When is a health and safety file needed?
CDM 2015 requires a health and safety file on projects involving more than one contractor. The principal designer prepares it during the pre-construction phase, and it is updated throughout. At the end of the project it is passed to the client. If the principal designer's appointment ends first, the file passes to the principal contractor to finish and hand over.
What to include
Only information that will help someone work safely on the building in future. Typical contents:
- A brief description of the work carried out.
- Residual hazards and how they were dealt with: surveys of asbestos, contaminated land, buried services.
- Key structural principles, such as bracing and safe working loads for floors and roofs.
- Hazardous materials used, such as lead paint and special coatings.
- Information about removing or dismantling installed plant and equipment.
- Equipment for cleaning or maintaining the structure, such as roof anchor points.
- The nature, location and markings of significant services, including fire-fighting services.
- As-built drawings of the structure, its plant and equipment.
Keep it short and useful. HSE warns against filling the file with general product brochures or certificates that don't help future work. A thin, relevant file is better than a thick one nobody reads.
Health and safety file contents checklist
HSF-CHK · Rev A| Check | Yes / No / N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Description of the work carried out | ||
| Residual hazards and how they were dealt with | ||
| Asbestos and other surveys | ||
| Key structural principles and safe working loads | ||
| Hazardous materials used | ||
| Removal or dismantling of plant and equipment | ||
| Cleaning and maintenance equipment (e.g. anchor points) | ||
| Location and markings of services | ||
| As-built drawings | ||
| Handed to client (date) |
Health and safety file vs construction phase plan
| Construction phase plan | Health and safety file | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Managing risks during the build | Information for future work on the building |
| Who writes it | Principal contractor or contractor | Principal designer |
| When needed | Every project | Projects with more than one contractor |
| Who keeps it | Site team, during the job | The client, for the life of the building |
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for the health and safety file?
The principal designer prepares, reviews and updates it. The client must keep it and make it available to anyone who needs it for future work.
Is a health and safety file needed for a single contractor job?
No. CDM 2015 only requires a health and safety file where there is more than one contractor on the project.
How long should the client keep the health and safety file?
For the life of the building, and pass it on if the building is sold.
Sources
This guide is written from the legislation and HSE guidance below. Last checked 23 October 2026.