RAMS Generator
Select a job type, customise the hazards and method statement, and download a professional RAMS document as PDF.
Job type
Site details
Risk assessment (6 hazards)
| Hazard | Risk | Control | Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PPE required
Method statement (13 steps)
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
- 6.
- 7.
- 8.
- 9.
- 10.
- 11.
- 12.
- 13.
Gaffer generates RAMS automatically from your job details
Plus compliance tracking, Gas Safe/NICEIC certificates, and H&S document storage.
Try Gaffer freeWhat is a RAMS and when do you need one?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It's a combined health and safety document used across the UK construction and trade industries. The Risk Assessment identifies what could go wrong and how you'll prevent it. The Method Statement describes exactly how you'll carry out the work safely, step by step.
When RAMS are required
Commercial & FM contracts
Almost all facilities managers and main contractors require RAMS before allowing access to site.
CDM 2015 projects
Any project with more than one contractor, or lasting longer than 30 working days, falls under CDM regulations.
Local authority work
Council and housing association contracts require RAMS as standard, along with insurance certificates.
Insurance claims
If there's an accident, your insurer will want to see your RAMS. Without one, a claim may be rejected.
HSE inspections
The Health and Safety Executive can visit any site. Having RAMS shows you planned the work safely.
Best practice (domestic)
Not legally required for sole traders on domestic work, but increasingly expected by informed customers and letting agents.
Common hazards by trade
Different trades face different risks. Here are the most common hazards that should appear in your RAMS, depending on your trade:
Plumbing & Gas
- ⚠ Gas leaks during disconnection/connection
- ⚠ Scalding from hot water systems
- ⚠ Working in confined spaces (under floors, in cupboards)
- ⚠ Legionella risk in stored water
- ⚠ Asbestos in older pipe lagging
Electrical
- ⚠ Electrical shock from live circuits
- ⚠ Arc flash
- ⚠ Asbestos behind consumer units in older properties
- ⚠ Silica dust from chasing walls
- ⚠ Working at height in lofts and ceilings
Building & Construction
- ⚠ Falls from height (scaffolding, ladders, roofs)
- ⚠ Struck by falling objects
- ⚠ Manual handling injuries
- ⚠ Silica dust from cutting, grinding, chasing
- ⚠ Collapse of excavations or temporary structures
Roofing
- ⚠ Falls from height (the biggest killer in UK construction)
- ⚠ Fragile roof surfaces (skylights, fibre cement)
- ⚠ Manual handling of heavy materials
- ⚠ Weather-related risks (wind, ice, lightning)
- ⚠ Asbestos in older roof sheets
PPE requirements for UK trade work
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (amended 2022) require employers and self-employed workers to provide and use appropriate PPE. Here's what's typically needed:
| PPE item | Standard | When needed |
|---|---|---|
| Safety boots (steel/composite toe) | EN ISO 20345 S3 | All construction and trade sites |
| Safety glasses / goggles | EN 166 | Cutting, drilling, grinding, chemical use |
| Dust mask (FFP2) | EN 149 | Drilling, sanding, general dust |
| Dust mask (FFP3) | EN 149 | Silica dust, asbestos awareness, MDF cutting |
| Hard hat | EN 397 | Risk of falling objects, loft work, scaffolding |
| Hi-vis vest | EN ISO 20471 | Roadside work, large sites, moving plant |
| Insulated gloves | EN 60903 Class 0 | Electrical work (low voltage) |
| Heat-resistant gloves | EN 407 | Hot water systems, soldering, welding |
| Ear defenders / plugs | EN 352 | Prolonged use of power tools (>80dB) |
| Knee pads | EN 14404 | Floor-level work, tiling, plumbing under baths |
Frequently asked questions
What is a RAMS document?▾
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It's a health and safety document required on most UK construction and trade sites. The Risk Assessment identifies hazards and how they'll be controlled. The Method Statement describes the step-by-step safe procedure for carrying out the work.
Do tradespeople need RAMS for domestic work?▾
RAMS are not legally required for domestic work by sole traders, but they're considered best practice and are increasingly expected by insurance companies. For commercial work, FM contracts, and CDM 2015 projects, RAMS are mandatory.
What should a RAMS include for a boiler installation?▾
A boiler installation RAMS should cover: gas leak risk during disconnection, electrical shock risk, working at height for flue installation, manual handling of the boiler unit, hot surfaces and scalding, and dust from drilling. The method statement should cover the full process from isolation through to Gas Safe notification.
What PPE is required for electrical work in the UK?▾
Standard PPE includes: insulated gloves (Class 0 minimum), safety boots with insulated soles, safety glasses, FFP3 dust mask for chasing walls, knee pads, and a hard hat when working in lofts. All PPE must be CE marked and regularly inspected.
How often should RAMS be reviewed?▾
RAMS should be reviewed before each new job, whenever site conditions change, after any near-miss or incident, and at least annually for recurring job types. Everyone working on the job should read and sign the RAMS before starting.