Pre-Construction Health and Safety File is not a standard industry document but the term is often confused or misused in relation to UK construction health and safety documentation. 

 

To clarify, under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), the official health and safety file is prepared after construction, not before. However, here’s how it breaks down:

 

What You're Likely Referring To:

 

Pre-construction health and safety documentation typically includes:

 

Pre-Construction Information (PCI)

 

This is the correct CDM 2015 term. It is:

 

Assembled by the client (or principal designer) before construction work begins.

Used to inform designers and contractors about known health and safety risks on the site.

Includes site conditions, existing hazards, utility drawings, asbestos reports, access restrictions, etc.

 

Post Completion Health and Safety Files (often referred to as the Health and Safety File) 

 

These are a critical part of construction project handover documentation, especially under the UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) This file is created during the project and handed over upon completion.

 

Purpose of the Health and Safety File

 

The file provides essential health and safety information needed to ensure safe future use, maintenance, alteration, or demolition of the building or structure.

 

Who Prepares It?

 

The Principal Designer is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and revising the Health and Safety File during the design and construction phases. If the Principal Designer’s role ends before completion, it must be handed over to the Principal Contractor to complete

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