RAMS for Bricklaying & Masonry: FREE Template + Generator
Build a professional Bricklaying & Masonry RAMS in minutes. Pre-filled hazards, controls and method steps aligned with UK HSE good practice—ready to tailor for your site.
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“We turned a messy Word doc into a site-ready Bricklaying RAMS in under 10 minutes. The pre-filled hazards and scaffold checks were spot on, and our client signed off first time.”
5 star ratingJake Morton· Bricklaying Supervisor (SMSTS)
What you get
- Trade-specific RAMS export covering manual handling, silica, cement burns and scaffold interface controls ready for PC sign-off.
- Editable method statement sequence aligned to UK bricklaying best practice, including mixing/cutting zones and quality holds.
- COSHH and PPE schedule for cementitious products with links to RPE face-fit records and skin care requirements.
- Client-ready PDF with inspection prompts (scaffold tags, mixer PAT, lift plans) and briefing signatures captured in one pack.
Why teams choose RAMSGen
Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific Bricklaying & Masonry RAMS from the start.
Benefits
- ✓Prove diligence to principal contractors by showing silica, cement and access risks are fully controlled site-by-site.
- ✓Cut briefing time by handing supervisors a ready-made sequence for mixing, hoisting and laying activities.
- ✓Reduce manual edits by keeping hazards, COSHH data and toolbox content updated centrally.
Risks of manual RAMS
- !Generic RAMS rarely cover wet-cutting, block splitters and scaffold interfaces, leading to rework or rejection.
- !Missing COSHH or face-fit evidence for cement and RCS can trigger enforcement or medical investigations.
- !Untracked lifting routes and exclusion zones increase the likelihood of struck-by or collapse incidents.
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
Also searched for
brickwork RAMS, masonry method statement, blockwork RAMS, bricklayer risk assessment, mortar mixing RAMS
Generic RAMS template
Snapshot hazards
- Manual handling of bricks/blocks and mortar leading to musculoskeletal injury or crush/impact injuries.
- Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) from cutting blocks/bricks and exposure to wet cement/mortar causing dermatitis and chemical burns.
- Working at height on scaffolds or incomplete structures with risk of falls.
- Falling objects from platforms or poorly stacked materials striking people below.
- Contact with mixers, cut-off saws and hand tools; noise/vibration and electrical risks from powered equipment.
Critical controls
- Manual handling controls: plan lifts, use mechanical aids/hoists and block splitters, team lifts, weight limits and safe stacking heights.
- Dust and cement exposure control: water suppression/LEVs, ban dry cutting, FFP3 RPE with face-fit, COSHH assessments, skin protection and welfare for washing.
- Access and height safety: only use inspected/Tagged scaffolds with full edge protection, brick guards and toe boards; maintain safe platforms and clear access routes.
- Falling-object prevention: install brick guards/debris netting, maintain exclusion zones and toe boards; secure loads and use tool lanyards where appropriate.
- Plant/tools and electrical safety: guarded mixers, Abrasive Wheels-trained operators, 110V with transformer/PAT, noise/HAVS controls and task zoning.
Permits & references
- Scaffold handover certificate/tag and 7‑day inspection records.
- Permit to Work at Height where required by the Principal Contractor/site rules.
- Lift plan/permit for hoists, cranes or HIAB deliveries in line with LOLER/BS 7121.
- COSHH assessments/SDS for cement, mortar admixtures and RCS-producing activities.
- Traffic Management/Delivery permit or agreed delivery schedule and banksman arrangements.
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Pre-start: review drawings/specifications, RAMS briefing and roles; confirm coordination with Principal Contractor and other trades.
- 2
Access arrangement: confirm scaffold has handover certificate/tag, edge protection and brick guards; carry out daily pre-use checks and keep platforms clear.
- 3
Set-out: establish control lines, levels and bond; check DPCs/insulation details and wall tie patterns; mark lifting points and exclusion zones.
- 4
Establish mixing and cutting zones: locate on firm level ground, provide water suppression/LEVs, barriers and signage; manage slurry/run-off and noise.
- 5
Material delivery and storage: receive via agreed route with banksman; use hoists/telehandlers per lift plan; stack bricks/blocks safely below height limits.
- 6
Mortar production: follow COSHH; wear gloves/eye protection; use guarded 110V mixer; add water/additives as specified; keep spill kits and eyewash available.
- 7
Laying bricks/blocks: spread mortar, place units to line and level, maintain joints/bond; work from safe platforms; keep work area tidy and avoid overreaching.
- 8
Cutting operations: prefer block splitter; if using wet/dry saw with suppression, wear FFP3 RPE, eye/ear protection; capture slurry and dispose as per site rules.
