Before a construction project starts on site, the Client has a specific duty under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015, to notify the enforcing authority for health and safety, should the project meet any of the following criteria:
i) The construction phase is likely to last longer than 500-person days, or
ii) Last longer than 30 days of construction work and involve more than 20 workers working simultaneously at any point in the project
The Client is required to submit a notice in writing as soon as practicable before construction works is due to commence, or they must ensure that this is done by a third party on their behalf. A copy of the notification, also referred to as the “F10”, must be issued to the Principal Contractor or Contractor for display in the construction site office; fail to display the F10 may result in a fine.
The Client’s duty doesn’t end there, where there are changes in the project particulars such as a change in the details of a duty holder, change in programme or scope of works, then modifications or updates should be sent making it clear that they relate to an earlier notification.
The CDM Myth – CDM Only Applies If My Project Is Notifiable!
There are many people who are under the impression that the CDM Regulations only apply if a project is notifiable. Let’s be clear, all construction work falls under the CDM Regulations, regardless of time, duration, numbers of workers, complexity, levels of risk etc. So, whether a project is notifiable or not, is irrelevant, the CDM Regulations will apply!
Who Is The Enforcing Authority For My Project?
The Enforcing Authority that is notified will depend on the nature of your project. Most projects are notified to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), however, if your project is on the railway then notification will need to be made to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) should be notified if works are undertaken on a nuclear licenced site.
How Do I Make Notification To The Enforcing Authority?
The CDM Regulations state that the Client must submit a notice in writing, however, the easiest way is to submit an electronic notification, providing the details outlined in Schedule 1 of CDM 2015.
Need Help?
If you are unsure whether your project is notifiable, or you need support or assistance to comply with your CDM duties, then please contact one of our CDM Consultants today to talk through your project. Sound friendly advice is only a phone call away. Call Marpal on 01332 668877 or email us at [email protected].
