Do I legally need a RAMS for every job?

No single law requires a document called a RAMS for every job. HSE says arrangements for demolition, dismantling or structural alteration must be recorded in writing before the work begins, which is usually done with a method statement, and that method statements are not required by law for many other construction activities. A principal contractor or client can still ask for one before you start, so check before you arrive.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

HSE describes a method statement as setting out in a logical sequence exactly how a job is to be carried out, including all the control measures, and says it can be generated from a risk assessment. The risk assessment is the hazards, who is at risk and the controls. A RAMS puts both in one document.

Is there an official RAMS format?

HSE does not prescribe a format for a method statement. It says the most effective ones often include diagrams to make clear how the work should be carried out. This template is a layout for the content, and you can add diagrams or site drawings to it.

What should the hazards section name?

The hazards on this site and this job: for example a child in an occupied flat, live supply tails you are not authorised to work on, or asbestos that has not been surveyed. The HSE steps are to identify the hazards, assess the risks, control the risks, record your findings and review the controls. Generic wording such as "electrical works" does not do that.

What if the method changes on site?

HSE says a method statement should be revised if circumstances change markedly. On this template, raise the revision number, change the sequence and the controls, brief everyone who signed again and collect new signatures before the next step.

This template has a named author, a reviewer and an approver, and a briefing record where each person who has been briefed signs. The author is the person who walked the site and can explain every line. A principal contractor may have its own approval step as well.

Free RAMS Template and Example: Printable PDF

First page of the RAMS Template PDF rendered by Tradehand — Page 1 preview

What is it?

A RAMS is the paperwork a principal contractor or site manager asks for before work starts. This PDF is the blank. It has eight sections: scope, site information, hazards and controls, method sequence, plant and PPE, names and competence, emergency arrangements and a briefing record. It is not a scope of works or a programme, and it is not specific to one trade.

About this template

RAMS stands for risk assessment and method statement. The risk assessment names the hazards on this site, who is at risk and the controls. The method statement sets out in order how the work will be done with those controls in place. This PDF holds both, with the site information, plant and PPE, names and competence, emergency arrangements, a briefing record and sign-off for the author, reviewer and approver.

When to use

When a principal contractor, site manager or client asks for a RAMS before you start
Before any job with more than one trade on site, an occupied building or a hazard you have to control
When the method changes: raise the revision, brief everyone again and collect new signatures
When you want the hazards and the order of work written down for a new operative

Tips

1Name this site's hazards. A RAMS copied from the last job with a new address is the one that gets turned away at the gate
2Describe the actual task in the scope, not just the trade. "Replace the consumer unit in Flat 12" tells the reader more than "electrical works"
3Score the risk after the site visit, and score the residual risk only once you have checked that each control is in place
4Write the method as numbered steps that name isolation points and hold points, so the person doing the work can follow it
5Check the nearest A&E from the site induction or a map. Do not guess it
6When the method changes, raise the revision and brief everyone again before the next step

RAMS example: occupied flat consumer unit replacement

This example is fictional and uses invented names and a made-up address. The scores are one supervisor's from one site visit, so do not copy them onto a different job.

Scope: isolate at the main switch, remove the old consumer unit from the shared half-landing cupboard, fit a new unit on the existing tails, test and certificate. Occupied first-floor flat, no lift, a child in the flat and a decorator working in the lounge. Does not cover the supply fuse, the meter, chasing or making good.

Hazard 1: occupants on the half-landing while the board is open. At risk: occupants and operatives. Likelihood 4, severity 5, risk 20. Controls: brief everyone before isolation, put a barrier across the landing, have a second operative on the stair, and do no work on the board until it is proved dead. Residual: likelihood 1, severity 5, risk 5.

Hazard 2: live supply tails, with isolation at the main switch only. At risk: operatives. Likelihood 3, severity 5, risk 15. Controls: isolate, lock off and prove dead, and do not touch the tails or the meter. Residual: likelihood 2, severity 5, risk 10.

Hazard 3: asbestos is unknown in an older building with no survey, and the board is on suspect boarding. At risk: operatives and occupants. Likelihood 3, severity 4, risk 12. Controls: do not prise, drill or remove the backboard, stop if the board will not lift on its existing screws, and get a survey before any disturbance. Residual: likelihood 1, severity 4, risk 4.

Method: 1. Sign in with the caretaker and brief the occupant and the decorator. 2. Photograph the board, the labels and the cupboard. 3. Confirm the communal lighting and any fire alarm are not fed from this board, and stop and revise the RAMS if they are. 4. Put the barrier across the landing and place the second operative on the stair. 5. Isolate at the main switch, lock off and prove dead. 6. Disconnect, label and park the outgoing circuits. 7. Remove the old unit and fit the new one on the existing fixings. 8. Terminate and test. 9. Re-energise and show the occupant the test button. 10. Take the barrier down and sign the briefing record before anyone leaves.

What HSE says about method statements

HSE says arrangements for demolition, dismantling or structural alteration must be recorded in writing before the work begins, and that this is usually achieved with a method statement. For many other construction activities a method statement is not required by law, though they are still prepared for them.

HSE describes a method statement as describing in a logical sequence exactly how a job is to be carried out, including all the control measures. It can be generated from a risk assessment and draws on its conclusions. HSE also warns against relying purely on paperwork: the main priority is to control the risks in practice.