RAMS by trade · UK
Scaffolding RAMS
Create a site-specific scaffolding RAMS online. Describe the job, review suggested risks and method steps, and download a professional PDF.
Typical scope
- Tube and fitting erection
- System scaffold
- Birdcage scaffolds
- Loading bays
- Handover and adaptation
- Dismantling
Scaffold RAMS fail when ties, TG20/design assumptions and public protection are vague. Write the sequence for this elevation.
Quick answer
A scaffolding RAMS covers erection, alteration and dismantling on a named site — foundations/ties, edge protection during build, falling materials, public interface and hand-over inspection before use.
Primary topic: scaffolding 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.
Ties assumed
Design/TG20 ties must match the building.
Public protection thin
Fans, netting and exclusion zones need to be specific.
Handover missing
Scaffold should not be used before inspection/handover.
Example
Independent scaffold to a three-storey terrace
Built from one job description. You review and adjust every item before issuing it.
Job description
Erect an independent tied scaffold to the front elevation at 22 Chapel Street for roofing works. Pavement licence in place, fans over the footpath, TG20 ties, and handover before roofers use it.
Activities identified
- General site work
- Roof work
- Mobile tower or scaffold
Method (7 steps)
- 1.Arrive and sign in. Arrive at 22 Chapel Street, report to the Chapel Street Developments 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 exclusion zone below. Establish an exclusion zone below the work area with barriers and signage before any work at height starts.
- 4.Erect the tower. PASMA-trained operatives erect the mobile tower to the manufacturer's guide and inspect it before use.
- 5.Access the roof. Access the roof via the agreed route. Confirm edge protection is in place and identify any fragile areas before moving onto the roof.
- 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 Chapel Street Developments site contact, report anything outstanding and sign out.
Main risks (5 in total)
Fall from roof edge
Residual MediumWho: Operatives
- Plan work to be done from below or from a MEWP where possible
- Edge protection (guard rails) or parapet of adequate height in place before work starts
- Safe access route to the roof agreed with the site; roof hatch secured open
- Where collective protection isn't possible, use a fall-restraint system with suitable anchors
- Work stops in high winds, ice or heavy rain
Fall through fragile roof or rooflight
Residual MediumWho: Operatives
- Treat all roof sheets and rooflights as fragile unless confirmed otherwise by the site
- Rooflights covered or protected with suitable mesh or barriers
- Staging or crawling boards used; no walking directly on sheets
- Safety netting or fall arrest below where required
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
Adverse weather
Residual LowWho: Operatives
- Forecast checked before work; work at height stopped in high winds
- Breaks, water and shade in hot weather; warm clothing in cold
- Sun protection on exposed work in summer
+ 1 more risks in the full RAMS.
What to get right on this document
Sequence and exclusion
Build so incomplete lifts are not used as workplaces.
Falling materials
Brick guards, fans and tool tethering as relevant.
Inspection
Handover certificate and statutory inspections in the method.
Quick answer
A scaffolding RAMS covers erection, alteration and dismantling on a named site — foundations/ties, edge protection during build, falling materials, public interface and hand-over inspection before use.
What good looks like on a UK site
Scaffold RAMS fail when ties, TG20/design assumptions and public protection are vague. Write the sequence for this elevation. 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 scaffolding 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
- 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 tradeHVAC RAMSCreate HVAC and refrigeration RAMS online: rooftop units, split systems, refrigerant recovery and brazing. Suggested risks and method steps you review before issue.
- RAMS by tradePlumbing RAMSCreate plumbing and heating RAMS online: boiler swaps, pipework, unvented cylinders and drain-downs. Suggested risks and method steps, reviewed by you.
- RAMS by tradeRoofing RAMSCreate a roofing RAMS online covering edge protection, fragile roofs, falling objects and weather. Suggested controls and method you review before issue.
- RAMS by tradeGroundworks RAMSCreate a groundworks or excavation RAMS online: buried services, trench collapse, plant movement and public interface. Review every suggestion before issue.
- RAMS by tradeFit-out RAMSCreate a fit-out or shopfitting RAMS online: partitions, ceilings, dust, occupied premises and out-of-hours work. Reviewed by you before issue.
- 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 tradePainting & decorating RAMSCreate painting decorating rams online for UK sites. Suggested risks and method steps matched to the job — you review every item before issue.
Questions
- Is a design always required?
- Follow industry guidance (e.g. TG20) and get a design when the scaffold is outside standard configurations.
- Can roofers use it mid-build?
- Only after handover/inspection of the relevant lifts.
- Include pavement licence?
- Yes — put local authority constraints in the method.