What is a RAMS Document? A UK Contractor’s Guide

Pro Site Docs · Guide

If you work on UK construction sites, sooner or later a principal contractor or client will ask you for your "RAMS". This guide explains exactly what that means, what a good RAMS contains, and when you need one.

RAMS explained

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is two documents that usually travel together: a risk assessment that identifies the hazards of a task and the controls that reduce the risk, and a method statement that sets out the safe, step-by-step sequence for carrying out the work.

What goes in a RAMS

• Project and company details
• Scope of the works
• Hazard identification with risk ratings (commonly a 5×5 matrix)
• Control measures and residual risk
• PPE requirements
• The method — the safe sequence of work
• Emergency arrangements
• A briefing/sign-off sheet

When do you need a RAMS?

Under CDM 2015 you must plan, manage and monitor work so it is carried out safely. For most non-trivial construction tasks that means a written RAMS, and principal contractors will require one before you start on site.

Save hours with a template

Writing a RAMS from scratch takes hours. A professional template gives you the structure and standard wording, so you just add your project details. Browse our RAMS templates, or download 5 free templates to see the quality.

General guidance only. This article explains how the rules generally work in UK construction. It is not advice for your specific site, task or project, and it is not legal advice. Your own risk assessment, method statement and arrangements must be prepared and checked by a competent person for the actual work being done.