What is a RAMS?
A RAMS combines two separate documents that are almost always produced together in construction:
- A Risk Assessment identifies the hazards associated with the work, evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm, and sets out control measures to reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
- A Method Statement describes how the work will be carried out — the sequence of operations, the equipment to be used, and the competencies required.
Regulatory Reference — CDM 2015Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Principal Contractors must plan, manage and monitor construction work to ensure it is carried out without risks to health or safety. RAMS are the primary mechanism for discharging this duty at task level. The HSE's L153 ACOP provides the authoritative guidance. For notifiable projects (30+ working days with 20+ simultaneous workers, or 500+ person-days), RAMS form part of the Construction Phase Plan.
Who Needs to Produce a RAMS?
RAMS are required whenever the work presents significant risk. In practice, this means almost all construction activities beyond minor maintenance tasks. You should produce a RAMS if:
- Your work involves working at height (scaffolding, ladders, MEWPs, roofwork)
- You are using plant or machinery (excavators, cranes, powered access equipment)
- There is a risk of exposure to hazardous substances (asbestos, silica dust, solvents)
- You are working in confined spaces
- The work affects the structural integrity of a building
- You are working in proximity to live services (gas, electric, water)
- A principal contractor has requested one as part of their pre-qualification requirements
What Must a RAMS Include?
Part 1: Risk Assessment
Your risk assessment must cover:
- Description of the work activity — what is being done, where, and by whom
- Hazard identification — what could go wrong? Include physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards
- Who is at risk — your workers, other contractors on site, members of the public
- Existing controls — what measures are already in place
- Residual risk rating — after controls, what risk remains? (Low / Medium / High)
- Additional controls required — what else needs to be in place before work starts
- PPE requirements — specify exactly what must be worn, not just "appropriate PPE"
- Emergency procedures — what happens if something goes wrong
Part 2: Method Statement
Your method statement must describe:
- Scope of works — a clear description of exactly what the task covers
- Location — site address, specific area, grid reference if relevant
- Sequence of operations — step by step, in the order they will be carried out
- Plant and equipment — what will be used, including inspection/test requirements
- Materials — including any COSHH-regulated substances and their storage/handling
- Competencies and training — who is authorised to carry out the work, and what certificates are required (CPCS, IPAF, PASMA)
- Supervision arrangements — who is responsible on site
- Communication arrangements — site inductions, toolbox talks, briefing sign-offs
- Environmental controls — waste disposal, dust suppression, noise management
- Emergency and evacuation procedures — muster points, first aid provisions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these
Generic language — "wear appropriate PPE" tells nobody anything. Specify hard hat, safety boots, hi-vis, cut-resistant gloves (EN388) and safety glasses as a minimum.
Copying and pasting — a RAMS from another job that hasn't been reviewed for the specific site is worse than no RAMS at all.
Nobody reads it — a RAMS filed away and never briefed to workers provides zero protection. The briefing and sign-off is as important as the document itself.
No version control — if scope changes mid-job, the updated RAMS must be re-briefed and re-signed.
Copying and pasting — a RAMS from another job that hasn't been reviewed for the specific site is worse than no RAMS at all.
Nobody reads it — a RAMS filed away and never briefed to workers provides zero protection. The briefing and sign-off is as important as the document itself.
No version control — if scope changes mid-job, the updated RAMS must be re-briefed and re-signed.
RAMS Briefing and Sign-Off
A RAMS that hasn't been communicated to the people doing the work is not a compliant RAMS. Before work starts:
- Brief the RAMS to your team — walk through the hazards, controls, and method statement
- Allow questions — if a worker raises a concern about an uncovered hazard, update the RAMS before proceeding
- Obtain signatures — every worker must sign to confirm they have read and understood the RAMS
- Keep records — your signed RAMS must be retained and available for inspection
- Give workers the opportunity to highlight additional risks and improvements — carry good practice through to new site RAMS
Tuvela makes RAMS adoption and sign-off simple for site workers and managers alike.