What is a RAMS? Risk Assessments & Method Statements explained
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement — the two documents UK contractors are routinely asked to provide before starting work on site. Here's what each one is, what goes in it, and when you need one.
What does RAMS stand for?
RAMS is short for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It's two documents that usually travel together:
- Risk Assessment — identifies the hazards of a task, who could be harmed, and the control measures that reduce the risk.
- Method Statement — describes, step by step, how the work will be carried out safely.
Together they show a principal contractor, client or CDM coordinator that you've thought through the risks of your work and have a safe way of doing it.
What goes in a risk assessment?
A suitable and sufficient risk assessment covers:
- The task and location
- The hazards (working at height, electricity, dust, manual handling, etc.)
- Who might be harmed and how
- The control measures — what you'll do to reduce each risk
- A risk rating before and after controls
- Who assessed it and when
What goes in a method statement?
A method statement sets out the safe system of work:
- A description of the works and sequence of operations
- The plant, equipment and materials used
- PPE and competencies required
- Step-by-step method, in order
- Emergency arrangements
- Sign-off
When do you need RAMS?
You'll typically be asked for RAMS before you're allowed on a commercial site — principal contractors request them as part of pre-start checks under CDM 2015. As a rule of thumb, if the work carries a real risk (working at height, hot works, excavation, electrical work, confined spaces), you need task-specific RAMS.
Do RAMS have to be written by a consultant?
No. There's no legal requirement to pay a consultant. What matters is that the assessment is suitable and sufficient for the actual work and site. Most contractors start from a professionally drafted, editable template and tailor it to the job — which is faster, cheaper, and perfectly acceptable, provided you review and adapt it to your site.
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Frequently asked questions
What does RAMS stand for?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement — the two documents UK contractors provide to show a task's risks have been assessed and that there's a safe method of carrying it out.
Is a RAMS a legal requirement?
Employers must carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and principal contractors routinely require RAMS before work under CDM 2015. So while 'RAMS' is not named in law, the underlying duties are legal requirements.
Can I write my own RAMS?
Yes. There's no requirement to use a consultant. Many contractors start from an editable template and tailor it to the specific task and site, which is faster and cheaper, provided the result is suitable and sufficient.
How much do RAMS templates cost?
SafetyPod risk assessments and method statements start at £3.99 each, with bundles and trade packs for better value, and unlimited access with membership at £69/year.