Hot Works, Welding & Cutting RAMS: UK Compliance Requirements, Hazard Controls & Method Statement
Ramsgen drafts a site-specific hot works RAMS that records ignition sources, combustibles and fire watch arrangements, with a hot work permit and controls aligned with HSE guidance.
A hot works risk assessment and method statement for welding, cutting, brazing and grinding. Includes a permit-to-work template, fire watch arrangements, and combustible-materials clearance. Pre-filled hazards address sparks and slag, fume and ventilation (LEV), gas cylinder storage, and post-work fire checks. Controls align with FPA RC7, HSE guidance and CDM 2015. Adapt them to your work area before exporting.
Hot Works, Welding & Cutting RAMS: key requirements and controls
CDM 2015 and site-specific RAMS
CDM 2015 requires a RAMS to cover the work as it will be done on this site. The hazards and controls below are typical for hot works, welding & cutting work and need adapting to the site layout, sequence and team before use.
Ramsgen drafts a site-specific hot works, welding & cutting RAMS from the project requirements.
Snapshot hazards
- Fire and explosion from sparks, slag, heat and flammable vapours.
- Burns and eye damage (arc radiation, hot metal, spatter).
- Inhalation of welding fumes and gases; potential oxygen depletion.
- Electric shock from welding sets, damaged leads or poor earthing.
- Trips/entanglement from leads and hoses; unsafe handling of gas cylinders.
Critical controls
- Hot Work Permit in place with named fire watch, monitoring and sign-off.
- Remove/cover combustibles; use welding screens, fire blankets and spark containment; establish exclusion zones.
- Provide LEV/fume extraction; supplement with suitable RPE per COSHH where needed.
- Inspect plant before use; PAT/RCD protection; sound earthing and managed cable/hoses.
- Gas safety: secure upright cylinders, fit flashback arrestors/non‑return valves, leak‑test and segregate from heat sources.
Permits & references
- Hot Work Permit (mandatory except in designated welding bays).
- Confined Space Permit where applicable.
- Work at Height Permit where access or edge protection is required.
- Electrical isolation/LOTO authorisation for adjacent services.
- Fire alarm/sprinkler impairment authorisation where systems are isolated.
Method sequence
- 1
Review RAMS, drawings and SDS/COSHH; brief the team and obtain an authorised Hot Work Permit.
- 2
Survey area: clear/cover combustibles (typically 10 m), seal openings/voids, set barriers and signage.
- 3
Set up LEV/fume extraction and welding screens; confirm airflow and capture position.
- 4
Inspect equipment: welding set condition, earth clamp, leads/hoses, PAT label, RCD test; check extinguishers are in date and suitable.
- 5
For oxy‑fuel: position cylinders upright, secure, fit flashback arrestors both ends, check regulators/hoses, perform leak test.
- 6
For electric welding: connect to correct supply, confirm earthing to clean metal; route cables to avoid trips/heat/splash.
- 7
Don task‑specific PPE; conduct a short test weld/cut to verify settings, fume capture and spark containment.
- 8
Carry out welding/cutting using agreed technique; maintain tidy work area; stop if conditions change (vapours, alarms, wind direction).
- 9
Maintain continuous fire watch during works and for a minimum of 60 minutes after; check hot spots with an IR thermometer.
- 10
On completion: remove waste/swarf, reinstate protections, re‑enable alarms/sprinklers, close the permit and hand back the area.
How to create a site-specific Hot Works, Welding & Cutting RAMS
To make this a site-specific RAMS, cover each point below:
Site-specific checklist
- 1
Exact work location and proximity to combustibles, public areas or live operations.
- 2
Need to isolate fire alarms/sprinklers and the responsible person's contact details.
- 3
Ventilation/LEV design and extraction route; any air quality monitoring requirements.
- 4
Materials and coatings involved (e.g., galvanised, stainless, painted) and COSHH/WEL considerations.
- 5
Confined space classification, entry controls and rescue plan if applicable.
- 6
Access method if working at height (MEWP, scaffold) and edge protection requirements.
- 7
Electrical supply rating, earthing/bonding arrangements and nearby live services.
- 8
Cylinder storage/transport route and segregation from ignition sources.
- 9
Emergency arrangements: alarm type, muster point, first‑aiders and nearest A&E.
- 10
Environmental controls for smoke/noise; waste and swarf disposal route.
HSE compliance alert
A competent person must review the RAMS against the site before work starts. No hot work starts without an authorised hot work permit and competent supervision.
What Ramsgen produces
Ramsgen drafts a site-specific RAMS from the project requirements and your answers about the site. It includes:
- 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
Related trades
Other RAMS templates a Hot Works, Welding & Cutting package often sits alongside.
Useful articles
Guides on hot works, welding & cutting RAMS and CDM 2015.
Build a RAMS for the site you are on
Ramsgen drafts a site-specific RAMS from this template and exports it as a branded PDF.