F10 HSE Notification: When Is Your Project Notifiable Under CDM 2015?

The F10 notification is a cornerstone of construction project health and safety in the UK, mandated by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). It's the formal way to inform the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about certain construction projects before they begin. But when exactly is an F10 required, who is responsible for submitting it, and what are the implications if you don't?

Getting this right isn't just about ticking a box; it's about transparency and demonstrating a commitment to safety from the outset. This article will cut through the waffle to give you the definitive guide to F10 notifications under CDM 2015.

The F10 Notification Thresholds: When is it Required?

Not every minor building job needs an F10. CDM 2015 Regulation 6 sets out specific thresholds that trigger the requirement for notification. A project must be notified 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.

Let's break that down. The '30 working days' refers to the overall duration of the project, not just when workers are on site. The '20 workers simultaneously' means the maximum number of people working at any one time, irrespective of how many come and go during the project. The '500 person-days' threshold is an aggregate; if one person works for 500 days, or 500 people work for one day, it meets this criterion. You need to consider either of these thresholds being met for an F10 to be necessary. It's not an 'and' condition.

It's critical to make this assessment at the planning stage. Don't wait until you're halfway through the project to realise you should have notified.

Who is Responsible for Notifying the HSE?

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 6(1), the primary duty to notify the HSE rests with the Client. This is a crucial point many incorrectly attribute to the Principal Contractor or Principal Designer.

However, while the Client holds the ultimate responsibility, they often rely on the Principal Designer (PD) to assist with this duty, especially if the Client is not experienced in construction matters. The PD's role, as defined in CDM 2015, includes assisting the Client in providing pre-construction information, which naturally extends to helping determine if an F10 is needed and providing the necessary information for its completion. This collaborative approach ensures the notification is accurate and submitted on time.

It's important for the Client to understand that even with PD support, the legal duty remains theirs. They cannot simply delegate and forget.

What Information Goes on the F10 Form?

The F10 form itself is relatively straightforward and gathers essential information about the project. This data allows the HSE to gain an overview of larger construction sites in their area and plan any potential interventions or inspections.

Key information required on the F10 includes:

The HSE provides a dedicated online portal for submitting F10 notifications. This is the preferred method, ensuring efficiency and accurate data capture. Prior to this, you could submit physical forms but this is largely phased out now.

• The date of the notification.
• The name and address of the Client.
• The name and address of the Principal Designer (PD).
• The name and address of the Principal Contractor (PC).
• The precise address of the construction site.
• A brief description of the project, e.g., 'construction of a new retail unit' or 'refurbishment of an existing office building'.
• The planned start date of the construction work.
• The planned duration of the construction work.
• The estimated maximum number of people on site at any one time.
• The estimated number of person-days of work.
• Contact details for the Client, PD, and PC.

Updating the F10 and Displaying it On Site

Things change on construction projects, and the F10 needs to reflect reality. If there are significant changes to the information provided in the initial notification – for example, a substantial extension to the project duration, a change in Principal Contractor or Principal Designer, or a marked increase in the number of workers – the Client (or the PD on their behalf) must update the F10 notification to the HSE.

This ensures the HSE always has current and accurate details for notified projects. Failure to update significant changes could be seen as non-compliance with CDM 2015 Regulation 6(6).

Beyond notification, CDM 2015 Regulation 6(7) also requires a copy of the F10 notification to be clearly displayed on the construction site. This makes project-specific health and safety information readily available to all workers, visitors, and, crucially, to any HSE inspector visiting the site. Typically, this would be on a site information board at the entrance or in the site office, ensuring it's accessible and visible to everyone.

The Consequences of Failing to Notify

Ignoring the F10 notification requirement is a serious matter. CDM 2015 is a legal instrument, and non-compliance carries significant risks and potential penalties.

Firstly, failing to notify the HSE is a breach of CDM 2015 Regulation 6. This can lead to enforcement action from the HSE, which could include:

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the F10 notification?

The F10 is a formal notification to the HSE about certain construction projects. Its purpose is to inform the HSE about significant construction work so they can target their inspection and advisory resources effectively and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Can the Principal Contractor submit the F10?

While the Principal Contractor plays a vital role in managing the construction phase, the legal duty for submitting the F10 notification rests with the Client. They may be assisted by the Principal Designer, but the ultimate responsibility remains with the Client.

What counts as 'person-days' for the F10 threshold?

A 'person-day' is one person working for one day. If 10 people work for 50 days, that's 500 person-days (10 x 50). It's an aggregate measure of the total labour expected on the project.

Do I need to display the F10 on site?

Yes, CDM 2015 Regulation 6(7) specifically requires that a copy of the F10 notification be clearly displayed on the construction site, making it visible to anyone working on or visiting the site.

What if my project falls below the F10 threshold?

If your project doesn't meet either the 30-day/20-worker or 500 person-day thresholds, an F10 notification to the HSE is not required. However, all other duties under CDM 2015 and other relevant health and safety legislation (like HASAWA 1974 and MHSWR 1999) still apply.

Summary

The F10 notification is a critical administrative step for specific UK construction projects under CDM 2015. It's the Client's responsibility, often supported by the Principal Designer, to submit and update this form when thresholds are met. Failure to comply can lead to serious legal repercussions and demonstrates a lack of commitment to foundational health and safety principles. By understanding and adhering to these requirements, all parties contribute to a safer construction environment and demonstrate proactive risk management.

Related reading

• CDM 2015 small builder guide
• When CDM 2015 applies
• Construction safety documents