RAMS for HVAC & Ventilation: FREE Template + Generator
Create a professional HVAC & Ventilation RAMS with UK‑compliant hazards, controls and method steps—ready to tailor for your site in minutes.
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“The generator saved us hours on our AHU replacement programme. The RAMS covered F‑Gas, hot works and commissioning in one place and passed principal contractor review first time.”
5 star ratingLiam O’Connor· Contracts Manager, M&E Contractor
What you get
- HVAC RAMS covering ductwork, refrigeration, controls and commissioning phases with embedded permit prompts.
- Lift and access matrix linking plant weights, lifting method and operator competencies for quick review.
- F-Gas and pressure-test record template capturing nitrogen purge, evacuation and leak results.
- Hot works and fire-stopping checklist tuned to brazing and penetration sealing tasks.
Why teams choose RAMSGen
Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific HVAC & Ventilation RAMS from the start.
Benefits
- ✓Reassure PCs that WAH, hot works and F-Gas duties are fully planned before you mobilise.
- ✓Reuse the same structure for AHU swaps, VRF installs or duct upgrades with minimal edits.
- ✓Give commissioning engineers the data fields they need for O&M packs without chasing separate logs.
Risks of manual RAMS
- !Incomplete lift or MEWP planning is a key reason HVAC RAMS get rejected on major projects.
- !If pressure test and F-Gas evidence isn’t captured, handover is delayed and warranty support suffers.
- !Generic RAMS often ignore fire-stopping reinstatement leading to fire strategy non-compliance.
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
Also searched for
air conditioning, AC installation, ductwork, mechanical ventilation, MVHR, fan installation
Generic RAMS template
Snapshot hazards
- Working at height when installing ductwork, fans and AHUs (ladders, towers, MEWPs).
- Manual handling and lifting of heavy or awkward plant, duct sections and coils.
- Hot works during brazing/soldering with fire, fume and oxygen‑depletion risks.
- Electrical hazards from temporary power, tools, and energisation during testing/commissioning.
- Refrigerant and pressure hazards (asphyxiation, frostbite, A2L flammability) and stored energy in pipework/receivers.
Critical controls
- Work at Height plan: engineered access (towers/MEWPs), IPAF/PASMA operators, edge protection, exclusion zones and rescue arrangements per WAHR.
- Manual handling and lifting: task assessment, mechanical aids (trolleys/hoists), team lifts, load limits, and LOLER/PUWER‑inspected lifting gear with a lift plan where required.
- Hot works control: permit to work, fire watch and extinguishers, heat‑resistant shields, LEV for fume, cylinders secured and segregated; post‑work fire check.
- Isolation and service detection: up‑to‑date drawings/as‑built, cable/pipe scanning, permit to penetrate, lock‑out/tag‑out of electrical/gas/plant; 110V tools and RCDs.
- Refrigerant/pressure safety: F‑Gas‑certified handlers, ventilation and leak detection, nitrogen purging during brazing, calibrated gauges for strength/tightness tests, compliance with PSSR and manufacturer limits.
Permits & references
- General Permit to Work (site rules).
- Hot Works Permit for brazing/soldering/welding.
- Electrical Isolation/LOTO certificate for plant and circuits.
- Working at Height/MEWP permit where required by site.
- Permit to Penetrate and asbestos clearance/verification for any openings.
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Pre‑start briefing and review of RAMS, drawings and permits (hot works, WAH, isolate/LOTO). Confirm asbestos survey and permit to penetrate for any openings.
- 2
Set up access: barriers, signage and exclusion zones. Erect tower scaffold or position MEWP by trained operators; inspect and tag access equipment.
- 3
Deliver, store and handle materials/plant using mechanical aids. Conduct lift(s) per lift plan; inspect slings/LOLER tags and establish clear communications.
- 4
Install supports/hangers to specification; verify fixings and fire‑stopping details. Keep work area tidy; remove sharp swarf and protect edges.
- 5
Install ductwork/fans/AHUs: align, bolt and seal joints; fit anti‑vibration mounts. Maintain safe posture and team lift long sections.
- 6
Install copper refrigeration/condensate lines: purge with nitrogen, braze under hot works permit, cool and protect combustibles; label pipework.
- 7
Pressure testing and evacuation: perform strength and tightness tests with calibrated gauges; evacuate to required microns; record results.
