risky option, for example, switch to
using paving lighter in weight, to reduce
musculoskeletal disorders such as back problems;
ii. make provisions so the work can be organised to
reduce exposure to hazards, for example, make
provision for traffic routes so barriers can be
provided between pedestrians and traffic;
iii. ensure that those responsible for planning and
managing the work are given the information they
will need to manage remaining risks, for example, tell
them about loads that will be particularly heavy or
elements of the building that could become unstable.
This can be achieved through providing key
information on drawings or within models, for
example, by using Building Information Modelling
(BIM).

7.0 DUTIES OF PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD)
In liaison with the client and principal contractor, the principal designer
has an important role in influencing how the risks to safety and health
should be managed and incorporated into the wider management of a
project. Decisions about the design taken during the pre-construction
phase can have a significant effect on whether the project is delivered
in a way that secures safety and health. The principal designer’s role
involves coordinating the work of others in the project team to ensure
that significant and foreseeable risks are managed throughout the
design process.
According to OSHCIM Guidelines 2017, the duties of a principal

designer is inclusive of all the duties of designer as described in
Section 5.0 and is extended to the specific duties of principal
designer which includes:
a) Planning, managing and monitoring and coordinating

the pre-construction phase.
i. Principal designer is responsible to help compile pre-

construction information and providing it
to designers and contractors.
ii. Principal designer is responsible to bring together
designers as early as possible in the project, and
then on a regular basis, to ensure everyone carries
out their duties so that delivery of positive safety and
health outcomes can be achieved.
iii. If principal designer appoints any designers, principal
designer should check that designers have sufficient
skills, knowledge, experience and (if they are an

organisation) the organisational capability to carry
out the work.
b) Identifying, eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks.

Taking into account the general principles of prevention.
Facilitate Design Review Process.
c) Ensuring designers carry out their duties.
d) Preparing the SHF and then reviewing, updating and
revising it as the project progresses.
e) Liaising with the PC to help in the planning, managing,
monitoring and co-ordination of the construction phase.
f) Ensuring coordination and cooperation.
Principal designer should ensure that all persons working in

relation to the pre-construction phase cooperate with
the client, the principal designer and each other. They should
establish that effective communication is occurring, and that
information is shared within the project team by holding
meetings with others in the design team. Progress meetings
with the client and the principal contractor is part of means to
ensure work on the project is properly coordinated.
Principal designer should ensure that designers do comply

with their duties. Appropriate checks should be made to
ensure designers are dealing with design risks appropriately.
This can be done as part of the design process and through
regular progress meetings.
Principal designer should also ensure that designers provide

information about elements of the design which present
significant risks that cannot be eliminated. This should
include information about unusual or complex risks that are

more likely to be missed or misunderstood by contractors or
others on the project rather than risks that are well known
and understood.
g) Liaising with the principal contractor (PC).
i. The PD must liaise with the PC for the duration of their

appointment. During the PCP this must cover sharing
information that may affect the planning, management,
monitoring and coordination of the construction phase –
in particular, the information needed by the principal
contractor to prepare the construction phase plan.
ii. Liaison should also extend into the construction phase
to deal with on-going design and obtaining information
for the safety and health file. This could be done by
holding regular progress meetings with the principal
contractor.
iii. If the PD's appointment finishes before the end of
the project, the PD must ensure that the PC has all the
necessary information so that they:
1. Are aware of the risks which have not been

eliminated in the designs;
2. Understand the means employed to reduce or
control those risks;
3. Understand the implications for implementing the
design work during the remainder of the project;
4. The PD should also arrange for a handover of the
SHF to the PC and make them aware of any
issues that may need to be taken into account in
reviewing, updating and completing.

It is not the Principal Designer's duties to:
i. Submit the notification to the DOSH or check that the

Client has done so.
ii. Check the skills and experience of the Designers or
Contractors unless they are appointing them directly.
iii. Advise the Client on their appointment of Designers
and Contractors, including their skills, knowledge and
experience.
iv. Advise the Client on their health and safety
arrangements for the project, including welfare facilities.
v. Review or approve the Construction Phase Plan or
check that it has been implemented.
vi. Appoint the Principal Contractor.
vii. Review or approve health and safety arrangements on
site, including method statements.
viii. Take on overall design responsibility for the project –
the Principal Designer role is only to manage health
and safety during the Pre-Construction Phase.
ix. Supervise or monitor health and safety on site – this is
the responsibility of the Principal Contractor.
x. Check or approve designs; the Principal Designer’s role
involves the review of health and safety risks
emanating from the design process.

8.0 PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & DESIGNER(S) THOUGHT
PROCESS
The identification of the duty holder is based on the principal duty of

care for each duty holder based on current legislation of Occupational
Safety and Health Act 1994 and Factory and Machinery Act 1967.
This includes the rationale of their role to be made available in
OSHCIM guidelines based on whether they are account under strict of
vicarious liability.
The roles and responsibilities of clients will be inclusive of what they

should do, and how is their work process. The work process includes
the whole lifecycle of a project, consisting of pre-construction, during
construction and post-construction. This section will outline the duties
and responsibilities of clients based on project phase.
These guidance notes are based on Traditional Contract (which is

also known as design bid build) as well as Design & Build Contracts,
as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 respectively. It is important to
highlight that the duty to design for safety depends on the nature of
contract as stated below.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION POST-

CONSTRUCTION

TRADITIONAL CONTRACT (DESIGN-BID-BUILD)
Figure 6: Traditional Contract

CONSTRUCTION
(PLANNING& PROCUREMENT) (DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)

DESIGN AND BUILD CONTRACT
Figure 7: Design and Build Contract
8.1 Pre-Construction Phase
During the pre-construction phase, the principal designer must:
a) Help bring the Pre-Construction Information together and

provide it to the Designers and Contractors involved.
b) Assist the Client to assemble information, identify gaps and
make reasonable enquiries about obtaining information
about their premises (building and land) and local
environment.
c) When developing Pre-Construction Information, the Principal
Designer should meet the Designers and discuss any issues
that arise. They must ensure that Design Risk Management
issues are discussed in design review meetings, team
meetings, health and safety coordination meetings and
workshops for specific issues and continuing communication.
d) Invite the Principal Contractor to design team meetings to
support the coordination between the designs undertaken
during the pre-construction phase and those undertaken by
other Designers during the construction phase.

e) Ensure that the Pre-Construction Information gathered
during the Pre-Construction Phase should be incorporated
into drawings, where possible. In addition to drawings, a
document should be prepared, if required, to describe
emergency procedures, the surrounding environment and
the Client's management arrangements during construction.
Significant risk information should be highlighted on
drawings with symbols and a brief description.
f) The Principal Designer should use a schedule to keep a
record of required information as it is received. This should
cover adequacy of information provided and Date of receipt
and source of information.
g) When receiving information on significant remaining risk from
Designers, Principal Designer should ensure that the
information is clear, precise and in a form suitable for others
to understand and justify whether the information should be
on the drawing of the design. A log of responses from
Designers is recommended to be kept because it is easy to
lose track of returns.
8.1.1 Summary of Critical Tasks for Principal Designer
a) Arrange a pre-design meeting with the client and the designers;

b) Facilitate the Design Review Process with all duty holders;
c) Where possible, seek contractor input during the design phase;
d) Participate in design co-ordination meetings across all disciplines;
e) Assist the client in identifying, obtaining and collating the pre-
construction information:-
Ensure that:
i. The information reliable?
ii. Its origin is verified?
iii. Its validity status?

iv. It have been superseded by subsequent works?
v. Are there any information missing (such as asbestos
records)?
vi. Whether or not a site visit would help to confirm the
accuracy of the information; (such as location of
isolated access)?
vii. Do you need to conduct further surveys or
investigations?
NOTE: Remember that the information was not prepared with

your work in mind
f) Provide Pre-Construction Information to Designers, the Principal

Contractor and Contractors
g) Ensure that Designers comply with their duties and co-operate with
each other
h) Liaise with the Principal Contractor for the duration of the
appointment;
i) Prepare the Safety and Health File;
j) The Principal Designer’s duties apply regardless of the contractual
arrangements for the appointment of other designers and whether
or not the project is notifiable to the relevant authorities. If the
Principal Designer appoints other Designers, the Principal
Designer is responsible for ensuring that they have the relevant
skills, knowledge and experience to deliver their work.
k) Update and report formally to the Client.
8.2 During Construction Phase
During the Construction phase the Principal Designer must:
a) Prepare, update and maintain the Safety and Health File for their
project.

b) Being involved in considering the health and safety implications of
all design work on a project, including design undertaken during
the construction phase, which also cover the temporary works.
c) Obtain a programme showing proposed dates and the duration of
the appointments of these designs to determine whether the
arrangement are likely to be adequate to enable the Designers to
discharge their duties.
d) Ensure that the principal contractor do perform their duties during
construction that includes:
i. Preparingaconstructionphaseplanfortheprojectbeforetheco
nstructionphasebegins (Refer to Appendix 5).
ii. Planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating the
construction phase.
iii. Providing suitable site inductions.
iv. Preventing unauthorised access to the site.
v. Providing welfare facilities.
vi. Liaising with the principal designer.
vii. Consult and engage with workers.
e) Ensure that the Construction Phase Plan is in place before the
construction start.
f) Ensure welfare facilities are in place that includes:
i. Sanitary conveniences;
ii. Washing facilities;
iii. Drinking water;
iv. Changing rooms and locker.
g) Ensure the hazard management and risk control arrangements of
the designs are working. Principal Designers should continuously
ensure the risk management and the general principle of
prevention is implemented on site based on finding on the
conceptual design review, detail design review and pre-
construction plan review.

h) Monitor the contractor’s work ensure that they follow the final safe
design.
i) Ensure that the Principal Contractor make a proper planning,
managing, monitoring and coordinating the construction phase
plan.
j) For any design modification and on-site changes, work together
with Principal Contractor to review the design and get approval
from Clients for construction implementation.
k) Ensure that the Principal Contractor do prepare, maintain and
update regularly all record keepings including Safety and Health
File, Construction Phase Plan and other documents that contains
site inspection, work permit and others.
l) Ensure that the Principal Contractor continuously implement good
construction management system on site by identifying,
eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks and have a proper
safety and health program on site such as training program,
inspection and auditing, and emergency response preparedness.
m) Check completion and handover arrangements. During handover
of construction site to the Client, Principal Designer should ensure
that the contract administrator has confirmed that the works
defined in the contract are complete and client is provided with:
i. The Pre-Construction Information, Construction Phase
Plan, and Safety and Health File.
ii. The operation and maintenance manual.
iii. The building detail design specification.
iv. Up to date testing and commissioning data.
v. All certificates and warranties in respect of the works.
vi. As-built drawings from consultants and specialist suppliers
and contractors (or as manufactured and installed). Or an
as-constructed building information model.
vii. Copies of statutory approvals, waivers, consents and
conditions.

viii. Equipment test certificates for lifts, escalators, lifting
equipment, cradle systems, boilers and pressure vessels.
ix. Licences such as licences to store chemicals and gases
and to extract groundwater from an artesian well.
x. Building’s warranty and insurance coverage terms and
conditions.
8.3 Post Construction Phase
In the event the Principal Designer’s appointment extends to this

stage, following the construction phase the Principal Designer shall:
a) Check that the Safety and Health file has been prepared,
approved, and handed over to Client. In doing this, they should
ensure that the Client understands the structure and content of the
file and its significance for any subsequent project.
b) If the principal designer’s appointment finishes before the end of
the project, they should pass the file to the principal contractor who
should then take on responsibility for it. In doing this, they should
ensure the client understands the structure and content of the file
and its significance for any subsequent project.
c) If the principal designer’s appointment finishes before the end of
the project, they should pass the file to the principal contractor who
should then take on responsibility for it. In doing this, the principal
designer should ensure the principal contractor is aware of any
outstanding issues that may need to be taken into account when
reviewing, updating and revising the file.
d) Ensure any design modification have been reviewed by the
Principal Contractor and made known to the clients and relevant
parties.

e) Consult with professional engineers or other experts where
necessary in order to assess the impact of any proposed
modifications or changes in design.
f) Ensure that the designer provide information so that potential
demolishers can understand the structure, load paths and any
features incorporated to assist demolition, as well as any features
that require unusual demolition techniques or sequencing.
g) Where the principal designer’s appointment finishes before the
end of the project, the principal contractor should take on
responsibility for ensuring that the file is reviewed, updated and
revised for the remainder of the project. At the end of the project
the principal contractor should pass the file to the client. In doing
this, they should ensure the client understands the structure and
content of the file and its significance for any subsequent project.

