Principal Contractor RAMS Requirements

Why Do Principal Contractors Require RAMS?

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 12, the principal contractor must plan, manage, and monitor construction work to ensure it is carried out safely. Requiring RAMS from subcontractors is how PCs demonstrate that duty. RAMS also form part of the Construction Phase Plan evidence that must be maintained throughout the project.

What Principal Contractors Commonly Look For

• Site-specific scope — The scope must describe this specific job at this specific site, not a generic trade description
• Realistic control measures — Controls must be achievable and proportionate; blanket statements like “follow all PPE requirements” are not acceptable
• Competence evidence references — CPCS, IPAF, Gas Safe, or NICEIC registration where applicable
• Permit to work references — Any permits required must be referenced in the RAMS
• Emergency arrangements — Specific first aid provision and emergency contacts, not just “call 999”
• Version control — Document reference number, revision number, and date prepared
• Briefing sign-off record — Evidence that operatives attended a RAMS briefing before starting work

Common Reasons RAMS Are Queried or Rejected

• Generic or copy-paste content that does not reference the site, location, or specific task
• Pre-control and post-control risk ratings identical — suggesting controls were not genuinely applied
• Missing COSHH references for substances known to be used in the trade
• Method statement sequence too brief — lacks the detail needed to demonstrate site-specific planning
• No emergency arrangement section, or section does not reference site-specific contacts