What Is a RAMS Document?

A RAMS document is a Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is a combined health and safety document used on UK construction sites to identify the hazards associated with a specific task, assess the level of risk, and set out the safe working sequence for completing the work. RAMS are a key tool for demonstrating compliance with CDM 2015 Regulation 15.

What Does RAMS Stand For?

Risk Assessment and Method Statement. The risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates likelihood and severity of harm; the method statement sets out the planned safe sequence of work. They are usually combined into a single document and submitted to the principal contractor before work begins on site.

When Are RAMS Required?

RAMS are industry standard for any construction work involving significant hazards. Under CDM 2015, contractors must plan, manage, and monitor construction work to ensure it is carried out safely. Site-specific RAMS are the primary way of demonstrating that duty. Principal contractors typically require RAMS from all subcontractors before they are permitted to start work. RAMS are also required for prequalification schemes (SSIP, CHAS, Constructionline) as evidence of risk management capability.

What Does a RAMS Document Normally Contain?

  1. Project details – site name, address, client, principal contractor, document reference and version
  2. Scope of works – description of the specific task being assessed
  3. People and responsibilities – operatives, supervisor, competent person, first aider
  4. Hazard register – identified hazards with pre-control and post-control risk ratings
  5. PPE requirements – personal protective equipment for the task
  6. Plant and equipment – machinery used, with inspection and competence references
  7. Substances (COSHH) – hazardous substances used, with assessment references
  8. Safe sequence of work – step-by-step method statement
  9. Emergency arrangements – first aid, emergency contacts, and evacuation procedure
  10. Environmental controls – waste disposal, pollution prevention, noise and dust
  11. Briefing and sign-off record – evidence that RAMS were briefed to operatives before work started
  12. Review and version history – date prepared, reviewed, and version number

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