9.0 DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT
The purpose of risk management is to predict the critical events and

their consequences, reduce, avoid or transfer the risks to other parts
of the project.
Some of the design considerations that will be part of the information

for design risk management will include:
a) What is being built? What should it look like, and what is its
function?
b) Where is the project being built?
c) What materials will be used, and how will they be specified?
d) How will it be built, what is the risks to site workers, users
and/or the general public?
e) When will it be built, how long will it take to build or how long
does the Client want to allow?
f) What are the constraints and circumstances affecting the
design and construction?
g) Who else is designing this, and what elements or aspects
are they addressing?
h) What is happening on the adjacent sites or areas?
i) What will be continuing to be done or used on the site during
the Construction Phase?
j) Is this a structure that will be used as a workplace and/or
used by the general public?
In general terms, hazard identification and risk assessment are

processes by which designers and the principal designer will
interrogate the design work as it progresses. Figure 8 explain the
process flow of managing the risk which includes:

a) Identification, elimination and reduction of hazards and risks.
b) Proportional responses to foreseeable hazards and risks.
c) Adequate time allowances for design and construction
programming (the right information to the right people at the
right time).
d) Undertaking systematic design reviews at suitable stages to
check for significant risks and issues and coordinated
management responses.
e) Ensuring effective cooperation with adjacent site.
f) Keeping adequate records of the Design Risk Management
process – not everything; everything that is significant.
g) Reviewing hazard and risk information before design
information is issued.
h) Providing hazard and risk information in a clear, concise and
appropriate format.
i) How will this structure or element be maintained (risks to site
workers, maintainers, users and/or the general public)?
j) How will this structure be cleaned, accessed, altered,
refurbished, removed or demolished?

DESIGN/ IDENTIFY ELIMINATE NO
RE-DESIGN HAZARD HAZARD
DO NOT SWAP A
LOW RISK FOR A
TOO RISKY TO BUILD YES
HIGHER ONE
THEN RE-DESIGN
NO CREATE YES
HIGHER RISK
YES NO
COMMUNICATE SAFE TO BUILD REDUCE RISK
Figure 8: Design risk management procedure in practice
A risk management process (Figure 9) is a systematic way of making

a construction project as safe as reasonably practicable and it shall
also be used as part of the design process. It involves the following
broad steps:
a) Identify reasonably foreseeable hazards associated with the

design,
b) Assess the risks arising from the hazards,
c) Eliminate or minimise the risk by designing control
measures,
d) Re-assess the risk with the identified control measures
implemented,
e) Monitor and review the control measures.

Hazard
Analysis/ Risk
• Example: Assessment
• Example: Red,
Checklist of (HAZAN) Amber and Green
Preliminary • Example: list (RAG List)
Hazard Analysis Qualitative/ Semi-
Risk Control-As
Quantitative Risk
Hazard Assessment
Low As
Identification Reasonably
(HAZID) Practicable
(ALARP)
Figure 9:Risk Management Process
9.1 Hazard Identification
The purpose of hazard identification is to highlight the critical

operations of tasks, that is, those tasks posing significant risks to the
health and safety of employees as well as highlighting those hazards
pertaining to certain equipment due to energy sources, working
conditions or activities performed.
9.1.1 Consideration of Type of Hazards
Hazards can be divided into three main groups, health hazards, safety
hazards, and environmental hazards.
a) Safety hazards

A safety hazard is any force strong enough to cause injury,
or damage to property. Some examples of safety hazards
include, but are not limited to:
i. slipping/tripping hazards (such as wires run across
floors);
ii. fire hazards (from flammable materials);
iii. moving parts of machinery, tools and equipment
(such as pinch and nip points);
iv. work at height (such as work done on scaffolds);
v. ejection of material (such as from molding);
vi. pressure systems (such as steam boilers and pipes);
vii. vehicles (such as forklifts and trucks);
viii. lifting and other manual handling operations; and
ix. working alone.
b) Health hazards
An occupational health hazard is any agent that can cause
illness to an individual. A health hazard may produce serious
and immediate (acute) affects, or may cause long-term
(chronic) problems. All or part of the body may be affected.
Someone with an occupational illness may not recognize the
symptoms immediately. For example, noise-induced hearing
loss is often difficult for the affected individual to detect until it
is well advanced. Health hazards include chemicals (such as
battery acid and solvents), biological hazards (such as
bacteria, viruses, dusts and molds), physical agents (energy
sources strong enough to harm the body, such as electric
currents, heat, light, vibration, noise and radiation) and work
design (ergonomic) hazards.

c) Environmental hazards
An environmental hazard is a release to the environment that
may cause harm or deleterious effects. An environmental
release may not be obvious. For example, a worker who
drains a glycol system and releases the liquid to a storm
sewer may not be aware, of the effect on the environment.
Environmental hazards cause harm when controls and work
procedures are not followed.
9.1.2 Consideration of Particular Risks
A Construction Phase Plan prepared by the principal contractor must

include specific measures to address any risk information provided by
the client or principal designer in relation to the particular risks
identified in OSHCIM Guidelines 2017 and listed below. The principal
designer should review the responses to the particular risks with the
principal contractor, as these may have an impact on buildability, use
and maintenance.
The following information is taken from OSHCIM Guidelines 2017,

Appendix 4 – Work involving particular risks:
a) Work which puts workers at risk of burial under earthfalls,

engulfment in swampland or falling from a height, where the
risk is particularly aggravated by the nature of the work or
processes used or by the environment at the place of work or
site.
b) Work which puts workers at risk from chemical or biological
substances constituting a particular danger to the safety or
health of workers or involving a legal requirement for health
monitoring.

c) Work with ionizing radiation.
d) Work near high voltage power lines.
e) Work exposing workers to the risk of drowning.
f) Work on wells, underground earthworks and tunnels.
g) Work carried out by divers having a system of air supply.
h) Work carried out by workers in caissons with a compressed air
atmosphere.
i) Work involving the use of explosives.
j) Work involving the assembly or dismantling of heavy
prefabricated components.
Principal designer must always ensure that information about these

works is known to, and shared by, the designers and others in the pre-
construction phase. Information about any residual works and risks
(after the designers have sought to eliminate the risks through the
subsequent design process) should be provided to contractors and
the principal contractor in good time to allow for the information to be
taken into account in allocating resources, including time and money.
This information will form part of the pre-construction information.
The purpose of design risk management process in the pre-

construction phase is to deliver a design that meets all the health and
safety requirements, and that makes building, using, maintaining and
demolishing the project safe for workers and users.
Principal designers should ensure, as far as reasonably practicable,

that foreseeable risks to safety and health are identified. In practice,
this will involve the principal designer working with other designers
involved with the project. Table 1 lists out the foreseeable risk which
are likely to arise while carrying out construction work; or during
maintenance, cleaning or using the building as a workplace once it is
built.

Table 1: Critical Construction Works
Foreseeable risks of a project may come from broad groupings of
hazards. The following list may be used to assist in identifying hazards
and controlling foreseeable risks associated with the design of a
structure throughout its lifecycle.
Earthworks Structural safety
 Excavations (for example, risks  Erection of steelwork or concrete
from earth collapsing or frameworks
engulfment)  Load bearing requirements
 Location of underground services  Stability and integrity of the
structure
Movement of people and Manual tasks
materials  Methods of material handling
 Safe access and egress,  Accessibility of material handling
including for people with  Loading docks and storage
disability facilities
 Traffic management  Workplace space and layout to
 Loading bays and ramps prevent musculoskeletal
 Safe crossings disorders, including facilitating
 Exclusion zone use of mechanical aids
 Site security  Assembly and disassembly of
pre-fabricated fixtures and fittings
Electrical safety Noise exposure
 Earthing of electrical installations  Exposure to noise from plant or
 Location of underground and from surrounding area
overhead power cables
 Protection of leads/cables
Number and location of power
points
Plant Substances

 Tower crane locations, loading  Exposure to hazardous
and unloading substances and materials
 Mobile crane loads on slabs including insulation and
 Plant and machinery installed in decorative materials
a building or structure  Exposure to volatile organic
 Materials handling plant and compounds and off gassing
equipment through the use of composite
 Maintenance access to plant and wood products or paints
equipment  Exposure to irritant/ toxic dust
 The guarding of plant and and fumes
machinery  Storage and use of hazardous
 Lift installations chemicals, including cleaning
products
Falls prevention Working environment
 Guard rails  Ventilation for thermal comfort
 Window heights and cleaning and general air quality and
 Anchorage points for building specific ventilation requirements
maintenance and cleaning for the work to be performed on
 Access to working spaces for the premise
construction, cleaning,  Temperature
maintenance and repairs  Lighting including that of plant
 Scaffolding room
 Temporary work platforms  Acoustic properties and noise
 Roofing materials and surface control, for example, noise
characteristics such as fragility, isolation, insulation and
slip resistance and pitch absorption
 Seating
 Floor surfaces to prevent slips
and trips
 Space for occupants
Amenities and facilities Specific risks

 Access to various amenities and  Exposure to radiation, for
facilities such as storage, first aid example, electromagnetic
rooms/sick rooms, rest rooms, radiation
meal and accommodation areas  Exposure to biological hazards
and drinking water  Fatigue
Fire and emergencies  Working alone
 Fire risks  Use of explosives
 Fire detection and fire fighting  Confined spaces
 Emergency routes and exits  Over and under water work,
 Access for and structural including diving and work in
capacity to carry fire tenders caissons with compressed air
 Other emergency facilities supply
9.1.3 Hazard Identification and Assessment Methodology
a) The hazard identification and assessment methodology shall

include:
i. Steps and time frame for identifying and assessing the

hazards (i.e. who is responsible for the identification; an
individual or a committee; time frame for the completion of
the identification)
ii. The keeping of a record of the hazards.
iii. A time frame for reviewing and, if necessary, revising the
methodology (i.e. the review of the identification method will
be carried out every three years).
b) Some examples of techniques that can be used to identify

hazards include, but are not limited to:

i. work place inspections;
ii. task safety analysis or job hazard analysis;
iii. preliminary investigations;
iv. potential accident factors;
v. failure analysis;
vi. accident and incident investigations.
It is in your interest to adopt your own process and your own

identification techniques so that they match your management
procedures and the size of project. However, for the identification of
the hazard associated in the design, this guidance recommend
Designers and Principal Designer to use Preliminary Hazard Analysis
Checklist (Appendix 9).
9.2 Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HAZAN)
Risk is the determination of likelihood and severity of the credible

accident/event sequences in order to determine magnitude and to
priorities identified hazards. It can be done by qualitative, quantitative
or semi quantitative method.
9.2.1 Hazard Analysis
In semi-quantitative analysis, the objective is to produce a more

expanded ranking scale than is usually achieved in qualitative
analysis, not to suggest realistic values for risk such as is attempted in
quantitative analysis.
Quantitative analysis uses numerical values (rather than the

descriptive scales used in qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis)

for both severity and likelihood using data from a variety of sources
such as past accident experience and from scientific research.
Severity may be determined by modelling the outcomes of an event or

set of events, or by extrapolation from experimental studies or past
data. Severity may be expressed in terms of monetary, technical or
human impact criteria, or any of the other criteria. The way in which
severity and likelihood are expressed and the ways in which they are
combined to provide a level of risk will vary according to the type of
risk and the purpose for which the risk assessment output is to be
used.
In this guidelines semi quantitative method is used as an

example.
a) Likelihood of an Occurrence;
This value is based on the likelihood of an event occurring. You

may ask the question “How many times has this event happened
in the past?” Assessing likelihood is based on worker experience,
analysis or measurement. Likelihood levels range from “most
likely” to “inconceivable”.
For example, a small spill of bleach from a container when filling a

spray bottle is most likely to occur during every shift. Alternatively,
a leak of diesel fuel from a secure holding tank may be less
probable.

