So Far As Reasonably Practicable (SFARP) - A commentary for designers in construction

Date: 12 January 2010

The Designers legal duty to eliminate or reduce risk 'so far as is reasonably practicable' (SFARP) has caused some concern to designers since CDM was first introduced. With input from a range of construction institutions, the paper outlines the difficulties Designers face in relation to its implementation and how these issues are still relevant today.

So Far As Reasonably Practicable (SFARP) - A commentary for designers in construction — Implementing 'SFARP' is at the heart of the construction design process.

This report has been created to generate industry discussion amongst construction industry organisations and the HSE. Designers have a requirement to exercise a legal duty 'so far as is reasonably practicable' (SFARP) and this is at the centre of the construction design process. If uncertain as to the sufficiency of their actions, there is a real concern that Designers may be become unduly risk averse.

This paper provides a background to SFARP and explains the issues. It is hoped that a consensus may be reached as to a compliant route through the design process and ambiguity may be reduced.

So Far Is Reasonably Practicable

Content type: Briefing sheet

Last updated: 28 April 2022

Author: ICE

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John Carpenter, design risk management specialist at Self employed

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