- 8
Electrical/controls: verify isolation, terminate to manufacturer specs and BS 7671, label circuits, test and inspect before energisation.
- 9
Insulation, fire stopping and final fix: apply insulation and vapour barriers; reinstate rated fire seals around penetrations; complete snag rectification.
- 10
Commissioning and balancing: set airflow/pressures, verify rotation and controls, run‑test and record data; clear site, remove waste and handover O&M documentation.
How to create a site-specific HVAC & Ventilation RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Project location, floor levels and plant room access/egress routes.
- 2
Working hours, noise limits and any out‑of‑hours requirements.
- 3
Interface with other trades and building users; isolation coordination.
- 4
Location of emergency shut‑offs (electric, gas, sprinkler) and first‑aid points.
- 5
Delivery routes, lay‑down areas and crane/MEWP positioning constraints.
- 6
Fire strategy: alarm zones, detector isolations and fire‑stopping details.
- 7
Environmental controls: dust, fume, refrigerant storage and spill response.
- 8
Specific equipment models, weights and lifting points for AHUs/fans/condensers.
- 9
Commissioning requirements and witnessing plan (airflow, pressure, BMS).
- 10
Client documentation: O&M, test certificates, F‑Gas log and asset labels.
HSE compliance alert
This RAMS outline is a template to support compliance with UK law (HSWA, MHSWR, WAHR, EAWR, PSSR, COSHH, F‑Gas). You must adapt it to the specific site, equipment and sequence of work, obtain all required permits, and ensure competent supervision and verification before starting.
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 regulations should an HVAC & Ventilation RAMS reference in the UK?
Refer to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, Work at Height Regulations, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), Electricity at Work Regulations (BS 7671 for installations), Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), and F‑Gas Regulations for refrigerants.
Do I need F‑Gas certification to handle refrigerants like R410A or R32?
Yes. Any installation, leak testing, recovery or charging of stationary refrigeration/air‑conditioning/heat‑pump systems must be carried out by engineers with F‑Gas Category 1 (or appropriate) certification, and the company must also be F‑Gas certified.
What should the pressure testing section of my HVAC RAMS include?
Define media (dry nitrogen), test pressures for strength and tightness, isolation boundaries, calibrated gauges, hold times, leak detection method, purge/venting controls, emergency actions, and recording of results. Include evacuation targets (microns) before charging.
How are hot works (brazing) controlled in HVAC installations?
Use a Hot Works Permit, clear combustibles, provide fire blankets and extinguishers, maintain LEV/ventilation, use nitrogen purging, protect adjacent areas, and implement a fire watch with post‑work checks for the specified duration.
Who should approve or sign off an HVAC & Ventilation RAMS?
The contractor’s competent person (e.g., project or H&S manager) should author and approve it; the Principal Contractor must review/accept it under CDM. Specialists (F‑Gas, electrical) should verify technical sections.
How often should an HVAC RAMS be reviewed or updated?
Review before each shift, after any change in design, sequence, location, equipment, weather or workforce, and after incidents or near misses. Re‑brief and re‑sign the RAMS when changes occur.
What PPE is typically required for ductwork installation and brazing?
Safety helmet, S3 safety boots, hi‑vis clothing, safety glasses/face shield, and task‑specific hearing/RPE. Add heat‑resistant gloves and sleeves for brazing as identified by the risk assessment.
Do I need a lift plan to install AHUs or roof condensers?
Yes for crane or complex lifts. Provide a lift plan, LOLER‑compliant equipment, competent Appointed Person/Slinger/Signaller, and exclusion zones. For lighter loads, still assess and use mechanical aids.
How do I manage dust and fibres from cutting duct and handling insulation?
Use controlled cutting, on‑tool extraction or M‑class vacuums, damp‑wipe methods, suitable RPE, long‑sleeve clothing/gloves for mineral fibre, and clean the work area regularly. Dispose of waste in sealed bags per site rules.
What evidence should I attach to an HVAC RAMS submission?
Include training/competence certificates (CSCS, IPAF/PASMA, F‑Gas), plant and lifting inspections (LOLER), test equipment calibration, product datasheets/SDS, pressure test and commissioning records, and permits used (hot works, WAH, isolation).
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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Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes for free!
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