What is the difference between a construction phase plan and a health and safety file?

The construction phase plan is prepared by the principal contractor, for notifiable projects, to outline the arrangements for managing health and safety on site during construction work.

The health and safety file is prepared or revised by the CDM co-ordinator, for notifiable projects. It will require the CDM co-ordinator to liaise with the client, designers, principal contractor and contractors. The file will contain information necessary for future construction, maintenance, refurbishment or demolition to be carried out safely, and is retained by the client or any future owner of the property. (Where a client gets non-notifiable work done, and a health and safety file already exists for the premises, it should be updated if necessary.) The file should be a useful and valuable document for the client.