When this template fits
Principal contractors and site managers establishing a new construction site need this RAMS before anyone starts work proper. A client or PC will almost always ask to see how you intend to enclose the site, connect services and provide compliant welfare from day one, because welfare and public protection are the things an HSE inspector checks first on a visit. If your site set up risk assessment cannot show CDM-compliant facilities and a secure perimeter, mobilisation gets held up.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 9 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 9-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Establish site access, welfare, signage and segregation.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-mobilisation: Obtain utility/service drawings, conduct CAT and Genny survey of site perimeter; complete traffic management plan and site layout plan; procure welfare units and confirm delivery timing.
- 2Day 1 — Perimeter security first: Install temporary barriers and signage at all site boundaries before any other activity to prevent unauthorised access. Establish controlled entry point.
- 3Welfare installation: Position and connect welfare unit(s) — WC, handwash, rest area and drinking water — ensuring all are operational before any workers carry out substantive work.
- 4Signage and notices: Erect all statutory and site-specific signage including site rules board, hazard warnings, emergency contact and first aid notices at the site entrance and key locations.
- 5Permanent hoarding/fencing erection: Using ground-break permit and confirmed service clearance, install permanent hoarding, fencing and gates using mechanical handling where possible. Banksman deployed during plant movements.
- 6Internal site layout establishment: Mark out pedestrian walkways, vehicle routes, material lay-down areas and welfare zone using paint, barriers or signage in accordance with the site layout plan.
- 7Site induction setup: Prepare and deliver site induction to all first-day workers covering site rules, emergency procedures, welfare locations, hazards and access control. Record all attendees.
- 8First aid and fire provision: Confirm first aid kit, appointed first aider and fire extinguisher(s) are in place and accessible. Post emergency contact numbers and assembly point signs.
- 9Inspection and sign-off: Site manager to walk the complete site, verify all controls in place — fencing, signage, welfare, housekeeping, segregation — before authorising wider workforce access.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Slip, trip or fall on uneven or cluttered ground
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Prepare a site layout plan before mobilisation, identifying pedestrian routes, material lay-down areas and vehicle zones to eliminate unnecessary conflict and clutter.
- › Install temporary hardstanding, trackway or anti-slip matting on key pedestrian routes, particularly where ground is soft, muddy or sloped.
- › Establish a daily housekeeping schedule to keep routes clear of materials, cables and debris. Assign responsibility to a named person.
- › All persons on site to wear safety footwear with slip-resistant soles and ankle support as a minimum.
Manual handling injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use a telehandler, forklift or pallet truck to move heavy welfare units, fencing panels and large signage boards instead of manual lifting.
- › Where mechanical handling is not practicable, use two-person lifts and provide handling aids such as sack trucks, trolleys or panel carriers.
- › Brief all operatives on correct manual handling techniques. Assess loads over approximately 25 kg individually, considering weight, shape, distance and frequency.
Plant and vehicle strike
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › All personnel in areas where plant operates must wear EN ISO 20471 Class 2 high-visibility vest or jacket at all times.
- › Establish physical segregation between vehicle routes and pedestrian walkways using barriers, Armco or clearly marked zones before any plant or deliveries arrive on site.
- › Prepare and implement a written traffic management plan including one-way systems, designated turning and loading areas, and banksman requirements.
- › Deploy a trained and clearly identified banksman during all vehicle reversing and manoeuvring operations during setup.
Fall from height during hoarding or fencing erection
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where possible, pre-assemble and fix panels, brackets and signage at ground level before erecting, to eliminate the need to work at height.
- › Where height is unavoidable (e.g. fixing toprails or signage above 2 m), use a podium step or mobile elevated work platform in preference to a ladder.
- › Ladders are a last resort for short-duration tasks only. Ensure three points of contact, correct angle and footing by a trained person.
- › Hard hats to be worn by all persons in areas where overhead working or falling objects are possible.
Unauthorised or public access during setup
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Erect perimeter hoarding, fencing or barriers as the very first setup activity before any other materials or plant are brought to site.
- › Where permanent hoarding cannot be erected immediately, deploy temporary crowd-control barriers and clear warning signage to restrict access.
- › Establish a site induction process and controlled access point (gate) from day one. No one admitted without induction.
Inadequate welfare facilities
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Ensure welfare units (WC, handwash, rest area, drinking water) are installed and operational before any workers start on site.
- › Establish a welfare maintenance schedule covering cleaning, restocking of soap and paper, and checking water supply daily.
Manual handling of fuel or hazardous substances
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Order only the quantities required; do not stockpile hazardous materials. Use pre-filled plant where practicable to reduce on-site fuelling.
- › Obtain and review the Safety Data Sheet for each substance. Complete a COSHH assessment before substances are brought to site.
- › Provide nitrile gloves and eye protection when handling fuels, lubricants or cleaning chemicals as specified by the COSHH assessment.
Cable strike during ground fixings or staking
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Obtain utility drawings and conduct a cable avoidance tool (CAT and Genny) survey of the entire site perimeter before driving any stakes or posts into the ground.
- › Implement a permit-to-dig or ground-break permit system requiring sign-off by the site manager after service survey is confirmed clear.
- › Workers driving ground stakes to wear insulated gloves and safety footwear with electrical protection rating where buried services cannot be fully excluded.
Noise from plant and equipment during setup
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where available, specify quieter plant (e.g. battery-powered tools, low-noise generators) to reduce noise at source.
- › Schedule high-noise tasks within permitted working hours agreed with the local authority and CDM duty holders.
- › Provide EN352-compliant ear defenders or plugs to all operatives working in areas where noise levels exceed 80 dB(A) action level.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
- ✓ RPE per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
- ✓ Insulated gloves where live work is unavoidable
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
Competence
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Solid timber/ply hoarding and Heras fencing panels with bases and couplers
- › Site welfare, office and drying cabins
- › Temporary electrical distribution board with RCD protection
- › CAT and Genny cable avoidance tool
- › Telehandler or HIAB for unloading and positioning units
- › Statutory signage boards and fixings
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ That the welfare provision is sized and specified against CDM Schedule 2 for the peak workforce, not just 'welfare provided'
- ✓ That the perimeter and out-of-hours security arrangements specifically address access by children, given the public location
- ✓ That temporary electrical connections are assigned to a named competent person with certification, not left to 'site team'
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
How many toilets does a construction site need?
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires sufficient sanitary conveniences for the number of people on site, with washing facilities adjacent. HSE guidance commonly cited is one toilet and one urinal for up to 7 people, rising with headcount; you should size against your expected peak workforce. Where flushing toilets cannot connect to a sewer, use a self-contained or chemical unit that is regularly emptied and cleaned. Separate facilities or lockable single units must be provided where women work on site.
Do I need solid hoarding or is Heras fencing enough?
It depends on the public exposure. Solid hoarding is normally expected to public-facing elevations, busy footways and town-centre sites because it stops materials and dust escaping and deters access, which HSG151 treats as protecting the public. Heras fencing can be acceptable on lower-risk boundaries away from the public, provided it is braced, weighted and climb-resistant. Your risk assessment should justify the choice for each boundary rather than applying one type everywhere.
What regulations apply to site setup & welfare?
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations are the main ones, alongside Work at Height Regulations 2005, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a RAMS need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.