Table2: Likelihood Example
LIKELIHOOD EXAMPLE RATING

(L)
Most likely The most likely result of the hazard / event 5
being realized
Possible Has a good chance of occurring and is not 4
unusual
Conceivable Might be occur at some time in future 3
Remote Has not been known to occur after many 2
years
Inconceivable Is practically impossible and has never 1
occurred
b) Severity of Hazard
Severity can be divided into five categories. Severity are based

upon an increasing level of severity to an individual’s health, the
environment, or to property. Table 3 indicates severity by using
the following table:
Table 3: Severity Example
SEVERITY (S) EXAMPLE RATING

Catastrophic Numerous fatalities, irrecoverable property 5
damage and productivity
Fatal Approximately one single fatality major 4
property damage if hazard is realized
Serious Non-fatal injury, permanent disability 3
Minor Disabling but not permanent injury 2
Negligible Minor abrasions, bruises, cuts, first aid type 1
injury

9.2.2 Risk Assessment
Risk can be presented in variety of ways to communicate the results

of analysis to make decision on risk control. For risk analysis that uses
likelihood and severity in qualitative method, presenting result in a risk
matrix is a very effective way of communicating the distribution of the
risk throughout a plant and area in a workplace.
Risk can be calculated using the following formula:
L x S = Relative Risk
L = Likelihood
S = Severity
To use this matrix, first find the severity column that best describes
the outcome of risk. Then follow the likelihood row to find the
description that best suits the likelihood that the severity will occur.
The risk level is given in the box where the row and column meet.
Table 4: Risk Matrix Table

Severity (S)
Likelihood (L) 1 2 3 4 5
5 5 10 15 20 25
4 4 8 12 16 20
3 3 6 9 12 15
2 2 4 6 8 10
1 1 2 3 4 5

The relative risk value can be used to prioritize necessary actions to
effectively manage workplace hazards. Table 5 determines priority
based on the following ranges.
Table 5: Action Rating
RISK DESCRIPTION ACTION

A HIGH risk requires immediate action to
control the hazard as detailed in the hierarchy
15 – 25 HIGH of control. Actions taken must be documented
on the risk assessment form including date for
completion.
A MEDIUM risk requires a planned approach to
control the hazard and applies temporary
5 – 12 MEDIUM measure if required. Actions taken must be
documented on the risk assessment form
including date for completion.
A risk identified as LOW may be considered as
acceptable and further reduction may not be
1–4 LOW necessary. However, if the risk can be resolved
quickly and efficiently, control measures should
be implemented and recorded.
9.3 Risk Control
Traditionally, a hierarchy of controls has been used as a means of

determining how to implement feasible and effective control solutions.
Controls must protect workers from any new hazards that are created.

BEST BEST
ELIMINATION
Design it out
SUBSTITUTION
Use something else
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Isolation and guarding
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
Training and work scheduling
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
Control EQUIPMENT Business
effectiveness Last resort value
Figure 10: Hierarchy of Control
9.3.1 Types of Control
Types of control at the source of the hazard:

a) Elimination–Getting rid of a hazardous job, tool, process,
machine or substance is perhaps the best way of protecting
workers. For example, when designing, a designer should
consider the risks people may be exposed to through the
course of both constructing a building and using it once it is
constructed. Designing is a process that often continues
throughout the project and the following questions should be
considered when design is carried out:

i. Can I get rid of the problem (or hazard) altogether? For
example, can air-conditioning plant on a roof be moved to
ground level, so work at height is not required for either
installation or maintenance?
ii. If not, how can I reduce or control the risks, so that harm
is unlikely or the potential consequences less serious? For
example, can I place the plant within a building on the
roof, or provide a barrier around the roof?
b) Substitution– Sometimes doing the same work in a less

hazardous way is possible. For example, if hazards cannot be
eliminated, a designer can:
i. provide a less risky option, for example, switch to using
paving lighter in weight, to reduce musculoskeletal
disorders such as back problems;
ii. make provisions so the work can be organised to reduce
exposure to hazards, for example, make provision for
traffic routes so barriers can be provided between
pedestrians and traffic;
iii. Ensure that those responsible for planning and
managing the work are given the information they will
need to manage remaining risks, for example, tell them
about loads that will be particularly heavy or elements of
the building that could become unstable. This can be
achieved through providing key information on drawings
or within models, for example, by using Building
Information Modelling (BIM).
c) Engineering control – If elimination or substitution cannot be

applied, engineering control is one of the control measure to
reduce the risk. Engineering control will include but may not be
limited to:

i. Redesign – Jobs and processes can be reworked to
make them safer. For example, containers can be made
easier to hold and lift.
ii. Isolation – If a hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced,
it can sometimes be isolated, contained or otherwise
kept away from workers. For example, an insulated and
air-conditioned control room can protect operators from a
toxic chemical.
iii. Automation – Dangerous processes can be automated
or mechanized. For example, computer-controlled robots
can handle spot welding operations. However, care must
be taken to protect workers from robotic hazards.
iv. Barriers – A hazard can be blocked before it reaches
workers. For example, special curtains can prevent eye
injuries from welding arc radiation. Proper equipment
guarding will protect workers from contacting moving
parts.
v. Absorption – Baffles can block or absorb noise. Lockout
systems can isolate energy sources during repair and
maintenance. Usually, the further a control keeps a
hazard away from workers, the more effective it is.
vi. Dilution – Some hazards can be diluted or dissipated.
For example, ventilation systems can dilute toxic gasses
before they reach operators.

d) Administrative controls
i. Safe work procedures – Workers can be required to use
standardized safety practices. The employer is expected
to ensure that workers follow these practices. Work
procedures must be periodically reviewed with workers
and updated.
ii. Supervision and training – Initial training on safe work
procedures and refresher training should be offered.
Appropriate supervision to assist workers in identifying
possible hazards and evaluating work procedures.
iii. Job rotations and other procedures can reduce the time
that workers are exposed to a hazard. For example,
workers can be rotated through jobs requiring repetitive
tendon and muscle movements to prevent cumulative
trauma injuries. Noisy processes can be scheduled when
no one is in the workplace.
iv. Housekeeping, repair and maintenance programs –
Housekeeping includes cleaning, waste disposal and
spill clean-up. Tools, equipment and machinery are less
likely to cause injury if they are kept clean and well
maintained.
v. Hygiene – Hygiene practices can reduce the risk of toxic
materials being absorbed by workers or carried home to
their families. Street clothing should be kept in separate
lockers to avoid being contaminated by work clothing.
Eating areas must be segregated from toxic hazards.
Eating should be forbidden in toxic work areas. Where
applicable, workers should be required to shower and
change clothes at the end of the shift.
e) Personal protective equipment– Personal protective

equipment (PPE) and clothing is used when other controls

measures are not feasible and where additional protection is
needed. Workers must be trained to use and maintain
equipment properly. The employer and workers must
understand the limitations of the personal protective equipment.
The employer is expected to require workers to use their
equipment whenever it is needed. Care must be taken to
ensure that equipment is working properly. Otherwise, PPE
may endanger a worker’s health by providing an illusion of
protection.
9.4 Risk Reduction Strategy based on Hierarchy of Control
Designer(s) shall integrate risk identification, assessment and control

into the design process. Designers must demonstrate as far as
reasonably practicable to implement risk reduction strategy based on
the hierarchy of control as shown in Figure 11.

•Identify forseeable hazards, and particular and significant risks
affecting health and safety
STEP 1
•Evaluate the level of risk based on likelihood and consequences to

prioritize the control measures
STEP 2
•Eliminate hazards
STEP 3
•Minimise remaining identified risks by design

STEP 4
•Consider pre-fabrication to minimise hazardous work (e.g. pre-

fabricated and pre-stressed concrete bridge beams)
STEP 5
•Design in features to reduce risks (i.e. from working at height, deep

excavation etc.)
STEP 6
•Ensure that designs are suitable and compatible with any interacting
or interrelating designs
STEP 7
•Provide information on significant risks associated with their design

(example: information on drawings, suggested construction
STEP 8 sequences)
•Identify any future cleaning, maintenance, alteration and demolition

hazards for the Safety and Health File.
STEP 9
Figure 11: Risk reduction strategy based on the hierarchy of control

9.4.1 Integrating Design & Risk Management for Design Review
Process
Design review process is a systematic approach that integrates the

risk management process in the design phases and encourages
collaboration between a client, designer, and constructor is
recommended. (Figure 12)
Figure 12: Integrating Design and Risk Management

9.5 Communicating the Residual Risk
Ideally the design review risk control shall consider the above
principles in determining the respective initiatives to DESIGNING OUT
THE RISK and when not able to do so minimize the risk so far as
reasonably practicable and then provide to the CONTRACTORS the
information of the RESIDUAL RISK in a formalize manner.
Upon the application of the proposed RISK CONTROLS, the residual

risk information shall be NOTIFIED to the affected persons.
Affected persons are those who are affected by the building (including
those persons who construct, alter, demolish, occupy, or maintain the
building, or persons who visit or are proximate to the building).
Different sets of affected persons exist at the different stages of a

building development’s life (i.e. construction, use/ occupancy
/maintenance/ alteration, and decommissioning and demolition), and
each stage should be considered for Design Review’s.
This information shall be recorded in the Safety & Health File and
relevant documents; formally done an ADVISORY NOTE; this is most
effectively done by adding safety ‘advisory notes’ to the design
information that the affected persons will refer to. For example:
A. ‘Advisory notes’ for construction workers is best integrated in

the working drawings, shop drawings, specifications, method
statements, etc. to which they are referring in the course of
their works.

B. ‘Advisory notes’ for maintenance personnel is best integrated
in the as-built drawings and/or operating procedure
statements/instructions in operation & maintenance manuals.
The ‘advisory notes’ specifically seek to make affected persons aware

of the significant risks they must address and the safety measures
available to them in the course of their activities.

10.0 DESIGN REVIEW PROCEDURE
The objective of design review is to identify significant risk,

proportionately and lead to less unnecessary bureaucracy, better
team working, and better project management encourages better
quality and value for everyone.
Design review includes analysing the relevant detail and working

collaboratively with others to identify significant risks, mitigate their
impact, record the significant findings and produce suitable
information to communicate these measures proportionately.
Design review procedure covers respective duty holder’s role and

shall go through three stages:
a) Concept Design Review

b) Detail Design Review
c) Pre-construction Plan Review
These stages shall require information and documentation for each

duty holders to produce and distribute.
Designer(s) shall take into consideration of the systematic approach

represented in Figure 13 or an equivalent process that meets the
objectives of the risk management principles.

CONCEPT DESIGN REVIEW
PRE-
CONSTRUCTION
REVIEW
CONCEPT
DESIGN •Identify •Examine
existing risk temporary
•Identifty control
•Cousult works design
design standards;
client and design by
context and
concept •Identify •Assessmen specialist
stakeholder t towards contractors not
s Operation covered during
PRE-DESIGN and the concept
Maintainan and setailed
ce
DETAIL DESIGN design phases
DETAIL DESIGN REVIEW
Figure 13: Systematic Risk Management
Useful techniques may include a combination of the following actions:

a) Conduct workshops and discussions with personnel using or
working on similar structures within the client and
stakeholders organization where beneficial;
b) Conduct onsite assessment of an existing similar structure
with feedback from the users of the existing structures and
facilities;
c) Research information or reports from similar structures on
hazards and relevant sources of information and stakeholder
groups, then complete analysis for own design needs;
d) Conduct workshops with experienced personnel who will
construct, use and maintain the new structure;
e) Conduct workshops with specialist consultants and experts
in the hazards. Review with OSH Personnel to eliminate or
incorporate lessons learnt; in practice, the timing for design
review will be different based on type of project contract such

as Traditional Contract (design-bid-build) and Design and
Build Contract.
As the design progresses and details are developed to the next level,
there are opportunities for reviewing and validating the decisions to
confirm the effectiveness of controls adopted in the design solution. It
is usually easier to correct or eliminate risks at the earliest possible
time.
These design safety reviews shall involve people who will eventually
construct, use and maintain the assets. The review shall focus on the
various stages of the life cycle, including:
a) design for safe construction;
b) design to facilitate safe use;
c) design for safe maintenance;
d) design for modification, demolition, dismantling and
disposal.
The adoption of design review process to be conducted depends on

the procurement method adopted for the project as depicted in Figure
14 and Figure 15 below.

