RAMS for Carpentry & Joinery (UK): Free Template + Site-Specific Generator

Why Carpentry & Joinery RAMS matter

Carpenters cut, assemble, and install structural and finishing elements while working around live services and other trades. A trade RAMS controls sawdust, moving blades, manual handling, and temporary works so timber installs stay safe and precise.

Common hazards for Carpentry & Joinery

• Contact with rotating saws, planers, and nail guns
• Manual handling of sheet materials, lintels, and door sets
• Wood dust exposure causing respiratory irritation
• Working at height when fixing soffits, joists, or roof timbers
• Fire risk from temporary heaters, adhesives, and timber waste

Typical control measures for Carpentry & Joinery

• Use fixed guards, two-hand controls, and exclusion zones around cutting stations
• Plan mechanical aids or team lifts for doors, joists, and LVL beams
• Fit dust extraction, on-tool vacuum units, and LEV where feasible
• Provide engineered access (towers, fall arrest) for elevated work
• Segregate timber storage, remove waste regularly, and brief hot works interfaces

Method statement outline

1. Review drawings, fire strategy, and fixings schedule with the site manager
2. Deliver and stage materials in dry, level storage close to the workface
3. Set up cutting/workstation with extraction, lighting, and cable management
4. Pre-assemble or cut components before installing to reduce time at height
5. Fix, plumb, and level assemblies, verifying fire stopping and tolerance requirements

PPE, training, and permits

PPE essentials

• Cut-resistant gloves suitable for handling timber and metal fixings
• Impact-rated eye protection when cutting or firing fixings
• FFP3 dust masks or powered RPE when producing wood dust
• Hearing protection for extended exposure to saws and nail guns

Training & competence

• NVQ Level 2/3 Carpentry & Joinery or equivalent proof of competence
• Abrasive wheel or chop saw training for on-site cutting
• Working at height training for roof and mezzanine tasks
• Manual handling with focus on awkward sheet materials

Permits & supporting documents

• Work-at-height permit for roof or mezzanine installations
• Hot works permit when using heat guns or adhesives near fire-sensitive areas
• Temporary works permit or inspection for structural timber propping
• Lifting operations permit when hoisting pre-assembled frames

RAMS checklist for Carpentry & Joinery

• Confirm fixings, anchors, and fire stopping materials match the design
• Inspect saw blades, guards, and extraction before first cut
• Check access platforms, handrails, and void protection are in place
• Keep walkways clear of offcuts, cables, and tools
• Record fire stopping penetrations and photographic evidence in the QA log

FAQs: Carpentry & Joinery RAMS

Do carpenters need a formal RAMS for door and frame installs?

Yes. Even repeatable tasks require risk assessment. Document the cutting set-up, manual handling plan, fire stopping sequence, and access equipment so supervisors can brief new starters quickly.

How do we control wood dust on a fast-track fit-out?

Use on-tool extraction, screened cutting booths, LEV, and scheduled clean-downs with M-class vacuums. Reference each control in the RAMS along with maintenance requirements.

Are nail guns covered by hot works permits?

Combustion nail guns produce sparks and gases, so many principal contractors treat them as hot works. Confirm site rules and include the decision and controls in the RAMS.

Generate a site-specific Carpentry & Joinery RAMS in minutes

Carpentry & Joinery RAMS generator

Related resources

• What are RAMS? A guide for UK contractors
• RAMS & CDM 2015 for civil contractors