What document must be in place before the construction phase begins?

• A. Project brief.
• B. Risk assessment plan.
• C. Written construction phase plan.
• D. Construction program.

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is that a formal plan detailing how health and safety will be managed on site must be in place before any construction work starts. This is the written construction phase plan, a document required by CDM regulations to coordinate safety across designers and contractors and to lay out the arrangements for the build.

Why this is the best choice: The plan provides the framework for safe delivery on site. It covers who is responsible, how risks will be controlled, site rules, welfare, emergency procedures, access and supervision, and how subcontractors will be managed. It ensures that everyone knows how the project will be run safely and that arrangements are in place before activities begin, which is essential for starting construction.

While other documents like the project brief, a risk assessment plan, or the construction program are important, they do not by themselves establish the overarching safety management approach required to commence construction. The project brief defines client needs, the construction program schedules work, and a risk assessment is part of safety work but does not replace the comprehensive safety framework that the written construction phase plan provides.