What is a RAMS Document? A Complete Guide for UK Contractors
If you work in UK construction, you've heard of RAMS. But what exactly is a RAMS document, and when do you need one?
RAMS Stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement
A RAMS document combines two critical safety documents into one:
- Risk Assessment — identifies hazards, who's at risk, and what controls are in place
- Method Statement — describes the step-by-step safe system of work
Together, they form the backbone of safety planning on UK construction sites. Under CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management Regulations), anyone carrying out construction work must plan, manage, and monitor their work to ensure it's done safely.
When Do You Need a RAMS?
In practice, you need a RAMS for virtually every construction task. Principal Contractors typically require subcontractors to submit RAMS before starting any work on site. Common activities that need RAMS include:
- Working at height (scaffolding, ladders, roof work)
- Excavation and groundworks
- Hot works (welding, cutting, grinding)
- Electrical installations
- Demolition and structural alterations
- Confined space entry
- Steel erection and heavy lifting
What Should a RAMS Include?
A properly written RAMS should contain:
- Project information — site address, client, principal contractor, dates
- Description of works — what you're actually doing
- Risk assessment table — hazards, likelihood, severity, risk rating, control measures
- Method statement — numbered steps describing the safe system of work
- PPE requirements — what protective equipment is needed
- Emergency procedures — first aid, fire, evacuation
- Environmental controls — waste, noise, dust management
- Sign-off — prepared by, approved by, operative briefing
Common Mistakes in RAMS Writing
The biggest problem with RAMS documents is that they're often generic. Site managers can spot a copy-paste RAMS from a mile away. Your RAMS should be:
- Specific to the job — not a template with blanks filled in
- Specific to the site — reference actual site conditions, access routes, nearby hazards
- Proportionate — a simple task doesn't need 20 pages
- Readable — written so operatives can actually understand it
How SiteLynx Helps
SiteLynx RAMS lets you create professional RAMS documents in minutes. AI assists with hazard identification and method statement writing — specific to your trade and task, not generic templates. Operatives sign off on site with GPS verification, and the completed document auto-files to your Document Manager.