CONSTRUCTION
(PLANNING) (DESIGN & PROCUREMENT)

(COMPLETION)

R1: CONCEPT R2: DETAIL DESIGN R3: PRE-

DESIGN REVIEW CONSTRUCTION
REVIEW PLAN REVIEW
TRADITIONAL CONTRACT
Figure 14: Design Review Process for Traditional Contract

CONSTRUCTION
(PLANNING & PROCUREMENT) (DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION) (COMPLETION)

R1: CONCEPT R3: PRE-

DESIGN R2: DETAIL DESIGN
CONSTRUCTION
REVIEW REVIEW
PLAN REVIEW
DESIGN AND BUILD CONTRACT

10.1 Design Review Procedure Overview
Figure 15: Design Review Process for Design and Build Contract
a) RULE 1: Concept Design Review

Concept design review shall look into the project overall
perspective including but not limited to site location, public access
traffic, and type of buildings in the surroundings, landscape and
other general constraints.
RULE 1 records hazards and risk arising from the design and
description of the risk control measures to be taken of (e.g.,
materials used, structural concepts, and safe system of work
considered).
b) RULE 2:Detailed Design, Maintenance and Repair Review
Detailed design, operations, maintenance and repair review

should look at a building’s detailed architectural and structural
design. The review should determine risks involved in the
construction methods, access and egress, and whether the design
will create confined space or other hazards. Risks related to
maintenance and repair of a building, such as cleaning methods,
should also be studied.
RULE 2 records risks and measures such as:
 Information provided by Contractor on mitigation of risks
and hazards;
 Residual hazards brought over to the maintenance phase;
and
 Maintenance methods of the building, structure or
equipment.
For D&B contracts which the Contractor is in-charge of the

project’s design.
RULE 2 should be done with the Contractor’s input. The
Contractor can then highlight constraints that he or she will face

when constructing the building or structure. This would further
help in the DR process.
c) RULE 3: Pre-Construction Review
Pre-construction design review should examine temporary works

design and design by specialist contractors not covered during the
concept and detailed design phases.
RULE 3 records risks and risk control measures for CRITICAL
RISK activities such as:
 Shoring, trenches and deep excavation;
 Heavy lifting; multiple load;
 Confined spaces; and
 Formwork and falsework.
10.2 Design Review Basic Rule
The success of the Design Review study is dependent on the ability of

a facilitator to select and use the experience and expertise of the
study team to critically evaluate the design. Therefore, the role of a
facilitator is critical. Principal Designer shall lead the Design Review
as a facilitator.
a) Principal Designer Attributes

It is recommended that the Principal Designer should have the
following attributes:
i. An understanding of the principles of safety in
construction;(or have access to safety and health
specialist)

ii. The respect, or potential to quickly gain the respect, of
workshop participants;
iii. As a minimum, a broad understanding of the project;
1. The ability to bring out the views of a diverse
range of people participating in the workshop to
constructively challenge the design concept;
2. The ability to put forward their own views and thus
provoke thought, but without dominating the
workshop;
3. The ability to keep the workshop on track and
moving along (issues that can’t be resolved
relatively quickly should be listed for action
outside the workshop).
b) Design Review Designer(s) description may include but

limited to:
i. Architects, civil, geotechnical and structural engineers,

building designers, engineers, fire safety engineers,
interior designers, landscape architects, town planners
and all other design practitioners contributing to, or
having overall responsibility for, any part of the design
(e.g., drainage engineers designing the drain for a new
development) building service designers, engineering
firms or others designing services that are part of the
structure such as ventilation, electrical systems and
permanent fire extinguisher installations;
ii. Anyone who specifies or alters a design, or who
specifies the use of a particular method of work or
material, such as a design manager, quantity surveyor

who insists on specific material or a client who
stipulates a particular layout for a new building;
iii. Building service designers, engineering practices or
others designing plant which forms part of the
permanent structure (including lifts, heating, ventilation
and electrical systems), for example, a specialist
provider of permanent fire extinguishing installations;
iv. Those purchasing materials where the choice has been
left open, for example, those purchasing building blocks
and so deciding the weights that bricklayers must
handle;
v. Contractors carrying out design work as part of their
contribution to a project (e.g., an engineering contractor
providing design, procurement and construction
management services);
vi. Temporary works engineers, including those designing
formwork, falsework, scaffolding and sheet piling,
curtain wall and facade retention schemes, scaffolding,
and sheet piling; and
vii. Interior designers, including shop fitters who also
develop the design.

10.3 Design Review Rule Samples
10.3.1 RULE-1 Concept Design Review
The purpose of RULE-1 is to review the conceptual design and

identify critical risks associated with the use, construction,
maintenance (including cleaning and repair), alterations, additions,
decommissioning and demolition of a building or structure similar to
CRADLE to GRAVE concept for managing hazardous chemicals;
By identifying and understanding the risks very early at the start of the
project, risk controls can be established to ensure that these risks are
managed either by eliminating or controlling them.
i. For Selection of Site
The proposed Site should be determined the safety-feasibility

and shall comprise the acceptability of the proposed Site relative
to tolerances for safety risks.
The safety feasibility should consider:
SAFETY RISK IMPACT

PROPOSED
TYPE & SCALE  To
OF BUILDING Surrounding
DEVELOPMENT Context
 On Proposed
SURROUNDING Type & Scale
CONTEXT Of Building
Development
EXISTING SITE  On Proposed

CONDITIONS Type & Scale
AND Of Building
DIMENSIONS Development
Figure 16: Safety Risk Impact(Reference: Singapore Institute of

Architects (SIA) Design-for-Safety (DfS) Handbook 2014)

ii. For Design Of The Building Development:
The risk level of a proposed design for the building development

should be determined, and Opportunities to design-in safety
measures should be identified and taken.
The recommended practice to perform these reviews are taking
into consideration from DOSH Hazard identification, Risk
Assessment & risk Control (HIRARC) Guidelines 2008.
The primary concerns of RULE-1 will be on safety issues related

to:
a) the generic type (or nature) of the proposed
development; and
b) the location of the project;
1. analysis of potential sites to determine the
selection of an appropriate site;
2. analysis of location will include several major
considerations such as soil assessment, the
public, traffic, existing services and siting of
plant and heavy machineries;
3. RULE-1 will focus on hazards and risks
identified resulting from the project siting;
Concept design review Aide Memoire RULE-1

CONSIDERATIONS (Table 6) can assist the Principal Designer
and design review team during their workshop sessions.

Table 6: RULE-1 Concept Design Review Considerations
CONSIDERATIONS EXPECTED OUTPUT REMARKS

Stability of soil, that is, is it subject
a.
to land slip
Proximity of bodies of water to
b.
project
c. Presence of water table
1 Geotechnical d. Slope of the proposed site
Soil classification/ condition, for
e.
example, highly reactive
f. Susceptible to flooding
g. Landfill
h. Susceptible to seismic activities
a. Overhead services
b. Underground services/ utilities
c. Underground communication lines
Any existing infrastructure/ assets
Existing
2 d. on site, for example buildings,
infrastructure
underground tanks
Access/connection to services/
e.
utilities
f. Demolition required
a. Access restrictions
b. Disruption to traffic/pedestrian
movement
Traffic
3 c. Additional lighting requirements
Management
d. Proximity to major infrastructure
e. Ability to erect plant, scaffolding etc
f. Disruption to public transport

a. Proximity to adjoining
property/buildings
b. Protection of adjoining
property/buildings
c. Workplace/site restrictions
d. Identification and proximity to other
construction sites
e. Proximity to plant and equipment
f. Surrounding occupancies, such as
Site
4 other residential (with respect to
surroundings
risks of noise, dust, working hours
etc.)
g. Ability to expand the facility in the
future
h. Restrictions due to surrounding
usage, such as proximity to airports
i. Negative impact from vegetation
j. Dilapidation review of adjoining
structures
a. Theft/malicious damage
5 Security b. Trespass
c. Isolated location
Hazardous materials contained in
a.
existing infrastructure/assets
Hazardous b. Soil contamination
6
material Surrounding hazards, such as
c. proximity to storage tanks
associated with a petrol station

After hazards are identified from brainstorming these questions,
significant hazards should then be assess using the:
i. Appendix 4Example of Qualitative & Semi Quantitative
Risk Assessment Form.
ii. A follow-up review should be done to ensure that the
hazards are addressed and not merely filed away.
iii. Unless results from applying RULE-1 at conceptual
design stage indicate that a redesign or relocation of the
project is required, risks identified under RULE-1 can
usually be addressed during RULE-2 design stage. As
such, RULE-1 is usually performed once.
iv. Design issues highlighted in RULE-1 should be
addressed by the Designer when he or she is doing the
detailed design. RULE-2 will hence be an exercise to
identify risks and ensure that risks raised in RULE-1 are
controlled through elimination or reduced.
10.3.2 RULE-2 Detail Design Review
RULE-2 serves to assist the Designer to review a building’s or

structure’s design progressively as it develops. Although building or
structure design is often done by Consultant Designers on behalf of
the Client, designs can also be done on a D&B basis by a Contractor.
Parts of the building or structure can also be designed by the
Contractor’s Specialist Contractors or other Designers.
i. Schematic or Development Control planning design
RULE-2 address the following:
1. Refer Figure 16: Safety Risk Impact

2. Existing site conditions
3. Conceptual or schematic site planning—constraints and
opportunities
4. Feasibility of construction operations and site
management
5. Design of permanent works—layouts, configurations,
relationships and spatial use or function
6. Developed Buildings Plans
7. Developed BP designs and/or construction contract
RULE-2identifies and addresses hazards as they emerge from the

development of the design, the issues raised during DRRULE-1
should also be reviewed and resolved if possible.
RULE-2 should be done by all the main stakeholders and not just
the Designer in isolation. It is important that proper documentation
is done so that relevant information are passed on and recorded in
the Safety and Health File.
To assist in the RULE-2 Design Review Team, the following

consideration shall be used. While the considerations highlight
important issues, they are not complete and serve only as
references for the team. As such, the team should have
brainstorming sessions to identify hazards and concerns of the
main stakeholders.

Table 7: RULE-2 Detail Design Review Considerations
CONSIDERATION EXPECTED OUTPUT REMARKS
1 Prefabrication a Can elements such as steel

structures be prefabricated,
assembled on ground and then lifted
to position for installation?
b Can the cutting of steel members be
done offsite, under controlled
conditions to reduce the dust
created?
c Can site welding be minimised to
reduce fire or burn risks?
d Can prefabricated nuts and bolts
used as connections?
e Can prefabricated elements be
provided with designed lifting points,
and the weight and centre-of-gravity
marked on the drawings and
prefabricated items?
f If the prefabricated structure is
required to be temporarily
suspended for a period of time
before final installation, are there
means to ensure the hazards arising
this are removed?
g Can joints in vertical steel structure
members be designed such that
bolting can be done on the ground?

h Can connections be designed to
minimise risk of incorrect assembly
(e.g., unique bolt layout for each
connection)?
i Can clear instructions provided on
drawings?
j Can the Designer verify if site
conditions allow for lifting cranes to
be positioned safely before deciding
on prefabrication as the method of
construction?
2 Heavy Lifting a Consider the work process and
equipment required for heavy lifting.
Can the position for parking these
equipment be finalised and
cordoned off?
b Does the lifting equipment need a
customised foundation to minimise
settlement and failure of support?
c Consider the worst case scenario.
Can this scenario be prevented or
managed to minimise injuries?
3 Confined a Does the design create confined
Space space in the permanent or
temporary stage?
b Can the confined space be removed
from the design?
c Can the need to enter the confined
space be minimised by removing
vital equipment or controls out of the

confined space?
4 Falling from a Can the need to work at heights be
Heights removed?
Falling from For example, removing the need to
Heights work at heights when a safe means
of access cannot be provided.
b Can an early installation of
permanent access (e.g., stairs)
reduce the use of ladders or
scaffolds?
c Can fragile roofing materials be
removed or can an alternative
access route to the roof (e.g., a work
platform) be designed?
d Can edge protection or other
features which allow safe access
and construction be designed and
installed?
e Can anchor points for installation of
life-line or safety harnesses be
mounted where work platforms
cannot be installed?
f Can floor openings, if any, be
minimised?
5 Temporary a Can a safer means of access or
Works and egress, instead of temporary means,
Sequencing be used?
b Can the permanent staircase and
lifts be completed first so that they
can be used during the construction

stage?
c Will the design affect the work
process during construction?
d Can temporary works required
during construction be planned for
earlier? For example, specifying the
type and position of temporary
works required to ensure that spatial
considerations are taken into the
account during the design stage.
e Are there special construction
considerations that need to be
highlighted to the Contractor?
f Does the sequence of construction
create any temporary unstable
working platform that requires
additional bracing?
g Can adequate safety factors be
incorporated in the design so that
overloading or collapse of the
permanent or temporary structure is
prevented?
6 a Can the layout be optimised to
prevent any accidents arising from
the flow of traffic, pedestrian,
equipment, and so on within and
Layout
around the site during the
construction stage?
b Consider the flow of traffic,
pedestrian, equipment within and

around the site during the
permanent stage
c Can the layout be optimised to
prevent accidents?
d Is there a need to designate specific
material, equipment, vehicle and
human traffic flow diagram?
7 Access for a Does the provision of access take
Maintenance into account the safe and efficient
movement of maintenance workers
and the tools and equipment needed
to carry out maintenance work?
b Can temporary means of access
(e.g., scaffolding, makeshift ladder,
etc.) be eliminated by providing
workers with permanent safe access
to areas requiring regular
maintenance?
c Does the design incorporate
permanent safety lines, anchorage
and hoisting points into structures
for maintenance work that need to
be carried out at height?
d Can durable materials that require
lower frequency of maintenance be
used (e.g., powder-coated
aluminium materials versus mild
steel materials that require regular
repainting)?
e Can the maintenance work be

carried out at ground level in a safe
and productive manner?
For example, locating air-
conditioning units at ground level,
locating luminaires within reachable
height.
f Does the design create low
headroom that reduce the safety
and efficiency of workers carrying
out the maintenance work?
g Does the design minimise the need
for maintenance workers to enter
ducts and crawlspaces?
h Does the design minimise the need
for the deconstruction of bulkheads,
claddings, casings, and so on,
during routine inspection and
maintenance?
i Does the design allow sufficient
space for vehicles (e.g., cranes,
cherry-pickers) to operate safely and
efficiently during maintenance and
operation of the building?
j Does the design allow for sufficient
working space in M&E rooms and
around M&E equipment for
inspection, maintenance, repair and
replacement of equipment?
k Does the design provide
maintenance access at every level if

