F10 notification: when it’s needed, who sends it and how

What is F10 notification?

Under regulation 6 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), the client must give HSE notice in writing of a notifiable construction project. F10 is the name of HSE’s online form for that notice: “F10 – Notification of construction project”.

When is F10 notification required?

Regulation 6(1) of CDM 2015 says a project is notifiable if the construction work on a construction site is scheduled (planned) to:

• last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working simultaneously (at the same time) at any point in the project, or
• exceed 500 person days.

Either test on its own makes the project notifiable. The first test needs both parts: a long job with a small gang doesn’t meet it, and nor does a short job with a big one.

Counting the days. HSE says every day on which construction work is likely to be carried out should be counted, even if the work on that day is of a short duration, and that this includes holidays and weekends. CDM 2015 defines a working day as “any day on which construction work takes place”.

Who sends it

The client has the duty to notify (regulation 6(2)). HSE says that in practice the client may ask someone else to notify on their behalf.

Domestic clients. A domestic client is a client for whom a project is being carried out which is not in the course or furtherance of a business of that client (regulation 2). For a domestic client, regulation 7(1) says the duty is carried out by:

• the contractor, where there is only one contractor;
• the principal contractor, where there is more than one contractor; or
• the principal designer, where there is a written agreement that the principal designer will fulfil those duties.

Rail, nuclear and defence sites. Where the Office of Rail and Road is the enforcing authority for the work, the client notifies the Office of Rail and Road instead of HSE. Where the work is on a GB nuclear site, an authorised defence site or a new nuclear build site, the client notifies the Office for Nuclear Regulation (regulation 6(4) and (5)).

When to send it

As soon as is practicable before the construction phase begins (regulation 6(2)).

The F10 notification form: what it asks for

Schedule 1 of CDM 2015 lists the particulars the notice must contain. HSE says you must know the contact details for the client, principal designer and principal contractor before you start.

1. The date of forwarding the notice.
2. The address of the construction site or precise description of its location.
3. The name of the local authority where the construction site is located.
4. A brief description of the project and the construction work that it entails.
5. The following contact details of the client: name, address, telephone number and (if available) an email address.
6. The following contact details of the principal designer: name, address, telephone number and (if available) an email address.
7. The following contact details of the principal contractor: name, address, telephone number and (if available) an email address.
8. The date planned for the start of the construction phase.
9. The time allocated by the client under regulation 4(1) for the construction work.
10. The planned duration of the construction phase.
11. The estimated maximum number of people at work on the construction site.
12. The planned number of contractors on the construction site.
13. The name and address of any contractor already appointed.
14. The name and address of any designer already appointed.
15. A declaration signed by or on behalf of the client that the client is aware of the client duties under these Regulations.

Only one contractor? HSE says that for a notifiable project with only one contractor, the client does not need to appoint a principal designer or principal contractor. On the form, put the sole contractor’s name as the principal designer and as the principal contractor, and use the free text box to explain that it’s a single contractor project.

How to send it

• Use HSE’s online F10 form. HSE no longer processes paper forms or accepts notifications by email or post.
• Once you’ve submitted it, HSE sends you a unique serial number, which you use to access or edit the notification.
• You can save the form once the required fields are complete and the declaration is made, and download a PDF copy from the confirmation screen.
• For help with the form, HSE’s page gives the contact details for its Customer Services Team.

After you’ve sent it

Regulation 6(3) says the notice must be clearly displayed in the construction site office, in a comprehensible form where it can be read by any worker engaged in the construction work, and periodically updated if necessary.

If your project isn’t notifiable

CDM 2015 still applies to every project, notifiable or not. Every project needs a construction phase plan.

HSE says CDM 2015 applies to all construction work, including domestic projects. If you’re the only contractor or the principal contractor, you must draw up a construction phase plan (regulations 12(1) and 15(5)). HSE says it should be proportionate to the size and scale of the job.

Questions

What is an F10 notification?

It is the notice a client gives HSE about a notifiable construction project, under regulation 6 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. F10 is the name of HSE’s online form for it.

When is F10 notification required?

Under CDM 2015 regulation 6(1), a project is notifiable if the construction work on a construction site is scheduled (planned) to last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working simultaneously (at the same time) at any point in the project, or exceed 500 person days.

Do weekends and bank holidays count towards the 30 working days and 500 person days?

Yes. HSE says every day on which construction work is likely to be carried out should be counted, even if the work on that day is of a short duration. This includes holidays and weekends.

Who must send the F10 notification?

The client. HSE says the client may ask someone else to notify on their behalf. For a domestic client, the contractor (where there is only one contractor), the principal contractor (where there is more than one) or the principal designer (where there is a written agreement) carries out the duty.

When must the F10 be sent?

As soon as is practicable before the construction phase begins (CDM 2015 regulation 6(2)).

Can I send an F10 by email or post?

No. HSE says it no longer processes paper forms or accepts notifications by email or post. Use HSE’s online F10 form.

Where is the F10 notice displayed?

Clearly displayed in the construction site office, in a comprehensible form where it can be read by any worker engaged in the construction work. It must be periodically updated if necessary (CDM 2015 regulation 6(3)).

Does CDM 2015 apply if my project is not notifiable?

Yes. HSE says CDM 2015 applies to all construction work, including domestic projects. The only contractor or the principal contractor must draw up a construction phase plan.