Original CDMlogic guide · updated 4 October 2026 · Great Britain CDM / England Building Regulations where stated
Show the decision, not just the hazard
HSE says designers should use available project information to address foreseeable risks through their design. A useful record explains the design choice, the risk considered and the information others need.
Questions for a meaningful review
- Who could be affected during construction, use, maintenance or eventual removal?
- What design options were considered to eliminate the foreseeable risk?
- If elimination was not possible, what was changed to reduce or control it?
- What significant residual information should be communicated, to whom and when?
- Who reviewed the decision and what change should trigger another review?
A refurbishment design depends on an existing structure. Record the information needed to assess that dependency, the decision made after review, any relevant constraints and who needs to know. A risk score alone does not explain that decision.
Keep it connected to the project
CDMlogic’s design risk register can hold the review record and linked evidence. Review it alongside drawings, relevant surveys and communication with the wider team. It does not replace the design assessment or make a risk acceptable automatically.
Official source: HSE — Designer responsibilities.
Suggested fields for a design risk register
Useful fields include the design element, foreseeable hazard, people affected, design options considered, decision and reason, significant residual information, reviewer, review date and communication reference. Include drawing or survey references so the record can be understood alongside the design.
Example: future access to roof-mounted equipment
A design review considers how equipment will be maintained and replaced. Record the options considered, the selected arrangement and the assumptions behind it. If another designer or contractor needs information to develop the access arrangements, record the recipient and outstanding action. Update the entry when the equipment location or access design changes.
A spreadsheet or a shared project register?
A spreadsheet can provide a useful starting point. A shared workspace becomes helpful when several people need to review entries, link evidence and follow outstanding actions across projects. Whatever tool you use, keep the record proportionate and explain the actual design decision.
Explore design risk records and project reports →Continue your project review
- Health & Safety File contents and handover guide
- Worked design risk register example
- CDM software for architects
- CDM Principal Designer software
- Pre-construction information checklist
- Design risk register guide
- CDM and Building Regulations Principal Designer roles
- CDM workflow for architectural practices
General workflow information, not a project-specific determination. Check current official guidance and obtain appropriate professional advice for your project.
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