there are vertical greenery systems
that span a few storeys?
8 Health a Can less hazardous materials be
Hazards used (e.g. Solvent-free or low
solvent adhesives and water-based
paints?
b Can materials that can create
significant fire risk be removed?
c Can processes that create
hazardous fumes, vapours, dust,
noise or vibration be avoided?
Examples of such process include
disturbing existing asbestos, cutting
chases in brickwork and concrete,
breaking down cast-in-situ piles to
level, scabbling concrete, hand-
digging tunnels, flame-cutting or
sanding areas coated with lead paint
or cadmium.
9 Weather a Is there a possibility of floods
happening in the site? If so, how can
the hazards be minimised in the
temporary and permanent stages?
b Is there a possibility of lightning
strike happening in the site? If so,
how can the hazards be minimised
in the temporary and permanent
stages?
c Are there other adverse weather
conditions that can affect workers’

safety and health on site?
d What are the effects of extreme
temperature or humidity on
instrumentation?
10 Emergency a Is the emergency route for the
Route temporary and permanent stages
the shortest and most direct?
b Are there adequate lighting,
directions, warning and backup
power for mass evacuation of
people along the emergency routes?
11 Others a Are there other major hazards that
need to be dealt with?
b Can sources of substantial stored
energy, such as pre- or post-tension
cables, be specified in the drawings
and highlighted for future
demolition?
c Can alterations that have
significantly changed the building or
structure be highlighted?
d Can disruptions to existing utilities
within occupied buildings be
avoided?
Upon brainstorming of the considerations and identifying hazards;

using the respective risk assessment forms, the Design Review
Team shall complete the process, determine the action plans and
record them accordingly.

Design issues highlighted in RULE-1 should be addressed by the
Designer when he or she is doing the detailed design. RULE-2 will
hence be a session to identify new hazards and making sure that
hazards raised in RULE-1 are eliminated or mitigated.
10.3.3 RULE-3 Pre-Construction Review
RULE-3 purpose is to provide the Design Review Team with a tool to

identify and address risks associated with temporary works design.
Temporary works designs are part of the scope of works in
construction contracts, but sometimes temporary works are designed
by Consultants on behalf of their clients.
RULE-3 typically addresses the following:

i. Employer or consultant design
1. Prescription or specification of site arrangements,
facilities and scheduling requirements
2. Prescription or specification of interim works for
construction of permanent works
ii. Contractor design
1. Interim works for site arrangements and facilities
2. Interim works for construction of permanent works
Composition of the Design Review Team comprise of all stakeholders
performing RULE-1 & RULE-2; Process documentation shall be
similar and outcome recorded and distributed accordingly.
Design aide memoire below shall be considered and not limited to as

provided;

Table 8: RULE-3 Pre-Construction Design Review Consideration
CONSIDERATIONS EXPECTED OUTPUT REMARKS
1 Temporary a Can a safer means of access or

Works and egress, instead of the temporary
Sequencing means, be used?
b Can monitoring instrumentation
that provides early warning of
possible collapse or ground
movements be installed?
c Can the permanent staircase and
lifts be completed first so that they
can be used during the
construction stage?
d Will the design affect the work
process during construction?
e Can temporary works required
during construction be planned for
earlier? For example, specifying
the type and position of temporary
works required to ensure that
spatial considerations are taken
into the account during the design
stage.
f Are there special construction
considerations that need to be
highlighted to the Contractor?
g Does the sequence of
construction create temporary
unstable stage that requires

additional bracing?
h Can adequate safety factors be
incorporated in the design so that
overloading or collapse of the
permanent or temporary structure
is prevented?
i Will there be possible basal heave
and piping during excavation?
j Will there be settlement due to the
proposed project?
k Has a proper schedule for
monitoring of instrumentation
been provided?
l Will there be adverse effects on
adjacent structures during the
removal of temporary works?
m Are there alternatives or
measures that could reduce or
minimise such adverse effects?
2 Specialist a Are there safety concerns on
Design elements of specialist design to
be considered by the Contractor?
b Can alternative safe work
practices be used to mitigate such
concerns?
3 Weather a Is there a possibility of floods
happening in the site? If so, how
can the hazards be minimised in
the temporary and permanent
stages?

b Is there a possibility of lightning
strike happening in the site? If so,
how can the hazards be
minimised in the temporary and
permanent stages?
c Are there other adverse weather
conditions that can affect workers’
safety and health on site?
d What are the effects of extreme
temperature or humidity on
instruments?
4 Others a Have the risks and hazards
identified in DRRULE-1and
DRRULE-2 been addressed or
mitigated?
As prescribed for both RULE 1 & 2, RULE-3 outcome shall be

updated, affected parties notified, and distributed accordingly.
A review of the risk control action plans shall be carried out to

verify its outcome. Aside from going through the RULE-3
Process, further Design Review sessions should be held to
ensure that risks identified in RULE-1 and RULE-2 are eliminated
or mitigated.

11.0 DOCUMENTS TO PRODUCE AND MAINTAIN
All duty holders shall take reasonable steps to fulfil their obligations
and shall provide and maintain as prescribed under OSH Act 1994
Section 15. General duties of employers and self-employed persons
to their employee;
(1) It shall be the duty of every employer and every self-

employed person to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety,
health and welfare at work of all his employees.
This subsection provides for the duty of every employer
to ensure safety, health and welfare at work of all his
employees. However in carrying out this duty the term
‘so far as is practicable’ has been used.
Section 15(2)c: the provision of such information, instruction,

training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is
practicable, the safety and health at work of his employees;
Therefore, all documents described under these Guidance Notes shall

be provided and maintained throughout the lifecycle of the project
including but not limited to:
a) Client Brief (CLB)
b) Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
c) Appointment of Principal Designer& Principal Contractor
d) Design Reviews Report
e) Construction Phase Plan (CPP)
f) Safety & Health Files (SHF)

11.1 Client Brief
Client brief is a document prepared to set out the arrangements of a

project. The client may ask the principal designer to assist in the
development of the client brief. The client brief normally:
a) Describes the main function and operational requirements of
the finished building or structure;
b) Outline your motivation for initiating the project;
c) Give your expectations of how the project is going to be
managed throughout the project including its safety and
health management;
d) Explain the design direction you have in mind;
e) Establish a single point of contact for any client queries or
discussions during the project;
f) Set a realistic time-frame and budget.
11.2 Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
Pre-construction information is information about the project that is

already in the client’s possession or which is reasonably obtainable by
or on behalf of the client. It should be gathered and added to as the
design process progresses and reflect new information about the
safety and health risks and how they should be managed.
The client has the main duty for providing pre-construction

information. They should provide this information as soon as
practicable to designer and principal designer; and to contractor and
principal contractor; that are being considered for appointment or
already appointed to the project. If more than one contractor is
involved, client can seek help from principal designer to draw and
gather the information and provide it to the designers and contractors

involved. For single contractor projects, it is the client’s responsibility
alone but they can liaise with the contractor (and any designer) they
appoint to provide whatever information is needed.
The pre-construction information should include information that is

relevant and adequate to the project:
a) Description of the project
b) Client’s considerations and management requirements
c) Environmental restrictions and existing on-site risks
d) Significant design and construction hazards
e) The safety and health file
11.3 Appointment of principal designer and principal contractor
Client making appointments is suggested to use the standard safety

and health questions in Appendix 1 Example of OSH Capabilities
Questionnaire in the Guideline on Contract Management or Publicly
Available Specification 91:2013 Construction related procurement.
These pre-qualification questionnaires are useful aids in selecting the
suitable. Using these questions is one way of helping to assess
organisational capability. Client should also check that the designer or
contractor has enough experience and a good record in managing the
risks involved in projects. The formal appointments of designers and
contractors should be made in written.
Documentation of the pre-qualification checks and assessments will

support the reasonable steps taken by client (or anyone appointed by
client) to satisfy themselves that those who will carry out the work have
the skills, knowledge, experience, and, where they are an organisation,

the organisational capability to carry out the work in a way that secures
safety and health.
11.4 Design Risk Management Reviews
Design reviews outcomes as prescribed in Section 10.3.1 (RULE-1),

Section 10.3.2 (RULE-2) and Section 10.3.3 (RULE-3) shall be
updated, affected parties shall be notified, and the outcomes shall be
distributed accordingly. A review of the risk control action plans shall
be carried out to verify its outcome. Aside from going through the
RULE-3 Process, further Design Review sessions should be held to
ensure that risks identified in RULE-1 and RULE-2 are eliminated or
mitigated.
Client should ensure that all these design reviews outcomes and
action plans for risk control shall be documented, updated and
distributed accordingly.
11.5 Construction Phase Plan (CPP)
Principal Designer, on behalf of Client should ensure that construction

phase plan is drawn up by the Contractor (for single project
contractor) or Principal Contractor (for project with several
contractors). On a large or complex project, Client is advised to make
some enquiry into or inspection of the construction phase plan before
construction work begins. As a minimum, Client should inspect the
plan before construction begins to check if specific measures have
been included for the construction site activities that are specifically
identified in the Factories and Machinery (Building Operations and
Works of Engineering Construction) (Safety )Regulations and that
there will be adequate welfare facilities.

The drawn up construction phase plan should adequately addresses
the arrangements for managing the risks; and the principal contractor
(or contractor) regularly reviews and revises the plan to ensure it takes
account of any changes that occur as construction progresses and
continues to be fit for purpose.
11.6 Safety and Health File
The Principal Designer s h o u l d prepare the Safety and Health File for
a project. It is sensible for Client to require a warranty from the
Principal Designer, or Principal Contractor, that the safety and health
file will comply with requirements as in OSHCIM Guidelines 2017.
As the project progresses, the Principal Designer should regularly

updates, reviews and revises the safety and health file to take account
of the work and any changes that have occurred. If the Principal
Designer’s appointment finishes before the end of the project, the
Principal Designer should pass the Safety and Health File to the
Principal Contractor, who then should take on the responsibility for the
file. Once the project finished, the Principal Designer should pass to
Client the Safety and Health File. In cases where the principal
designer has left the project before it finishes, it will be for the principal
contractor to pass the file to the client.
The client should then retain the file and ensure it is available to
anyone who may need it for as long as it is relevant – normally the
lifetime of the building – to enable them to comply with safety and
health requirements during any subsequent project. It can be kept
electronically, on paper, on film, or any other durable form.

If a client disposes of their interest in the building, they should give the
file to the individual or organisation who takes on the client duties and
ensure that the new client is aware of the nature and purpose of the
file. If they sell part of a building, any relevant information in the file
should be passed or copied to the new owner. If the client leases out
all or part of the building, arrangements should be made for the file to
be made available to leaseholders. If the leaseholder acts as a client
for a future construction project, the leaseholder and the original client
should arrange for the file to be made available to the new principal
designer.
11.7 Distribution of Documents
Figure 17: Information Flow

11.7.1 What to acquire?
a) Obtain formal appointment letter from Client;

b) Obtain Client brief and Pre-Construction Information or relevant
information to assist on the development of the Client Brief &
Pre-Construction Information for the Clients;
i. The Client may ask the Principal Designer to assist in the
development of the Client Brief;
c) Obtain Construction Phase Plan (CPP) from the Contractor(s) or
Principal Contractor;
11.7.2 What to distribute?
Principal Designer required to distribute to Principal Contractor;
a) Client Brief
b) Pre-Construction Information
c) Safety & Health File (Containing all relevant documents
including Design Reviews Output)

12.0 APPENDIXES
12.1 Examples
a) Principal Designer Appointment Letter
b) Client Principal Designer Assessment
c) Pre-Construction Information
d) Example of Qualitative Risk Assessment Form
e) Safety & Health File
f) Construction Phase Plan
12.2 Checklist
a) Duties of Clients
b) Pre-Construction Client (HSE UK Industry Guidance 2015)
c) Duties Holders Considerations (HK OSHEC & DEVB Guidance
Notes 2010)
i. Client (Pre-tender/Pre-Construction)
ii. PD & Designer (Pre-tender/Pre-Construction)
iii. PC & Contractor (Pre-Construction/Construction/Post
Construction)
d) RIBA Plan of Work 2013 (Royal Institute of British Architects)
e) Preliminary Hazard Analysis ((HK OSHEC & DEVB Guidance
Notes 2010)
f) Safety & Health File Content
g) PD Checklist Design Options To Control Risks In Various
Stages Of The Lifecycle
12.3 Table
a) Structure for the preliminary hazard identification
b) The red, amber and green lists (RAG Lists)

