Free Construction Phase Plan Checklist

Construction Phase Plan Checklist FAQs

• Is this Construction Phase Plan Checklist free?

  Yes. It is free to download, with no sign-up and no email address needed. Select Download the Word checklist and the file downloads straight away.

• What format is the checklist?

  A Microsoft Word document (.docx) of 12 A4 pages, with no macros. It has project details on the first page, a set-up page, eleven numbered review sections including a Schedule 3 table, a practical final review, an outstanding actions table, key references and a completed / reviewed record. Each prompt is a Word content control, and each check has tick boxes with space for the evidence, reference or action. The document is not locked, so it can be adapted, printed, or saved as a PDF once completed.

• Is a Construction Phase Plan required on every construction project?

  Yes. A Construction Phase Plan is required for every construction project to which CDM 2015 applies, including single-contractor and multi-contractor projects, whatever its size (regulation 4(5)(a) (opens in a new tab), regulation 12(1) (opens in a new tab) and regulation 15(5) (opens in a new tab)). It should be proportionate to the project.

• Is a CPP required on a single-contractor project?

  Yes. On a single-contractor project, the contractor must draw up the plan, or arrange for it to be drawn up, as soon as is practicable before setting up the construction site (regulation 15(5) (opens in a new tab)). No Principal Designer or Principal Contractor appointment is needed where there is only one contractor.

• Does a project need to be F10-notifiable to require a CPP?

  No. F10 notification is a separate Regulation 6 requirement (regulation 6 (opens in a new tab)), and notification status does not determine whether a Construction Phase Plan is required. The F10 Notification Calculator checks the notification thresholds.

• Who prepares the Construction Phase Plan?

  On a multi-contractor project, the Principal Contractor draws up the plan or arranges for it to be drawn up (regulation 12(1) (opens in a new tab)). On a single-contractor project, the contractor does (regulation 15(5) (opens in a new tab)). The client must ensure a plan has been drawn up before the construction phase begins (regulation 4(5)(a) (opens in a new tab)). The Principal Designer assists the Principal Contractor by providing relevant information (regulation 12(3) (opens in a new tab)) but does not prepare or approve the plan.

• When does the Construction Phase Plan need to be prepared?

  CDM 2015 sets three separate provisions. The client must ensure it is drawn up before the construction phase begins. The Principal Contractor draws it up during the pre-construction phase and before setting up the construction site. A single contractor draws it up as soon as is practicable before setting up the construction site.

• Does the client have to approve the Construction Phase Plan?

  CDM 2015 does not prescribe a formal client approval certificate or CPP sign-off. The client must ensure the plan is drawn up before the construction phase begins and, on a multi-contractor project, take reasonable steps to ensure the Principal Contractor complies with Regulations 12 to 14 (regulation 4(6) (opens in a new tab)). HSE guidance says the client should ensure the plan adequately addresses the arrangements for managing the risks and is regularly reviewed and revised (L153 (opens in a new tab), Appendix 3, paragraph 8). Projects may still use internal or contractual review arrangements.

• What should a Construction Phase Plan include?

  The health and safety arrangements for the construction phase, the site rules (taking account, where necessary, of industrial activities on the site) and, where applicable, specific measures for work in any Schedule 3 category (regulation 12(2) (opens in a new tab)). HSE guidance lists the project description, management arrangements and arrangements for controlling significant site risks (L153 (opens in a new tab), Appendix 3, paragraph 5). What is relevant depends on the project.

• What does proportionate mean for a Construction Phase Plan?

  The level of detail should match the scale, complexity and risks of the project, while still being relevant and detailed enough to explain the arrangements, site rules and any special measures (L153 (opens in a new tab), Appendix 3, paragraph 4). A longer plan is not automatically a better plan, and a short, straightforward job may only need brief entries.

• Should RAMS and risk assessments be included inside the CPP?

  Not indiscriminately. HSE guidance says the plan should not include documents that get in the way of a clear understanding of the arrangements, such as generic risk assessments, records of how decisions were reached or detailed safety method statements (L153 (opens in a new tab), Appendix 3, paragraph 4). Risk assessments, method statements and RAMS may still be necessary for particular work; they can be referenced where useful and support the plan without being copied into it.

• What is Schedule 3 under CDM 2015?

  A list of ten categories of work involving particular risks, such as work near high-voltage power lines, work with explosives or work exposing workers to a risk of drowning (Schedule 3 (opens in a new tab)). Where applicable, the plan must include specific measures for that work (regulation 12(2) (opens in a new tab)). Where a category does not apply, no Schedule 3-specific measure is needed for it solely under Regulation 12(2), but other significant risks must still be managed. Schedule 3 is not a complete list of construction risks.

• Is a Construction Phase Plan the same as RAMS?

  No. The Construction Phase Plan explains how health and safety will be managed across the construction phase. Risk assessments and method statements address particular hazards, tasks or methods of work. They can support each other, but one does not replace the other. See the RAMS Template and the Method Statement Template.

• How often should the Construction Phase Plan be reviewed?

  CDM 2015 does not prescribe a fixed weekly, monthly or other review interval. The plan is a working document and should be reviewed regularly enough to address significant changes in the risks, the work, the design or the effectiveness of the controls (L153 (opens in a new tab), Appendix 3, paragraph 14).

• Who updates the Construction Phase Plan during construction?

  On a multi-contractor project, the Principal Contractor must ensure the plan is appropriately reviewed, updated and revised from time to time (regulation 12(4) (opens in a new tab)). On a single-contractor project, the contractor keeps the plan fit for purpose as part of planning, managing and monitoring its work (regulation 15(2) (opens in a new tab); L153 (opens in a new tab), Appendix 3, paragraph 8(b)).