What is a RAMS Document? Complete Guide for UK Construction

If you work in UK construction, you've almost certainly heard the term RAMS. But what exactly is a RAMS document, and why does every contractor ask for one before work begins?

This guide explains everything you need to know about RAMS documents in plain English.

What Does RAMS Stand For?

Risk Assessment Method Statement

• Risk Assessment (RA): Identifies hazards and evaluates the risks associated with a task
• Method Statement (MS)

Together, they form a comprehensive safety document that demonstrates how you'll manage risks on site.

Why Are RAMS Documents Required?

(CDM 2015), duty holders must plan, manage, and monitor construction work to ensure health and safety.

While CDM 2015 doesn't explicitly mandate a "RAMS document," it requires:

• Risk assessments for all significant hazards
• Method statements for high-risk activities
• Evidence that work has been properly planned

Principal contractors and clients request RAMS because they provide proof of compliance in a single, standardised format.

When Do You Need a RAMS Document?

You'll typically need a RAMS for:

• Any construction project
• such as working at height, confined spaces, or hot works
• Client or principal contractor requirements before starting work
• CDM-notifiable projects (lasting more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers, or exceeding 500 person-days)

Many main contractors won't allow you on site without an approved RAMS.

What Should a RAMS Document Include?

Risk Assessment Section

1. Task description: What work is being carried out
2. Hazard identification: What could cause harm
3. Who is at risk: Workers, public, other trades
4. Risk rating: Likelihood times severity (before controls)
5. Control measures: How you'll reduce or eliminate risks
6. Residual risk: The remaining risk after controls

Method Statement Section

1. Scope of works: Clear description of the task
2. Sequence of operations: Step-by-step work process
3. Plant and equipment: Tools and machinery required
4. Materials: What will be used
5. PPE requirements: Personal protective equipment needed
6. Emergency procedures: What to do if things go wrong
7. Competency requirements: Qualifications and training needed

Common Mistakes in RAMS Documents

Avoid these errors that get RAMS rejected:

• Generic content: Copy-pasting templates without tailoring to the specific job
• Missing site-specific details: Not referencing the actual location and conditions
• Incomplete hazard identification: Overlooking obvious risks
• No signatures: Failing to get the document signed and dated
• Outdated information: Using old method statements that don't reflect current practices

How Long Should a RAMS Take to Write?

A thorough RAMS for a straightforward task might take 1-2 hours. Complex projects with multiple hazards can take significantly longer.

Many contractors spend 3-4 hours on each RAMS, which adds up quickly when you're juggling multiple jobs.

RAMS vs Safe System of Work: What's the Difference?

A Safe System of Work (SSOW) is a broader term for any formal procedure that defines how work should be carried out safely. A RAMS is a specific type of SSOW that combines risk assessment with method statement.

Think of RAMS as a subset of safe systems of work, specifically designed for construction and high-risk activities.

Who Signs a RAMS Document?

Typically, a RAMS should be signed by:

1. The person who wrote it (usually a supervisor or manager)
2. Workers who will carry out the task (confirming they've read and understood it)
3. The principal contractor or client (approving it for site use)

Signatures confirm that everyone understands their responsibilities.

Do RAMS Expire?

RAMS should be reviewed:

• Before each new project (even if the task is similar)
• When site conditions change significantly
• After any incident or near-miss
• At least annually for ongoing work

A RAMS from a previous job shouldn't be reused without checking it still applies.

Speed Up Your RAMS Process

Writing RAMS manually is time-consuming. Many UK contractors now use AI-powered tools to generate CDM-compliant RAMS in minutes rather than hours.

swiftRMS uses artificial intelligence to create tailored risk assessments and method statements based on your specific task and site conditions. You answer a few questions, and the system produces a professional, ready-to-submit document.

Key Takeaways

• RAMS stands for Risk Assessment Method Statement
• It combines hazard identification with step-by-step work procedures
• Required by most UK construction clients under CDM 2015
• Must be site-specific, signed, and regularly reviewed
• AI tools can dramatically reduce the time spent writing RAMS

Ready to stop spending hours on RAMS paperwork? Try swiftRMS and generate your first RAMS in under 5 minutes.