Trade RAMS template

RAMS for Hot Works, Welding & Cutting: AI-Powered Template + Generator

Create a professional Hot Works, Welding & Cutting RAMS in minutes. Includes hazards, controls, permits and a clear method statement aligned with UK best practice.

Create the Hot Works RAMS

Trusted by 100+ UK contractors

“The hot works RAMS template saved us hours. It covered permits, LEV and fire watch in a way our team could follow on a busy refurb job. Signed off first time.”
5 star ratingJake Turner· Welding Supervisor, M&E Contractor (North West)

What you get

Hot-works RAMS aligned to permit workflows with slots for alarm impairments, fire-watch names and re-check times.
Fume control and LEV checklist referencing COSHH limits, extraction settings and RPE evidence.
Gas safety log covering cylinder IDs, flashback tests and storage routes for oxy-fuel operations.
Toolbox brief for welders/fabricators covering spark containment, earthing and post-work inspections.

Why teams choose RAMSGen

Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific Hot Works, Welding & Cutting RAMS from the start.

Benefits

✓Secure permit approval quickly by showing the PC exactly how you manage combustibles, LEV and fire watches.
✓Reduce downtime by keeping alarm isolations, RPE requirements and PPE shades documented in one place.
✓Protect welders’ health with standardised fume and gas control prompts rather than ad-hoc notes.

Risks of manual RAMS

!Without detailed fire-watch and alarm reinstatement steps you risk shutdowns or insurer refusals.
!Generic RAMS ignoring LEV/RPE lead to COSHH breaches and potential enforcement.
!Oxy-fuel incidents often stem from missing flashback or storage controls—covering them here prevents that gap.

Manual drafting

4 hrs

RAMSGen

8 min

Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation

Also searched for

welding RAMS, cutting RAMS, hot work permit, oxy-acetylene, MMA/MIG/TIG welding, plasma cutting

Generic RAMS template

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.

Implementation walkthrough

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.

Pre-start checklist

Use these prompts during pre-start briefings before commencing work.

Permit authorised for the exact location, date/time and scope; controls understood by all.
Combustibles cleared to 10 m or fully protected; penetrations/voids covered and damped where needed.
Correct extinguishers available and in date (e.g., CO2 for electrical, dry powder/water‑mist for Class A).
Screens/blankets installed; spark containment in place; exclusion zone cordoned and signed.
Cylinders upright, secured and segregated; flashback arrestors/non‑return valves fitted; leak test passed.
Welding plant inspected; RCD tested; earth clamp on clean metal; leads/hoses free from damage and routed safely.

Essential PPE

Auto‑darkening welding helmet with correct shade; safety goggles for cutting/grinding.
Flame‑resistant clothing/leathers with long sleeves; no synthetics.
Welding gauntlets and forearm protection.
Safety boots (S3) with metatarsal protection.
RPE appropriate to fume risk (e.g., P3 or air‑fed) with face‑fit where required.

Competency & training

Competence in relevant welding/cutting process (MMA/MIG/MAG/TIG/oxy‑fuel/plasma).
Hot Works awareness and practical fire extinguisher use.
Gas cylinder handling and oxy‑fuel safety including flashback prevention.
Use of LEV and RPE, COSHH awareness and face‑fit testing where applicable.
Electrical safety basics and isolation/LOTO awareness.

How to create a site-specific Hot Works, Welding & Cutting RAMS

Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:

Site-specific customization 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

This RAMS provides general guidance and must be adapted to the specific site and task. Employers and contractors remain responsible for compliance with UK health and safety law, including COSHH and the Fire Safety Order. Always obtain and follow an authorised Hot Work Permit and competent supervision.

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

Create site-specific RAMS now

Frequently asked questions

What counts as hot works on a construction site?

Any activity producing heat, flame or sparks that could ignite materials, such as arc welding, oxy‑fuel or plasma cutting, soldering, brazing and abrasive cutting/grinding in risk‑sensitive areas.

Do I always need a Hot Work Permit for welding?

Yes in buildings or areas with potential combustibles. A permit may not be required inside a designated, permanently controlled welding bay, but site rules prevail.

How far should I clear or protect combustibles?

As a rule of thumb clear or protect within 10 metres. Increase the distance or improve shielding if conditions, wind or voids could carry sparks further.

How long should the fire watch last after hot works?

Maintain a continuous watch during the task and for at least 60 minutes afterwards. Extend to 120 minutes or perform re‑checks if risks remain or site rules require.

What PPE and lens shade do I need for welding and cutting?

Use a welding helmet with the correct shade (typically 10–13 for arc welding, 5–7 for oxy‑fuel), FR clothing, gauntlets, safety boots and task‑appropriate RPE where LEV alone is insufficient.

How do I control welding fumes to meet COSHH?

Use effective LEV positioned close to the arc/cut, minimise fume generation, and provide suitable RPE (e.g., P3 or air‑fed) where residual risk remains. Record controls in your COSHH assessment.

Which fire extinguishers are appropriate for hot works?

Provide CO2 for electrical risks and dry powder or water‑mist for Class A combustibles. Use specialist Class D media only for combustible metal fires; do not use water on live electrics.

Who can issue or sign off a Hot Work Permit?

A competent responsible person appointed by the building owner/PC or facilities team. The permit holder must brief the team and ensure controls and fire watch are implemented.

What special controls apply when welding galvanised or painted steel?

Remove coatings where practicable, increase LEV, use suitable RPE, and manage waste. Check SDS and WELs in the COSHH assessment and avoid generating toxic fumes.

Can I weld in a ceiling void or plant room safely?

Only with robust controls: permit authorisation, void sealing, LEV or extraction, dedicated fire watch, continuous monitoring for hot spots and coordination with building fire systems.

Calculate your RAMS preparation costs

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RAMSGen Cost Calculator

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Monthly volume

4 RAMS

1 / month10 / month

Manually

£960

24 hrs of labour

RAMSGen

£60

2.4 hrs with RAMSGen

You save

£900

21.6 hrs saved

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Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes

Open this template in RAMSGen, tailor the task, and export a branded RAMS ready for site.