Understanding CDM 2015 Notification Requirements

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) require certain construction projects to be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) before work begins. This is done using an F10 notification form.

What Makes a Project Notifiable?

A construction project is notifiable if the construction work is expected to:

• Last longer than 30 working days AND have more than 20 workers working simultaneously at any point in the project, OR
• Exceed 500 person-days of construction work

What are Person-Days?

A person-day is one individual working for one normal working day. For example:

• 5 workers for 100 days = 500 person-days
• 10 workers for 50 days = 500 person-days
• 50 workers for 10 days = 500 person-days

Who is Responsible for Notification?

On a notifiable project, the client is responsible for ensuring the project is notified to the HSE. However, this duty can be delegated to the Principal Designer or Principal Contractor with the client's written agreement.

What Information is Required?

The F10 form requires:

• Project address and description
• Client details
• Principal Designer and Principal Contractor details
• Planned start date and duration
• Maximum number of workers expected on site

Non-Notifiable Projects Still Need Compliance

Even if your project is not notifiable, CDM 2015 still applies. You must still:

• Manage health and safety risks
• Appoint duty holders where required
• Prepare a construction phase plan
• Provide welfare facilities