Plumbing and Mechanical RAMS Guide for UK Contractors
A RAMS for plumbing and mechanical work must address hot works, service isolation, COSHH for flux and solvents, manual handling of plant and pipework, access in confined spaces such as risers and plant rooms, and the specific hazards of working in occupied buildings. This guide explains what should be in a plumbing or M&E RAMS.
Key Topics in a Plumbing and Mechanical RAMS
- Hot works
- Copper pipe soldering with a gas torch, cutting, or grinding all constitute hot works. A hot works permit from the site manager is required before work begins. Fire watcher during and 60 minutes after. CO² extinguisher adjacent to work area. No combustibles within 3 metres.
- Service isolation
- The RAMS must describe the isolation procedure: which valve is closed, how flow is confirmed stopped, and how the system is drained before joints are broken. For gas work, only Gas Safe registered engineers may carry out isolation. Gas Safe registration number must be in the RAMS.
- COSHH
- Common substances: flux (respiratory sensitiser), solvent-based pipe adhesives (significant vapour risk in enclosed spaces), inhibitors and descaling chemicals. COSHH assessment referenced for each substance. RPE and forced ventilation for solvent adhesive use in enclosed areas.
- Occupied premises
- The RAMS must address: notification of building users before planned isolations, work hours restrictions for noisy work, dust containment, and emergency flood response procedure. Building manager contact details in RAMS.
- Pressure testing
- Hydraulic testing preferred over pneumatic. State test pressure, hold period, and pass/fail criterion. Exclusion zone for pneumatic testing. Test results recorded.
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