- 9
Quality and compliance: install ties, DPCs, cavity trays and insulation to spec; rake/tool joints; check plumb/level; rectify snags promptly.
- 10
Close-out: clear debris, wash down affected areas, remove temporary barriers, secure materials/plant, complete inspections and sign-off with the Supervisor.
How to create a site-specific Bricklaying & Masonry RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Exact location/elevation/extent of brickwork and interfaces with other trades.
- 2
Scaffold provider details, design requirements (if any) and tie pattern/maximum lift height.
- 3
Number of scaffold lifts/working platforms and access/egress points.
- 4
Position of mixing and cutting zones, water source, slurry containment and disposal method.
- 5
Delivery routes, timing restrictions and laydown areas; public proximity and protection.
- 6
Details of lifting equipment/hoists, SWL, siting and communication methods (radios/hand signals).
- 7
Brick/block types, unit weights and any maximum manual lift limits agreed with PC.
- 8
Specification for wall ties, cavity trays, insulation types and DPC/DPM details.
- 9
Nearby sensitive receptors (schools, hospitals, neighbours) and agreed dust/noise limits.
- 10
Emergency arrangements: muster point, first aiders, nearest A&E, spill kits and eyewash.
HSE compliance alert
This RAMS template provides guidance and must be adapted by a competent person to the specific site, scope and risks. The Principal Contractor and Employer must ensure compliance with UK legislation (e.g., CDM 2015, HASAWA, COSHH, PUWER, Work at Height). Stop work if conditions change or if controls cannot be maintained.
Why RAMSGen makes this easier
Instead of manually editing Word templates and cross-referencing multiple guidance documents, RAMSGen walks you through each customization step with intelligent prompts. Answer questions about your site, and the platform automatically generates a compliant RAMS that incorporates:
- Project-specific hazards based on your site layout and access constraints
- Emergency plans with routes to the nearest A&E and site-specific assembly points
- Permits, inspections, and quality checkpoints aligned to your schedule
- Branded PDF exports ready for principal contractor submission
Frequently asked questions
What should a Bricklaying & Masonry RAMS include?
It should identify key hazards (manual handling, RCS dust, falls, falling objects, tool/electrical risks), set out control measures (wet cutting/FFP3, brick guards, exclusion zones, 110V), provide a step-by-step method, list PPE/training, and attach COSHH, scaffold handover/inspections and any lift plans.
Do I need a RAMS for small brick repairs?
Yes. Even minor works can involve silica dust, cement burns or work at height. A concise RAMS proportionate to the risk is acceptable but must still address controls like wet cutting, RPE and access safety.
How do you control silica dust when cutting bricks or blocks?
Use a block splitter where possible. If sawing, apply effective water suppression or LEV, set up a designated cutting zone, wear face‑fit FFP3 RPE and eye/ear protection, and ban dry cutting.
Who approves or signs off the RAMS on site?
Typically the Contractor/Supplier drafts it, a competent manager reviews, and the Principal Contractor approves before work starts. Supervisors brief operatives and record signatures at induction or task briefing.
What PPE is mandatory for bricklaying tasks?
Site rules vary, but minimums are safety helmet, hi‑vis and safety boots. Add cut‑resistant chemical‑resistant gloves, eye protection and task‑specific RPE (FFP3 for dust). Hearing protection is required when noise assessments indicate.
Do bricklayers need Abrasive Wheels training?
Yes, anyone mounting or using disc/cut‑off saws must have Abrasive Wheels training and be authorised. They also need RPE face‑fit and to follow wet‑cutting controls.
How often must scaffolds be inspected for bricklaying work?
A competent person should inspect after installation, after any event likely to affect stability, and at least every 7 days, with the tag updated and records kept.
What COSHH information is required for cement and mortar?
Include Safety Data Sheets for cement, additives and fuels; COSHH assessments covering cement burns/dermatitis and RCS; specified PPE/RPE; welfare and skin care measures; and disposal/cleanup procedures for slurry.
Do I need a Work at Height permit for bricklaying?
Follow the Principal Contractor’s permit regime. Many sites require a permit for specific high‑risk activities (e.g., leading edges or incomplete structures). Always verify site rules and include the permit in your RAMS pack.
How should brick and block deliveries be managed safely?
Agree routes and times, use banksmen, keep people out of lift zones, follow a lift plan/permit for hoists or HIAB, check ground bearing capacity, and stack loads on firm level ground within height limits.
Calculate your RAMS preparation costs
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RAMSGen Cost Calculator
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Monthly volume
4 RAMS
Manually
£960
24 hrs of labour
RAMSGen
£60
2.4 hrs with RAMSGen
You save
£900
21.6 hrs saved
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