What an F10 is
An F10 is the form you use to notify HSE of a construction project under CDM 2015. HSE sends a unique serial number when the form is submitted. The notice must be displayed in the construction site office, where workers can read it.
When a project is notifiable
A project is notifiable when it meets either test below. Count every day construction work is likely to happen, including weekends and bank holidays. The workers test looks at the busiest point of the project, so more than 20 workers at the same time, even once, meets it.
| Test | Notifiable when |
|---|---|
| Duration and workers | The work lasts longer than 30 working days and has more than 20 workers on site at the same time |
| Person days | The work goes over 500 person days |
Sources: CDM 2015, regulation 6; HSE, CDM 2015 FAQ
Who sends the F10
A business client sends the F10, and someone else can send it for them. When the client is a homeowner, the contractor sends the F10. Where there is more than one contractor, the principal contractor sends it for the homeowner. The principal designer can send it instead if there is a written agreement.
How to send and change an F10
Use HSE's online F10 form. HSE no longer processes paper forms or accepts notifications by email or post. Have the contact details for the client, principal designer and principal contractor ready. On a single-contractor project, enter the contractor as both principal designer and principal contractor, and say so in the free text box. To change a notification later, use HSE's edit service with the serial number and the email address on the form.
Source: HSE, F10 notification form
Principal designer and principal contractor
When more than one contractor will work on a project, the client must appoint a principal designer and a principal contractor in writing. The appointments must be made before the construction phase starts. A business client who does not appoint them takes on their duties. If a homeowner does not appoint them, the designer in control of the pre-construction phase becomes principal designer. The contractor in control of the construction phase becomes principal contractor.
Sources: CDM 2015, regulation 5; CDM 2015, regulation 7
CDM 2015 applies whether or not you send an F10
CDM 2015 applies to all construction work, including domestic projects. Principal contractors usually ask every contractor for a risk assessment and method statement before work starts.
Source: HSE, CDM 2015 FAQ
FAQ
- Do weekends count as working days for an F10?
- Weekends count if construction work is likely to happen on them. HSE says to count every day work is likely to be carried out, including weekends and holidays.
- What is a person day?
- A person day is one worker on site for one day. Add up each worker's days on site to get the total. Four workers for 30 days is 120 person days.
- Do homeowners send an F10?
- Homeowners do not send the F10 themselves. The contractor, or the principal contractor where there is more than one, sends the F10 for them. The principal designer can send it instead if there is a written agreement.
- Can I send an F10 by email or post?
- HSE only accepts the online F10 form. Paper forms, email and post are not accepted.
- When should the F10 be sent?
- Send the F10 as soon as you can before the construction phase starts.
- Where do I display the F10?
- Display the F10 in the construction site office, where workers can read it. Keep the displayed copy up to date if the details change.