RAMS by trade · UK
Bricklaying and blockwork RAMS
Create a site-specific bricklaying or blockwork RAMS online. Describe the job, review suggested risks and method steps, and download a professional PDF.
Typical scope
- Face brickwork
- Blockwork partitions
- Thin-joint systems
- Cutting on cut-off saws
- Housebuilding plots
- Commercial envelopes
Dermatitis and silica from cutting are as relevant as falls from the scaffold.
Quick answer
A bricklaying RAMS covers masonry access (scaffold/tower), manual handling of blocks, cement/lime mortar (COSHH/dermatitis), cutting dust, and falling materials.
Primary topic: blockwork method statement. 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.
Cut-off saws casual
Water suppression/extraction and RPE.
Mortar dermatitis
Gloves/PPE and welfare.
Incomplete scaffolds used
Only work from handed-over lifts.
Example
Blockwork to a school extension
Built from one job description. You review and adjust every item before issuing it.
Job description
Build internal block partitions in the new teaching wing at Ash School. Handed-over birdcage scaffold, on-tool extraction for chasing, lime mortar mixing outdoors.
Activities identified
- General site work
- Mobile tower or scaffold
- Power tools
- Dust-generating work
- Occupied premises or public areas
- Using chemicals or products
- Outdoor or exposed work
Method (8 steps)
- 1.Arrive and sign in. Arrive at Ash School extension, report to the Ash Academy Trust site contact, sign in and complete any site induction.
- 2.Brief the team. Brief all operatives on this RAMS, the COSHH assessments and the emergency arrangements. Record attendance.
- 3.Set up the work area. Set up barriers and signage around the work area and keep it clear of other people.
- 4.Erect the tower. PASMA-trained operatives erect the mobile tower to the manufacturer's guide and inspect it before use.
- 5.Drill and fix. Mark out, then drill and fix using on-tool dust extraction. Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling.
- 6.Apply products. Apply products as described on the Safety Data Sheet and COSHH assessment, with ventilation and the specified PPE.
- 7.Clear up and remove waste. Clear the work area, remove waste from site (including recovered refrigerant and hazardous waste) and leave the area safe.
- 8.Hand over and sign out. Hand over to the Ash Academy Trust site contact, report anything outstanding and sign out.
Main risks (8 in total)
Fall from tower or scaffold, or collapse
Residual MediumWho: Operatives, people nearby
- Mobile towers erected by PASMA-trained persons to the manufacturer's guide
- Scaffold erected by a competent scaffolder and tagged/inspected before use and every 7 days
- Guard rails, toe boards and brick guards in place on working platforms
- Castors locked and outriggers fitted; never moved while occupied
Falling objects
Residual LowWho: People below, other trades, public
- Exclusion zone set up below the work area with barriers and signage
- Tools tethered when working at height; materials kept away from edges
- Banksman or second person controls the area during lifts and removals
- Hard hats worn in the exclusion zone
Hand and power tools
Residual LowWho: 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
Noise and hand-arm vibration
Residual MediumWho: Operatives, people nearby
- Low-vibration, low-noise tools selected
- Trigger times limited and rotated between operatives
- Noisy work scheduled to reduce disruption to occupants
- Hearing protection worn where noise is high
+ 4 more risks in the full RAMS.
What to get right on this document
Access
Scaffold/tower status checked daily.
Dust
Suppression on masonry cutting.
Manual handling
Block weights and team lifts.
Quick answer
A bricklaying RAMS covers masonry access (scaffold/tower), manual handling of blocks, cement/lime mortar (COSHH/dermatitis), cutting dust, and falling materials.
What good looks like on a UK site
Dermatitis and silica from cutting are as relevant as falls from the scaffold. 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 blockwork method statement 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
- GuidesWhat is a RAMS?RAMS means risk assessment and method statement — usually one site-specific pack for a construction or maintenance job. Practical UK guidance for contractors — with links to free tools.
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Questions
- Do I include the scaffold RAMS?
- Reference the scaffold handover; don't duplicate the scaffold contractor's whole RAMS unless you own that package.
- Cement COSHH?
- Yes — irritant risks and SDS.
- Hot weather?
- Hydration and sun exposure controls outdoors.