Some construction projects must be notified to HSE before work starts, usually with the online F10 form. Notification does not change anyone’s duties under CDM 2015, but it is a legal requirement, and the notice must be displayed on site.
When a project is notifiable
Under regulation 6 of CDM 2015, a project is notifiable if the construction work is scheduled 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.
Who notifies, and when
The client must give the notice in writing as soon as is practicable before the construction phase begins. Clients often ask someone else, such as the principal designer or principal contractor, to submit it for them, but the duty stays with the client. Work on the railways is notified to the Office of Rail and Road, and work on nuclear sites to the Office for Nuclear Regulation, instead of HSE.
Displaying the notice
The notice must be clearly displayed in the construction site office, where any worker on the project can read it, and updated if the details change, for example when the principal contractor is appointed or the dates move.
Worked examples
- A 12-week extension with up to 8 people on site: 60 working days, never more than 20 workers at once, and at most 480 person days. Not notifiable, but CDM 2015 still applies in full.
- A 20-week new build with 25 workers on site during the frame and fit-out: longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers at once. Notifiable.
- An 8-week refurbishment averaging 15 workers a day: 40 working days at 15 workers is 600 person days. Notifiable on person days, even though there are never more than 20 workers at once.
What notification does not change
Every project, notifiable or not, needs a construction phase plan, and a principal designer and principal contractor where there is more than one contractor. Notification only tells the regulator that the project exists.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a person day?
One person, including supervisors and specialists, carrying out construction work for one normal working shift.
Who notifies for a domestic client?
A domestic client’s duties normally pass to the contractor, or the principal contractor where there is more than one, so they give the notice.
What if a project becomes notifiable after it starts?
Notify as soon as you know, for example when the programme extends or more workers are needed than planned, and display the notice on site.
This guide is general information for UK businesses, not legal advice. Check the current regulations and HSE guidance at hse.gov.uk, and take professional advice for your situation.