13.0 REFERENCE
13.1 Reference Publications
a) Malaysia DOSH Guidelines

i. Occupational Safety & Health Act 1994 2006
ii. Hazard Identification Risk Assessment & Risk Control2008
iii. OSH Guideline On Contract Management 2015
iv. Appendix 1 Example of OSH Capabilities Questionnaireor
v. BSI PAS 91:2013 Construction related procurement. Pre-
qualification questionnaires
b) Malaysia CIDB Publications
i. CIDB CREAM Incorporating OSH Into Tender Document
2018
ii. https://www.cream.my/main/index.php/research-
development-r-d/quality-safety-
professionalism/category/22-potential-contract#
c) Malaysia JKR
i. Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia Specifications For
Occupational Safety And Health For Engineering
Construction Works 2011
d) Singapore
i. MoM Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines Design for
Safety 2016
ii. BCA SG Design For Maintainability Checklist Version 1.3
2016
iii. BCA SG Façade Access Design Guide 2017
iv. BCA SG BIM for DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and
Assembly) Essential Guide 2016
v. BCA SG Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)
(Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction) 2017

13.2 Case Studies further readings
a) The case for CDM: better safer design a pilot study. Prepared by
Greenstreet Berman Ltd for the Safety and health Executive 2003,
Research Report 148;
b) London 2012: The Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2007 – Duty holder roles and impact; Prepared by
Frontline Consultants for the Safety and health Executive and the
Institution of Civil Engineers 2012;
c) Design Best Practice – Promoting Safety in Design.
d) http://www.dbp.org.uk/welcome.htm
e) The commercial case for applying CDM Case studies: Prepared by
Habilis Safety and health Solutions Ltd for the Safety and health
Executive 2006; Research Report 467;
f) Guidance Notes of Design for Safety – Work Examples ; Hong
Kong Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) 2006;
g) Construction Design and Management – Worked Examples; The
Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB), the Hong
Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) and the Occupational Safety and
Health Council (OSHC) 2006;
h) Guide to Best Practice for Safer Construction: Case studies. Kerry
Brown, Rachel Ryan, Michael Charles Cooperative Research
Centre for Construction Innovation 2007;
i) Barrett, S. (2015). Safe design in practice: For designers of
structures. Safe Design Australia, Edn 2.

APPENDIX 1. Sample of Principal Designer Appointment Letter
Date:
Address:
LETTER OF APPOINTMENT – PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

Dear Sir,
In accordance with the requirements of Guidelines on Occupational Safety and
Specimen
Health in Construction Industry (Management) 2017 (OSHCIM Guidelines 2017),
in my role as Client representative, on behalf of UniversitiTeknologi Malaysia, I
hereby appoint “CONTRACTOR NAME” as Principal Designer for the “NAME
OF PROJECT and SITE LOCATION”.
UniversitiTeknologi Malaysia acknowledge its obligation in accordance to

OSHCIM Guidelines 2017.
Please confirm in writing the receipt of this Letter of Appointment and that
“CONTRACTOR NAME” is aware and will fulfil your obligations as detailed in
OSHCIM Guidelines 2017.
If you require any further assistance, please let me know.
Yours sincerely,
Contracts Manager

APPENDIX 2. Sample of Client Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
The Client must provide Pre-construction Information (PCI) as soon as

practicable to every designer and contractor appointed (or being
considered) to the project.
Notes:
1) PCI – is information in the client’s possession or which is reasonably
obtainable by or on behalf of the client, which is relevant to the
construction work and is of an appropriate level of detail and
proportionate to the risks involved.
2) PCI includes A) information about – i) the project; ii) planning and
management of the project; iii) safety and health hazards; and B)
information in any existing safety and health file.
3) PCI should be gathered and added to as design process progresses.
THE PROJECT
Has the client prepared a project brief?
If so, attach a copy or state where held
What are the key dates of the
construction phase?
Is there any other information
regarding the project which should be
included in the PCI?
PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT

What resources and time are being
allocated to each stage of the project?
What are the arrangements to ensure
there is cooperation between duty
holders and that the work is
coordinated?

Is there any other information
regarding the project planning and
management which should be included
in the PCI?
SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARDS

What are design and construction
safety and health hazards (of the site)?
(e.g. asbestos as revealed by surveys,
location of existing services etc.)
How will these hazards be addressed?
Are there any other matters relating to
design and construction health or
safety hazards which should be
included in the PCI?
(e.g. structural drawings)
INFORMATION IN ANY SAFETY & HEALTH FILE (SHF)

Is there an existing SHF prepared
under the Guideline on OSHCI (M)
2017?
If so, attach a copy or state where it
can be seen
What relevant information is in the
existing SHF which should be included
in the PCI?
OTHER INFORMATION
Is there any other information which
should be included in the PCI?
FURTHER GUIDANCE

APPENDIX 3. Sample of Client Principal Designer Assessment
Construction project Clients must appoint, in writing, a Principal

Designer (PD) where it is foreseeable there will be more than one
contractor working on a project at any time. The appointment must be
made as early as possible in the design process.
Notes:
1) The PD is the designer with control over the pre-construction phase.
2) If the client fails to appoint a PD the client must fulfil the PD duties.
APPOINTMENT TIMING
When will PD appointment commence?
When is it anticipated the PD appointment

will cease?
CLIENT MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

What are the client arrangements for
managing the project, including the
allocation of sufficient time and other
resources?
How will the client ensure the arrangements
are maintained and re-viewed throughout
the project?
(e.g. key milestones where progress is
assessed to determine whether health and
safety standards are being met or
independent review of standards on larger
projects)
How does the client intend to check that the
PD is complying with PD duties?

What assistance (beyond PCI assistance
below) will the PD be asked to provide to the
project client?
PRE-CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION (PCI)

What pre-construction information is in the
possession of the client?
What other reasonably obtainable pre-
construction information will the client
provide?
How will the client expect the PD to assist in
provision of PCI?
How will the above information be presented
and provided to designers and contractors?
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY
What steps will the client take to be satisfied

that the PD has the necessary skills,
knowledge and experience to carry out the
PD role in a manner that secures the health
and safety of any person affected by the
project?
What steps will the client take to be satisfied
that the PD has the necessary
organisational capability to carry out the PD
role in a manner that secures the health and
safety of any person affected by the project?
How will the client check that the PD has
sufficient experience and a good track
record in managing the health and safety
risks involved in the project?
(e.g. checks carried out at the final stage

after pre-qualification checks have been
completed and before appointments are
made)
How will the client use membership of an
established professional institution or body
when assessing the requirements for
designers, architects and other construction
professionals?
(e.g. bodies with arrangements which
provide some reassurance that health and
safety formed part of their route to
membership of their profession)
How will the client use the services of an
independent (third party) assessor to assess
PD organisational capability?
PLANNING, MANAGING AND MONITORING RISK

How will the PD plan, manage and monitor
the pre-construction phase to ensure that
the project is carried out without risks to
health or safety?
How will the PD take into account the
general principles of prevention and the
content of any construction phase plan and
safety and health File during the project?
How will the PD identify and eliminate or
control foreseeable risks to the health or
safety of any person carrying out or affected
by construction work; maintaining or
cleaning a structure; or using a structure as
a place of work?

How will the PD ensure all designers comply
with their duties to eliminate, reduce and
control risk through the design process?
How will the PD ensure all designers
provide information about the above risks
and information to assist others in complying
with their duties?
COORDINATION DURING PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

How will the PD coordinate matters relating
to health and safety during the pre-
construction phase?
COOPERATION DURING PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

How will the PD ensure that all persons
working in relation to the pre-construction
phase cooperate with the client, PD and
each other?
LIAISON WITH PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR

How will the PD ensure liaison with the PC
and sharing with the PC information relevant
to the planning, management and
monitoring of the construction phase and the
coordination of health and safety matters
during the construction phase?
SAFETY AND HEALTH FILE PREPARATION

What arrangements will the PD have in
place to prepare a file containing H&S
information likely to be needed during any
subsequent project?
What arrangements will the PD have in
place to ensure file is reviewed, updated etc.

from time to time and passed to the client at
the end of the project?
NOTIFICATION OF PROJECT
Who will notify the project to the relevant
enforcing authority of the project where
required?
Who will ensure the notification is posted in
the construction site office?
FURTHER GUIDANCE
* The sample above stated the minimum requirement.

APPENDIX 4. A sample of Qualitative Risk Assessment Form
SHEET NO.
JOB NO. PROJECT: REVISION
1of
PROJECT RISK REGISTER
PREPARED DATE :
STAGE APPROVED BY :
BY:
PD/PC
DATE RISK
TO
OR
WHO RISK CLIENT/ INCLUDE
ELEMENT DWG/ LIST HAZARD
LIKELY TO IS THE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTION PD TO IN
NO OF SPEC POSSIBLE REMOVED
BE ACCEPTABLE ACTION REQUIRED INCLUDE HEALTH
DESIGN REF HAZARDS FROM LIST
HARMED REQUIRED IN PCI &
& BY
SAFETY
WHOME
FILE
PROJECT LEADER COMMENTS : H&S MANAGER COMMENTS: ISSUED TO PRINCIPAL DATE :

DESIGNER
DATE : DATE : ISSUED TO DATE :
OTHERDESIGNER

APPENDIX 5. A sample of Construction Phase Plan (CPP)
During the Pre-construction phase (before setting up a construction site) the

Principal Contractor (PC) or Contractor on single contractor projects must
draw up a Construction Phase Plan (CPP).
Notes:
CPP must set out the Safety and Health arrangements and site rules taking account,
where necessary, of the industrial activities taking place on the construction site and,
where applicable, must include specific measures under Factories And Machinery
(Building Operations And Works Of Engineering Construction) (Safety) Regulations
1986.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
What are the key dates?

Who are the key members of the project team?
What are the arrangements for this plan to be reviewed, updated
and revised?
PROJECT HEALTH AND SAFETY AIMS
What are the H&S aims for the project?
SITE RULES
What are the rules for PPE?

What are the rules for parking?
What are the rules for use of radios?
What are the rules for use of mobiles?
What are the rules for smoking?
What are the rules for restricted areas?
What are the rules for hot works?
What other rules are in place?
Is it necessary to have translations of site rules available?

How are site rules brought to the attention of everyone on
site?
COOPERATION ARRANGEMENT
What are the arrangement to ensure cooperation between the

project team members and coordination of their work?
WORKER INVOLVEMENT ARRANGEMENT
What are the arrangements for involving workers?
SITE INDUCTION
What are the arrangements for site induction?
WELFARE FACILITIES
What are the welfare facilities provided on site?
FIRE AND EMERGENCY
What are the fire and emergency procedures?
SPECIFIC MEASURES (SM)
Based on Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health in Construction Industry

(Management), Appendix 4: Work involving particular risks:
1. Work which puts workers at risk of burial under earthfalls, engulfment in
swampland or falling from a height, where the risk is particularly
aggravated by the nature of the work or processes used or by the
environment at the place of work or site.
2. Work which puts workers at risk from chemical or biological substances
constituting a particular danger to the health or safety of workers or
involving a legal requirement for health monitoring.
3. Work with ionizing radiation.
4. Work near high voltage power lines.
5. Work exposing workers to the risk of drowning.

6. Work on wells, underground earthworks and tunnels.
7. Work carried out by divers having a system of air supply.
8. Work carried out by workers in caissons with a compressed air
atmosphere.
9. Work involving the use of explosives.
10. Work involving the assembly or dismantling of heavy prefabricated

components.
What are the Specific Measures for the following activities?
a) Excavation work
b) Work at height
c) Lifting operations
d) Substances hazardous to health
e) High voltage power lines
f) Drowning risk
g) Ionising radiations work
h) Confined spaces
i) Diving
j) Compressed air in caissons
k) Explosives
Are there any other specific measures appropriate for inclusion
in the CPP?
MONITORING AND REVIEW
What are the arrangements for monitoring effectiveness of this

plan in addressing identified risks?
How does the PC cooperate with contractors to confirm that the
plan remains fit for purpose and risk controls are working?
FURTHER GUIDANCE
*This CPP list down the minimum requirement

APPENDIX 6. A sample of Safety and Health File (SHF)
During the Pre-construction phase the Principal Designer (PD) must

prepare a Safety and Health File (SHF) appropriate to the
characteristics of the project which contains information relating to the
project which is likely to be needed during any subsequent project to
ensure the safety and health of any person.
Notes:
1) The PD must ensure that the SHF is appropriately reviewed, updated
and revised from time to time to take account of the work and any
changes that have occurred.
2) Enough details should be provided in SHF to allow the likely risks to be
identified and addressed by those carrying out the work.
2) SHF should NOT include things such as pre-construction information,
construction phase plan, contractual documents, safety method
statements etc.
3) Information must be in a CONVENIENT form, CLEAR, CONCISE and
easily UNDERSTANDABLE.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK CARRIED OUT
What work has been carried out within

the scope of the project?
HAZARDS NOT ELIMINATED
Are there any hazards which have not

been eliminated through design and
construction processes?
How have any such been addressed?
(e.g. surveys or other information
concerning asbestos or contaminated
land)

KEY STRUCTURAL PRINCIPLES
What are the key structural principles?

