RAMS by trade · UK
Glazing and curtain walling RAMS
Create a site-specific glazing or curtain walling RAMS online. Describe the job, review suggested risks and method steps, and download a professional PDF.
Typical scope
- Curtain walling
- Window replacement
- Balustrade glass
- Roof glazing
- Shopfronts
- Sealed unit swaps in occupied buildings
Glass injuries and dropped loads are foreseeable. Handling aids and exclusion are not optional extras.
Quick answer
A glazing RAMS covers glass handling and storage, lifting, work at height on elevations, wind stop-rules, and protecting the public below during installation.
Primary topic: curtain walling 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.
Manual handling of units
Use vacuum lifters/frames — write them in.
Wind on elevations
Stop criteria for crane/MEWP glass installs.
Occupied buildings
Crash decks/fans and out-of-hours windows.
Example
Hotel window replacement floor-by-floor
Built from one job description. You review and adjust every item before issuing it.
Job description
Replace sealed units on floors 3–5 of the Harbour Hotel using a mast climber and vacuum lifters. Guests in residence; work 09:00–17:00 with exclusion on the terrace below.
Activities identified
- General site work
- Manual handling
- Occupied premises or public areas
Method (7 steps)
- 1.Arrive and sign in. Arrive at Harbour Hotel, south elevation, report to the Harbour Hotels 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.Disconnect and remove existing equipment. Disconnect and remove the existing equipment. Lower or carry it using mechanical aids or team lifts as planned.
- 5.Install new equipment. Position and fix the new equipment to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 6.Clear up and remove waste. Clear the work area, remove waste from site (including recovered refrigerant and hazardous waste) and leave the area safe.
- 7.Hand over and sign out. Hand over to the Harbour Hotels site contact, report anything outstanding and sign out.
Main risks (2 in total)
Manual handling
Residual MediumWho: 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
Members of the public and building occupants
Residual LowWho: Public, customers, staff, residents
- Work area segregated with barriers and clear signage
- Work timed for quieter periods where possible, agreed with the site
- Tools and materials never left unattended in public areas
- Site contact informed of work areas and any disruption
What to get right on this document
Handling equipment
Declared method for moving units.
Exclusion below
No informal walkways under lifts.
Waste glass
Segregation and sharps controls.
Quick answer
A glazing RAMS covers glass handling and storage, lifting, work at height on elevations, wind stop-rules, and protecting the public below during installation.
What good looks like on a UK site
Glass injuries and dropped loads are foreseeable. Handling aids and exclusion are not optional extras. 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 curtain walling 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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- RAMS by tradeFire & security RAMSCreate RAMS for fire alarm, CCTV and access control installation: system isolations, ceiling work, occupied buildings. Review every suggestion before issue.
- RAMS by tradeScaffolding RAMSCreate scaffolding rams online for UK sites. Suggested risks and method steps matched to the job — you review every item before issue.
Questions
- Do I need a crash deck?
- Where people could be below, plan protection — client's PC may specify.
- Internal glass?
- Still cover handling, cuts and access.
- Temporary weatherproofing?
- Include if openings are left overnight.