Drylining RAMS Guide for UK Contractors

Key Topics in a Drylining RAMS

Silica dust from cutting

Cutting, sanding, or abrading plasterboard and cement board releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS). RCS is a Group 1 human carcinogen. The RAMS must require: wet cutting or vacuum-shrouded tools for all board cutting; no dry cutting with unventilated grinders; RPE (FFP3 disposable or powered air purifying respirator) as supplementary control; and health surveillance for regular drylining operatives. The WEL for RCS is 0.1 mg/m³ 8-hour TWA.

Working at height — stilts and hop-ups

Drylining operatives often use drywall stilts or hop-up platforms to install board at ceiling level. Drywall stilts increase fall risk and are not working-at-height equipment under WAH 2005 — they require specific risk assessment. The RAMS must assess whether stilts are appropriate, require operatives to be trained and experienced, and specify fall hazard controls (protected working area, no stilts near stairwells or unprotected edges).

Fire-rated partitions

Fire-rated drylining partitions must be constructed strictly in accordance with the system manufacturer's tested specification — including board thickness, stud spacing, fixings, and sealing of penetrations. Any deviation invalidates the fire performance. The RAMS must reference the approved system, confirm that the installer is trained in that system, and describe the inspection and sign-off process before covering any fire-rated element.

Manual handling of plasterboard

Standard plasterboard sheets (2400 x 1200 x 12.5 mm) weigh approximately 25 kg and are awkward to handle. Larger or heavier boards (moisture-resistant, fire-rated, acoustic) are heavier still. The RAMS must specify team-handling for boards above safe single-person weight, and mechanical board-lifting aids (board lifters/deadmen) for ceiling board installation.