(e.g. bracing, sources of substantial
stored energy including pre- or post-
tensioned members)
What are the safe working loads for floors
and roofs?
Are there any other relevant information
regarding key structural principles which
should be included in SHF?
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS USED
Are there any hazardous materials used?

(e.g. lead and special coatings)
INFORMATION ON REMOVAL OR DISMANTLING ETC. OF INSTALLED
PLANT OR EQUIPMENT
Are there any special arrangements for
lifting such equipment?
Is there any other such information which
should be included in the SHF?
SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION ON EQUIPMENT FOR CLEANING
OR MAINTAINING THE STRUCTURE
What information on equipment for
cleaning the structure should be included
in the SHF?
What information on equipment for
maintaining the structure should be
included in the SHF?
NATURE, LOCATION AND MARKINGS OF SIGNIFICANT SERVICES
What information should be included in

the SHF regarding underground cables?

the SHF regarding gas supply
equipment?
the SHF regarding fire-fighting services?
What other information services should
be included in the SHF?
INFORMATION AND AS-BUILT DRAWINGS OF THE BUILDING, PLANT
AND EQUIPMENT
What are the safe means of access to
and from service voids and fire doors?
What other information of this type should
be included in the SHF?
FURTHER GUIDANCE

APPENDIX 7. Checklist for Duty Holders
APPENDIX 7.1. Checklist for Duties of Client
NO a) DUTIES OF CLIENT YES NO ACTION

The main duties of the client on all construction
projects are to:
Ensure that suitable management arrangements
1
are made for the project.
Select & appoint a competent and resourced
2
Principal Designer.
Select & appoint a competent and resourced
3
Principal Contractor.
Notify the relevant enforcing authority of certain
4
projects (notifiable).
Ensure sufficient time and resources are
5
allowed for all stages of the project.
Provide the pre-construction information (PCI) to
6
the designers and contractors.
Verify the sufficiency of the construction phase
7 plan (CPP) prior to construction
commencement.
Verify that suitable welfare facilities are in place
8
prior to construction commencement.
Contractor training – Ensure the necessary
information, instruction and training is received
9
and appropriate supervision is provided to
comply with the regulations.
Ensure co-operation and co-ordination between
10 the client's employees and client contractors
with the project contractors where the client's

work activities overlap the construction work and
to enable others to perform their duties.
Subsequent to receipt of the safety and health
File from the Principal Designer, maintain the
11 information up to date and provide access to
any person who needs to see it for health and
safety purposes.
NO b) PRE-CONSTRUCTION CLIENT YES NO ACTION
1 Are you clear about your responsibilities?
2 Have you made your formal appointments?
3 Have you checked that the principal designer
or designer has the capability and necessary
skills, knowledge, training and experience to
fulfil their duties?
4 Have you checked that the principal
contractor or contractor has the capability and
necessary skills, knowledge, training and
experience to fulfil their duties?
5 Have you checked that the project team is
adequately resourced?
6 Has a project or client brief been issued to the
project team?
7 Has the project team been provided with
information about the existing site or structure
(pre-construction information)?
8 Do you have access to project-specific health
and safety advice?
9 Are suitable arrangements in place to manage
health and safety throughout the project?
10 Has a schedule of the key activities for the
project been produced?

11 Has sufficient time been allowed to complete
the key activities?
12 Have you checked that a construction phase
plan has been adequately developed before
work starts on site?
13 Are you satisfied that suitable welfare facilities
have been provided before work starts on site?
14 Have you agreed the format and content of the
safety and health file?
* Adopted from HSE UK CDM2015. The Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations 2015 Industry guidance for Clients

APPENDIX 7.2. Checklist of Consideration for Client
CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS
NO PRE-TENDER STAGE YES NO ACTION
1 Does the content of the proposed project come
within any of the definitions for construction
work?
2 Does the project team identify who will be the
client? (A group of clients can elect one of them
to be treated as the client.)
3 Do you need to appoint any designers and/or
Principal Designer (PD)?
4 Does the designated Client been informed of
the need to prepare the CLIENT BRIEF and the
Pre-Construction Information to the Principal
Designer?
5 Do competent duty holders, i.e. designers
and/or Principal Designer (PD), be appointed
for the proposed project?
6 Do you give the information to the designers
and/or PD about the project in advance of the
works?
7 Do you involve as much as possible in the
meeting with designers and/or PD for the
design work?
8 Have you conducted the Preliminary Hazard
Analysis (PHA) or Hazard Identification
(HAZID)?
9 Have you prepared the Hazard and Impact
Summary?
NO PRE-CONSTRUCTION STAGE YES NO ACTION

10 Is the client's management system capable of
responding in case there is any amendment for
the designs / construction works?
11 Have you gathered the pre-construction
information in your possession after making
appropriate searches and enquiries including:
12 Any information about or affecting the site or the
construction?
13 Any information concerning the proposed use of
the structure?
14 Any information which should be contained in
the Client Brief for the PD?
15 The time allocated for the pre-construction
before commencement of construction work?
16 An existing 'Safety & Health File' in respect of
the structure?
17 Do you take advice from the duty holders and
allow sufficient time and resources for carrying
the project?
18 Have you identified the appointments for
contractors and/or Principal Contractor
(PC)?
Have you assessed the competence of such
19
contractors?
Have you ensured that the contractors who
20 have been, or may be appointed by you, are
provided with pre-construction information?
Have you made provision within the project
21 documentation for the appointed by you, are
provided with pre-construction information?

Have you provided within the project
22 documentation the requirements and provisions
for coordination with you and other parties?
Have you ensured the contractor has
23 appropriate welfare in place, e.g. toilets, water
and restrooms before work starts?
Have you ensured that the contractor has made
24 provision for complying with the tender
requirements?
Are there any particular hazards or risks that
25 should be included in the construction stage
plan?
Have you taken all reasonable steps to ensure
that the arrangements for managing the
26
construction work are suitable to ensure there is
no risk to the safety and health of any persons?
Have you taken all reasonable steps to ensure
27 that the requirements are complied with for all
persons carrying out construction work?
Have you ensured that the contractor has

28
updated the existing 'Safety & Health File'?

APPENDIX 7.3. Checklist of Consideration for Principal Designer and
Designers
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & DESIGNER(S) CONSIDERATIONS

NO PRE-TENDER STAGE YES NO ACTION
1 Have you checked that the client is aware of his
duties?
2 Have you checked the competence of any sub-
designers working for you?
3 Have you received the 'Safety and Health File'
and the information you need to complete the
design?
4 Have you ensured the design process fulfils the
"Prevention through Design" or "Design for
Safety" principle?
5 Have you identified hazards and foreseeable
risks to those involved in the construction and
future use of the structure?
6 Have you established how your design can be
constructed without risk and without adverse
effect on the health and safety of construction
workers, cleaners and other occupants?
7 Have you coordinated with others to complete
your design for the construction work?
8 For the design of a workplace, have you taken
account of any relevant health and safety
legislation?
9 Is the pre-construction information issued
promptly to all those designing the structure?
10 Does the Preliminary Hazard Analysis is
conducted?

11 Does the Hazard and Impact Summary is
prepared?
12 Does Pre-tender Health and Safety Plan is
prepared?
13 Are competent duty holders, i.e. contractors,
have been appointed for the project?
14 Have you provided sufficient information about
specific aspects of the design that will assist
clients, other designers and contractors?
15 Have you cooperated with others involved in a
project and identified those who need to
cooperate with you?
16 Have you provided sufficient information about
any significant risks connected with the design to
other duty holders?
17 Have you ensured that suitable arrangements
are in place for cooperation, coordination and
communication between the duty holders?
18 Have you taken all reasonable steps to provide
design information with respect to the 'Health
and Safety File'?

APPENDIX 7.4. Checklist of Consideration for Principal Contractor and
Contractors
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR & CONTRACTOR(S) CONSIDERATIONS

NO PRE-CONSTRUCTION STAGE YES NO ACTION
1 Are you aware of your duties as contractor?
Are you competent to undertake the duties of
contractor in dealing with the health and safety issues
2
involved in the management of the construction
stage?
Have you taken steps to ensure that the construction
stage is properly planned, managed and monitored,
3
with adequate resources and competent site
management appropriate to the risk and activity?
Have you ensured that all the foreseeable health and
4 safety issues are addressed in the Outline Health and

Safety Plan?
Have you ensured that the construction plan is
5
completed before construction work begins?
Is the Construction Phase Plan or Safety and Health
6
Plan prepared?
NO CONSTRUCTION STAGE YES NO ACTION

Have you provided the duty holders with the
7 information necessary and relevant to the 'Health and

Safety File'?
Have you taken steps to prepare a construction plan
which has been developed in discussion with, and
8
communicated to contractors whose own construction
work will be affected by it?
Have you allocated sufficient time and other
9
resources?

Have you provided every sub-contractor who will
work on the project with the information needed for
10
the amount of time they will be allowed for planning
and preparation before the start of construction work?
Have you provided every sub-contractor who will
work on the site with the information about the project
11
that they will need for planning their own construction
work without risk to health and safety?
Have you coordinated your activities with other
12 stakeholders to ensure the health and safety of those

carrying out the construction work?
Have you established a communication system to
facilitate cooperation between the contractors and
13
coordination of their respective construction works to
ensure safe working?
Have you ensured effective project management is
14 being taken by coordination, cooperation and

communication?
Do you have a management system in place to
ensure that the construction stage plan is
15
implemented and reviewed and updated the as the
project progresses?
Have you taken reasonable steps to prevent
16
unauthorized access to the site?
Have you ensured that there will be suitable welfare
17 facilities for all construction workers on the site at the

start of the construction stage?
Have you satisfied yourself that the sub-contractors
18 and designers you engage are competent and

adequately resourced?
19 Have you published and circulated the necessary site

rules together with the means of policing and
enforcing such rules?
20 Have you provided access to the relevant part of the
construction plan to contractors in sufficient time for
them to plan their work?
21 Have you liaised with the duty holders on design
carried out and/or completed during the construction
stage and considered its implications on the
construction plan?
Have you satisfied yourself that all workers in a
22 construction site have been provided with suitable

health and safety induction, information and training?
Have you taken steps to ensure that the workforce is
23 consulted about health and safety matters and

implement procedures to facilitate cooperation?
Have you reported anything likely to endanger
24
yourselves or others to those in control?
Have you ensured that the existing 'Safety and Health
25
File' will be kept updated?
NO POST CONSTRUCTION STAGE YES NO ACTION

Have you passed the 'Health and Safety File' to the
26 Maintenance Supervisor or other related

stakeholders?
Have you attended the post-construction workshop
27 for receiving any review/feedback from all the

stakeholders?
Have you recorded all the opinions from the post-
28 construction workshop as a reference for the next

project?
*Adopted from (HK OSHEC & DEVB Guidance Notes 2010)

APPENDIX 8. Construction Plan of Work
The Construction Plan of Work

1 – Preparation & Brief
Project Role Party Tasks to be undertaken
Provide information for and contribute to contents of
All roles
Project Execution Plan as required.
Contribute to development of Initial Project Brief
Client and/or including Project Objectives, Quality Objectives,
client adviser Project Outcomes, Sustainability Aspirations, Project
Budget, and other parameters or constraints.
Develop Initial Project Brief with project team
including Project Objectives, Quality Objectives,
Project Outcomes, Sustainability Aspirations, Project
Budget and other parameters or constraints.
Collate comments and facilitate workshops as
required to develop Initial Project Brief.
Prepare Project Roles Table and Contractual Tree
and continue assembling and appointing project team
Project lead 0 members.
Prepare Schedule of Services and develop Design
Responsibility Matrix including Information
Exchanges with lead designer.
Review Project Programme and Feasibility Studies.
Prepare Handover Strategy, Risk Assessments and
Project Execution Plan.
Monitor and review progress and performance of
project team.
Where required, contribute to preparation of Initial
Lead
0 Project Brief.
designer
Contribute to assembling of project team.

