Journey
CDM compliance quick check
Quick CDM checklist before construction begins. Four key actions: check if notifiable, appoint duty holders, submit F10 if required, ensure construction phase plan exists.
CDM pre-construction checklist
Four compliance checks before construction starts. Run through in order.
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Is your project notifiable?
Quick check:
- Will construction last longer than 30 working days AND have more than 20 workers (21 or more) on site simultaneously at any point? Notifiable
- Will total person-days exceed 500? Notifiable
- Neither threshold met? Not notifiable (but CDM still applies)
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Appoint Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
Required if: More than one contractor will work on the project (simultaneously or sequentially).
England building work: these CDM appointments are separate from the Building Regulations principal designer and principal contractor appointments (Building Regulations 2010 Part 2A, SI 2023/911), which are also required for building work in England subject to building regulations with more than one contractor. Make both sets of appointments.
Appoint Principal Designer
Must be a designer with control over pre-construction phase. Appoint in writing before design work starts.
Appoint Principal Contractor
Must be a contractor. Appoint in writing before construction phase begins.
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Submit F10 notification (if notifiable)
If your project exceeds notification thresholds, notify HSE before construction begins.
Submit F10 notification to HSE
Online form takes 10-15 minutes. You need project details, duty holder contact info, and planned dates.
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Ensure construction phase plan exists
Mandatory for ALL projects - not just notifiable ones. No plan = no construction.
Create construction phase plan
Principal Contractor prepares this before construction starts. Must address specific project risks.
Pre-construction deadlines
Action Deadline Appoint Principal Designer Before design work starts (ideally) / Before construction (latest) Appoint Principal Contractor Before construction phase begins Submit F10 (if notifiable) Before construction phase begins Construction phase plan ready Before any construction work starts Welfare facilities in place Before workers arrive on site CDM client duties - full guide
Comprehensive guide to all your CDM obligations as a construction client