Skip to content
SafeForJob

RAMS by job · UK

Split system installation RAMS

Install split systems with refrigerant handling, drilling, and occupied-premises controls.

Create this RAMSUpload an existing RAMS

Typical scope

  • Site and client named
  • Critical isolations/access first
  • People at risk identified
  • Emergency arrangements
  • Permit interfaces
  • Clean handover

Install split systems with refrigerant handling, drilling, and occupied-premises controls. Change the access, occupancy and services and the controls should change with them.

Quick answer

A split system installation rams is a site-specific risk assessment and method statement for that task. It should name the site, the people at risk, the critical controls (often isolation, access or segregation), and the order of work — not a generic trade paragraph.

Primary topic: split system installation rams. UK contractors — review every document before you issue it. SafeForJob does not replace competent judgement or HSE guidance.

What usually goes wrong

These are the operational gaps that make generic Word RAMS fail on the next site.

  • Copied from last site

    Client and site names, access routes and permits still describe the previous job.

  • Sequence wrong

    Critical controls happen after the risk is already present.

  • Interfaces missing

    Other trades, the public or building users are not briefed in the method.

Example

Split AC installation on a live site

Built from one job description. You review and adjust every item before issuing it.

Job description

Install split systems with refrigerant handling, drilling, and occupied-premises controls. Include access equipment, who else is on site, and how you leave the area safe at the end of the shift.

Activities identified

  • General site work
  • Refrigerant handling
  • Manual handling
  • Power tools
  • Dust-generating work
  • Occupied premises or public areas

Method (12 steps)

  1. 1.Arrive and sign in. Arrive at Example UK site, report to the Example client Ltd site contact, sign in and complete any site induction.
  2. 2.Brief the team. Brief all operatives on this RAMS, the COSHH assessments and the emergency arrangements. Record attendance.
  3. 3.Set up the work area. Set up barriers and signage around the work area and keep it clear of other people.
  4. 4.Recover refrigerant. Recover the refrigerant into a correctly rated, labelled recovery cylinder. Record quantities in line with F-gas requirements.
  5. 5.Disconnect and remove existing equipment. Disconnect and remove the existing equipment. Lower or carry it using mechanical aids or team lifts as planned.
  6. 6.Drill and fix. Mark out, then drill and fix using on-tool dust extraction. Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling.
  7. 7.Install new equipment. Position and fix the new equipment to the manufacturer's instructions.
  8. 8.Pressure test and evacuate. Pressure test with oxygen-free nitrogen, then evacuate the system before charging.
  9. 9.Charge the system. Charge the system with refrigerant to the manufacturer's specification and leak test all joints.
  10. 10.Test and commission. Test and commission the installation. Record results.
  11. 11.Clear up and remove waste. Clear the work area, remove waste from site (including recovered refrigerant and hazardous waste) and leave the area safe.
  12. 12.Hand over and sign out. Hand over to the Example client Ltd site contact, report anything outstanding and sign out.

Main risks (7 in total)

Refrigerant release

Residual Low

Who: Engineers, building occupants

  • Refrigerant handled only by F-gas certified engineers
  • Refrigerant recovered into correctly rated, labelled recovery cylinders — never vented
  • Good ventilation; no recovery work in enclosed spaces without assessment
  • No ignition sources near flammable (A2L/A3) refrigerants; leak detector in use
  • Cryogenic-rated gloves and eye protection when connecting hoses

Stored pressure

Residual Low

Who: Engineers

  • Systems depressurised and drained down before breaking into pipework
  • Gauges, hoses and valves inspected and rated for the system pressure
  • Cylinders secured upright and transported with valves protected
  • Eye protection worn when connecting or venting

Manual handling

Residual Medium

Who: Operatives

  • Use mechanical aids (trolleys, sack trucks, hoists) for heavy items
  • Team lifts for items too heavy or awkward for one person
  • Route planned and cleared before moving items
  • Operatives trained in safe lifting techniques
  • Gloves with good grip and safety footwear

Hand and power tools

Residual Low

Who: Operatives

  • Battery or 110V tools used; no 230V tools on site without RCD protection
  • Tools inspected before use and PAT tested where applicable
  • Guards fitted and used as designed
  • Eye protection and gloves suitable for the task

+ 3 more risks in the full RAMS.

Start from this kind of job

What to get right on this document

Make the critical control obvious

If isolation, service location or edge protection is the difference between safe and unsafe, put it early in the method.

Write the occupancy

Occupied homes, retail, healthcare and warehouses each need different public-interface controls.

Close the job out

Testing, reinstatement, waste and handover belong in the document, not in someone's head.

Quick answer

A split system installation rams is a site-specific risk assessment and method statement for that task. It should name the site, the people at risk, the critical controls (often isolation, access or segregation), and the order of work — not a generic trade paragraph.

What good looks like on a UK site

Install split systems with refrigerant handling, drilling, and occupied-premises controls. Change the access, occupancy and services and the controls should change with them. Name the site, the people at risk, and the sequence that keeps them safe. Generic paragraphs that could apply anywhere are the first thing a principal contractor rejects.

How SafeForJob helps

  • Describe the job in plain English and get suggested activities, risks and method steps
  • Edit every line before you download or issue
  • Reuse a previous RAMS and catch old client or site names
  • Attach or create COSHH assessments where hazardous substances appear

What this page is not

This page is not HSE approval, legal advice or a substitute for competent judgement. It helps you draft a clearer split system installation rams document for a named job. You remain responsible for reviewing and issuing it.

Related reading

See what a RAMS is, the free RAMS generator, and HSE guidance on managing risks.

Related pages

All rams by job · RAMS by trade · Free RAMS generator

Questions

What should a split system installation rams include?
Job description, site, hazards and who is affected, controls, step-by-step method, and emergency arrangements — specific to this location.
Can I reuse last month's RAMS?
Reuse the structure, but update site names, access, occupancy and anything that would look stale to a client.
Is this legally approved?
No. It is a drafting aid. You review and issue the document under your competence and contract duties.

Primary sources