Contribute to preparation of Handover Strategy and
Risk Assessments.
Comment on Project Programme.
Monitor and review progress and performance of
design team.
Contribute to preparation of Initial Project Brief.
Discuss project with appropriate planning authority.
Architect 0
Undertake Feasibility Studies.
Prepare Site Information report.
Building Contribute to preparation of Initial Project Brief.
services 0
Contribute to Site Information report.
engineer
Civil & Contribute to preparation of Initial Project Brief.
structural 0
Contribute to Site Information report.
engineer
Cost Contribute to preparation of Initial Project Brief.
0
consultant Prepare Project Budget in consultation with client.
Construction
0 N/A
lead
Contract
Administratio 0 N/A
n
Health &
0
safety adviser
All additional Where required, contribute to preparation of Initial
project roles Project Brief.
*Construction Plan of Work based on RIBA Plan of Work 2013

APPENDIX 9. Sample of Preliminary Hazard Analysis (Adopted from HK OSHEC & DEVB Guidance Notes 2010)
Significant Hazards Significant Hazards Identified During Design

KEY
and Designers' Action (Tick if applicable)
Design Areas and C=Comments/Qualification;
Construction/ I=Information required to assist
Others
Maintenance design; G=Guidance, summary of
Asbestos
Activities Principles of Prevention that MUST
be applied to a significant risk when
Falling Objects
Contamination
Highway Traffic
Fall From Height

Confined Spaces
designing; A=Avoidance (Design to
Manual Handling
Restricted Access
Deep Excavations
Lifting Operations
Site Plant Vehicles

avoid identified hazards but beware
Noise and Vibration
Collapsing Structure
Fire Means of Escape
Cut/ Drilling Concrete

Interface With Others
of introducing others); CT=Control
Access for Maintenance

Component Replacement
and Transfer (Design to provide
Buried/ Overhead Services

Temporary Works Required
acceptable safeguards or transfer the
Working Over or Near Water

hazard with information)
Site Set Up Logistics
Access to Site
Site Offices and Compound
Site Surveys
Temp Services
Public/ Highway Traffic Safety
Demolition and Dismantling
Design Areas and Associated
Construction Activities
Ground Excavation Works
Piling
Concrete Substructure
Slabs
Interfaces
Drainage and Utility Services
Superstructure Frame
Superstructure Flooring
Notes: The activities and hazards are listed for reference, other related should be considered depends on actual condition

APPENDIX 10. Sample of Safety & Health File Content
EXAMPLE OF A NON EXHAUSTIVE SAFETY & HEALTH FILE

CONTENTS
N Ye N Remark
Content
o s o s
1 A brief description of the work carried out;
2 Historic site data;
Any hazards that have not been eliminated
through the design and construction processes,
and how they have been addressed, ground
3 investigation reports and records (for example,
surveys or other information concerning asbestos
or contaminated land), site survey information
and pre- and post-construction phase;
4 Investigation reports and records;
5 Photographic records of essential site elements;
Statement of design philosophy, key structural
principles (for example, bracing, sources of
substantial stored energy - including pre- or post-
6
tensioned members) and safe working loads for
floors and roofs, calculations and applicable
design standards;
Drawings and plans used throughout the
7 construction process, including drawings
prepared for tender purposes;
Record drawings and plans of the completed
8 structure showing, where appropriate, means of
safe access to service voids;
Materials used in the structure identifying, in
9
particular, hazardous materials (for example, lead

paints and special coatings), including data
sheets prepared and supplied by suppliers and
information provided by the client;
Information regarding the handling and/or
operation together with the relevant maintenance
manuals, with particular regard to removal or
10
dismantling of installed plant and equipment (for
example, any special arrangements for lifting
such equipment);
Safety and health information about equipment
11
provided for cleaning or maintaining the structure;
12 The results of proofing or load tests;
13 The commissioning test results;
The nature, location and markings of significant
services, including underground cables; gas or
14 fuel supply equipment; in-built safety features, for
example emergency fire-fighting systems and
fail-safe devices;
Information and as-built drawings of the building,
its plant and equipment (for example, the means
15
of safe access to and from service voids and fire
doors).

APPENDIX 11. Sample of Preliminary Hazard Identification
STRUCTURE OF PRELIMINARY HAZID

Potential design issues that may affect safety include:
 Proximity to adjacent property or nearby roads/airports
 Surrounding land use
 Previous land use e.g. Heavy metal soil contamination
 Clearances required for construction equipment and
techniques
 Demolition of existing assets
Siting of
 Proximity to underground or overhead services —
structure
especially electric lines
/equipment
 Exposure of workers to adjacent traffic or other
hazards
 Site conditions — including foundations, and
construction over other assets or over water
 Safety of the public and adjacent workers
 Use of adjacent streets.
 Emergency evacuation plan
 Heavy lifting;
 Multiple use Lifting Equipment for a single load;
 Storage and handling of hazardous material;
High Risk  Work with high energy hazards (for example,
Critical pressure);
Operation(s)  Health hazards such as biological materials;
 Use of plant such as forklift trucks;
 Confined space entry;
 Others.
Systems of The systems of work (including cleaning and
work maintenance activities) that pose risks, for example:

(involving the  Rapid construction techniques, i.e. pre-fabrication
interaction versus in situ construction
of persons with  Materials to be used in construction
the  Staging and coordination with other works
structure)  Sub-contracting – ensuring communication via
principal contractor or contractor
 Inadequate pedestrian or vehicle separation
 Restricted access for building and plant maintenance
 Hazardous manual tasks
 Working at height
 Exposure to occupational violence.
Consider both technical and human factors, including
humans’ ability to change behaviour to compensate
for design changes. Anticipate misuse throughout the
lifecycle.
Impact of adverse natural events such as cyclones, floods
and earthquakes, inadequate ventilation or lighting, high
Environmental
background noise levels and welfare facilities that do not
conditions
meet workplace needs, shelter from extremes of heat and
ultraviolet radiation.
The possibility of the structure to exacerbate the
Emergency consequences after an incident due to inadequate egress,
Preparedness siting of assembly areas, inadequate emergency services
access.

APPENDIX 12. The red, amber and green lists (RAG Lists)
RAG lists are practical aids to designers on what to eliminate, avoid and
encourage. The HSE are keen to stress these are not "right" or "wrong"
ideas but are a basis for a debate forum to take design safety onto the next
level, and can be amended to be more specific to what a particular design
organisation does.
Red, Amber, Green (RAG) Lists
RED LISTS
Hazardous procedures, products and processes that should be
eliminated from the project where possible.
o Lack of adequate pre-construction information (e.g. asbestos surveys,
details of geology, obstructions, services, ground contamination and so on).
o Hand-scabbling of concrete (e.g. ‘stop ends’).
o Demolition by hand-held breakers of the top sections of concrete piles (pile
cropping techniques are available).
o Specification of fragile roof lights and roofing assemblies.
o Processes giving rise to large quantities of dust (e.g. dry cutting, blasting
and so on).
o On-site spraying of harmful substances.
o Specification of structural steelwork which is not purposely designed to
accommodate safety nets.
o Designing roof mounted services that require access (for maintenance and
so on), without provision for safe access (e.g. barriers).
o Glazing that cannot be accessed safely. All glazing should be anticipated as
requiring cleaning replacement, so a safe system of access is essential.
o Entrances, floors, ramps, stairs and escalators not specifically designed to
avoid slips and trips during use and maintenance, including taking into
account the effect of rain water and spillages.
o Design of environments involving adverse lighting, noise, vibration,

temperature, wetness, humidity and draughts or chemical and/or biological
conditions during use and maintenance operations.
o Designs of structures that do not allow for fire containment during
construction.
AMBER LISTS
Products, processes and procedures to be eliminated or reduced as far as
possible and only specified or allowed if unavoidable. Including amber
items would always lead to the provision of information to the principal
contractor.
o Internal manholes and inspection chambers in circulation areas.

o External manholes in heavily used vehicle access zones.
o Specification of ‘lip’ details (i.e. trip hazards) at the tops of pre-cast concrete
staircases.
o Specification of small steps (e.g. risers) in external paved areas.
o Specification of heavy building blocks (e.g. those weighing more than
20kgs).
o Large and heavy glass panels.
o Chasing out concrete, brick or blockwork walls or floors for the installation of
services.
o Specification of heavy lintels (slim metal of hollow concrete lintels are better
alternatives).
o Specification of solvent-based paints and thinners, or isocyanates,
particularly for use in confined areas.
o Specification of curtain wall or panel system without provision for tying or
raking scaffolds.
o Specification of blockwork wall more than 3.5 metres high using retarded
mortar mixes.
o Site traffic routes that do not allow for one-way systems and/or vehicular
traffic segregated from site personnel
o Site layout that does not allow adequate room for delivery and/or storage of

materials, including site specific components.
o Heavy construction components which cannot be handled using mechanical
lifting devices (because of access restrictions/floor loading and so on).
o On-site welding, in particular for new structures.
o Use of large piling rigs and cranes near live railways and overhead electric
power lines or where proximity to obstructions prevents guarding of rigs.
GREEN LISTS
Products, processes and procedures to be positively encouraged.
o Adequate access for construction vehicles to minimise reversing

requirements (one-way systems and turning radii).
o Provision of adequate access and headroom for maintenance in plant room,
and adequate provision for replacing heavy components.
o Thoughtful location of mechanical and electrical equipment, light fittings,
security devices and so on to facilitate access, and placed away from
crowded areas.
o Specification of concrete products with pre-cast fixings to avoid drilling.
o Specification of half board sizes for plasterboard sheets to make handling
easier.
o Early installation of permanent means of access, and prefabricated
staircases with hand rails.
o Provision of edge protection at permanent works where there is a
foreseeable risk of falls after handover.
o Practical and safe methods of window cleaning (e.g. from the inside)
o Appointment of a temporary works co-ordinator (BS 5975)
o Off-site timber treatment if PPA- and CCA-based preservatives are used
(boron or copper salts can be used for cut ends on site).
o Off-site fabrication and prefabricated elements to minimise on site hazards.
o Encourage the use of engineering controls to minimise the use of personal
protective equipment.


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DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH

MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page 1 of 145

DOSH Malaysia makes no warranty with respect to the accuracy and

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page i of 145

Project –Means a project which includes or is intended to include

Structures –Are defined as any permanent or temporary structures,

Reasonably practicable –Means that the degree of risk in a

Person is defined as anyone:

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page ii of 145

Domestic Clients – Domestic client means client for whom a

Contractor suitability – The test of suitability will include an

Management Corporation –In relation to any subdivided building

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page iii of 145

a) OSHCIM Guidelines 2017 – Guideline on Occupational Safety &

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page iv of 145

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 1

1.1 Scope & Application.......................................................................... 1

1.2 General Principles ............................................................................ 2

1.3 Design Risk Management Concept .................................................. 3

1.4 Who can be principal designer?........................................................ 4

2.0 WHAT IS SAFE BY DESIGN? ............................................................. 6

2.1.1 Design for safe construction ....................................................... 8

2.1.2 Design to facilitate safe use ....................................................... 9

2.1.3 Design for safe maintenance.................................................... 10

2.1.4 Modification .............................................................................. 11

2.1.5 Demolition and dismantling ...................................................... 12

3.0 WHO ARE DESIGNER(S) ................................................................. 13

4.0 WHO ARE PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD) .......................................... 15

5.0 DESIGNER(S) AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER ROLE ......................... 17

5.1 Role Summary ................................................................................ 17

5.1.1 Preparation of Pre-Construction Information ............................ 18

5.1.2 Design risk management.......................................................... 19

5.1.3 Cooperation of all involved ....................................................... 19

5.1.4 Extent of the role ...................................................................... 20

6.0 DUTIES OF DESIGNER(S) ............................................................... 21

7.0 DUTIES OF PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD) ........................................ 28

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR Page v of 145

8.1 Pre-Construction Phase .................................................................. 33

8.1.1 Summary of Critical Tasks for Principal Designer .................... 34

8.2 During Construction Phase ............................................................. 35

8.3 Post Construction Phase ................................................................ 38

9.0 DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT ......................................................... 40

9.1 Hazard Identification ....................................................................... 43

9.1.1 Consideration of Type of Hazards ............................................ 43

9.1.2 Consideration of Particular Risks ............................................. 45

9.1.3 Hazard Identification and Assessment Methodology ................ 49

9.2 Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HAZAN) ........................... 50

9.2.1 Hazard Analysis ....................................................................... 50

9.2.2 Risk Assessment...................................................................... 53

9.3 Risk Control .................................................................................... 54

9.3.1 Types of Control ....................................................................... 55

9.4 Risk Reduction Strategy based on Hierarchy of Control ................. 59

9.4.1 Integrating Design & Risk Management for Design Review

9.5 Communicating the Residual Risk .................................................. 62

10.0 DESIGN REVIEW PROCEDURE ........................................................ 64

10.1 Design Review Procedure Overview ........................................... 67

10.2 Design Review Basic Rule .......................................................... 69

10.3 Design Review Rule Samples ..................................................... 72

10.3.1 RULE-1 Concept Design Review ......................................... 72

10.3.2 RULE-2 Detail Design Review ............................................. 76

10.3.3 RULE-3 Pre-Construction Review....................................... 86