What Are F10 Notification Requirements?

The F10 notification is a requirement under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 which were implemented to ensure the safety of construction workers.

In this article we will explore what F10 notifications are, why they’re important for construction projects and how to submit them.

What is an F10 Notification?

An F10 notification is a formal notice sent to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prior to the start of a construction project. It outlines the project’s scope and expected timeline, and how it meets the safety criteria of the CDM 2015 regulations.

It is necessary to submit an F10 notification when the project meets one or both of the following criteria:

• The project will last for more than 30 working days on site and there will be more than 20 persons working simultaneously at any one time
• The project involves more than 500 person days on site

The purpose of the F10 notification is to instil best safety practices and standards, particularly on larger scale, higher risk construction projects that often require the collaboration of several contractors.

Why is the F10 notification important for construction projects?

The F10 notification allows the HSE to monitor the safety of construction projects and enforce safety standards where appropriate. It is a critical regulation of the construction sector; a high risk industry which experienced 51 fatal injuries in 2023/24.

Submitting an F10 notification makes a project compliant with health and safety regulations and ensuring that all parties involved are aware of their responsibilities.

The requirement for F10 notification is not limited to building sites. The term ‘construction work’ was extended in the CDM 2015 regulations to also apply to other projects such as civil engineering, film and theatre sets and general engineering projects.

Upon receipt of an F10 notification, the HSE:

• Assesses whether an on-site inspection is necessary
• Issues guidance for specific hazards
• Addresses potential risks
• Determines accountability
• Tracks compliance.

There is no stipulation for the timing of an HSE F10 notification, other than it must be submitted as soon as is practicable and before the project begins.

The impact of non-compliance with F10 notification

Compliance with HSE F10 notification is essential. Where an F10 notification breach occurs, the HSE can issue fines, delay a project or shut it down completely, all of which are costly and damaging to the reputation of the offending construction company and its chances of securing new contracts.

F10 notification requirements

The information to be submitted in an F10 notification is as follows:

• The date of the notice submission
• The address of the construction site or its location
• The name of the site’s local authority
• A brief description of the project and the construction work involved
• Contact details of the client, principal designer and principal contractor
• The anticipated start date
• The time allocated by the client for the work under regulation 4 (1)
• The expected duration of the construction phase
• The maximum number of workers expected on the construction site
• The planned number of contractors on the construction site
• The name and contact details of contractors who have already been appointed
• The name and contact details of any designers who have already been appointed
• A declaration. This must be signed by, or on behalf of, the client stating that the client is aware of their responsibilities as outlined in the regulations.

Based on the criteria of F10 notifications, here is an example of when an F10 notification requirement is not required:

The project: A bar refurbishment

Expected time on site: 35 days

Number of workers simultaneously on site: 10

Total person days: 350 person days (10 workers x 35 days)

The F10 notification is not required because neither criteria has been met (there are fewer than 20 workers on the site simultaneously, and fewer than 500 person days in total)

Here is an example of when an F10 notification is required:

The project: A leisure centre extension

Expected time on site: Three months (around 90 days)

Number of workers simultaneously on site: 25

Total person days: 2250 (25 workers x 90 days)

Here, the parameters for an F10 notification have been met.

How to submit an F10 notification step-by-step

• If you are a commercial client, you must submit the F10 notification to the HSE
• If you are a domestic client, your contractor or principal contractor must submit the F10 notification, or your principal designer if there is an agreement that they will carry out your duties on your behalf.

To submit the F10 notification:

• The person responsible should go to the HSE website at https://www.hse.gov.uk/forms/notification/f10.htm
• Click on ‘Go to form F10’
• Click on ‘create a notification’
• Follow the form, providing all the required information as detailed above.

Tips for completing F10 notifications

As previously mentioned, failure to comply with F10 notifications can cause major problems for your project. Here are some tips to avoid such complications:

• Determine who will be responsible for F10 notifications as early as possible
• Submit the F10 notification before the project begins
• If there are any changes to the project, update the F10 notification accordingly. It is a live document that should be referred to throughout
• Make sure that all affected team members fully understand their responsibilities regarding CDM 2015. Training in compliance and risk management will be beneficial
• Have F10 notification and CDM documentation accessible at all times
• Communicate any changes to the F10 notification to relevant personnel straight away.

F10 notification criteria – key takeaways

In conclusion, understanding and adhering to F10 notification requirements is crucial for ensuring the safety and success of any construction project. By submitting the necessary information to the HSE, project stakeholders demonstrate their commitment to compliance with CDM 2015 regulations. This not only minimizes risks and protects workers but also helps to avoid costly delays, fines, and reputational damage. Compliance Chain assists public sector clients and contractors in managing their project, supply chain and social value activities. Ensuring that your construction projects remain compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations. For more information contact us today via email info@compliancechain.com or call us on 0333 577 7575.