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.