Is a RAMS legally required?

While RAMS aren't specifically required by law, employers have a legal duty to assess risks (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) and many clients and sites require them as standard practice.

How long should a RAMS be?

A RAMS should be as long as necessary to cover all relevant hazards and controls, but concise enough to be practical. Typically 5-15 pages for most trade work.

Who should write a RAMS?

A RAMS should be written by someone competent who understands the work, the hazards involved, and appropriate control measures. This is often the contractor or their health and safety advisor.

Guide

What is RAMS?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It's a combined document that identifies hazards in a construction or maintenance project and outlines the safe methods of work to control those risks.

What does RAMS stand for?

RAMS is an acronym for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It combines two important health and safety documents into one comprehensive package that demonstrates how work will be carried out safely.

When is a RAMS required?

A RAMS is typically required when working on commercial construction sites, for main contractors and principal contractors, when required by clients or property managers, and for any work where significant hazards are present.

What should a RAMS include?

A comprehensive RAMS should include: project details, scope of work, identified hazards and their risk ratings, control measures for each hazard, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, and sign-off sections.

Risk Assessment vs Method Statement

The Risk Assessment identifies what could go wrong and how likely it is, while the Method Statement describes step-by-step how the work will be carried out safely. Together they form a complete safety plan.

The two parts of RAMS

Risk Assessment

Identifies what could go wrong, how likely it is, and how serious it could be. Rates risks as low, medium, or high.

Method Statement

Describes step-by-step how the work will be carried out safely, including control measures and procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Resources

Risk Assessment Template →Method Statement Template →RAMS Examples →

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