Trade RAMS template
RAMS for HVAC & Ventilation (UK): Free Template + Site-Specific Generator
HVAC installers hoist heavy duct sections, work within ceiling voids, and interface with complex fire, BMS, and commissioning requirements. A trade RAMS ensures lifting, sealing, and testing are controlled from day one.
Building services (M&E)
phase1
2025-10-01
What you'll brief on site
Align supervisors, evidence compliance, and pre-fill RAMSGen with the core talking points below.
- ✓Confirm supports, anchors, and fixings are installed before lifting
- ✓Verify sealants, gaskets, and insulation match the specification
- ✓Check hot works controls, fire blankets, and extinguishers are staged
- ✓Ensure lifting gear inspections, LOLER certificates, and load cards are current
- ✓Record commissioning results, airflow, and pressure tests
Key approvals
Lifting operations permit for hoisting AHUs or large duct sections, Hot works permit for brazing or welding, Confined space permit for plant rooms with restricted egress, Work-at-height permit for ceiling void or roof plant
Snapshot hazards
- Manual handling of heavy ductwork and AHU components
- Sharp sheet metal edges causing cuts
- Working at height within congested ceiling voids
- Hot works during welding or brazing of pipework
- Exposure to welding fumes or fibreglass insulation
Critical controls
- Use mechanical lifting frames, chain blocks, or MEWPs for heavy sections
- Fit edge protection caps and deburr duct edges
- Provide adequate lighting, access platforms, and exclusion zones in ceiling voids
- Issue hot works permits with fume extraction and fire watch
- Store insulation sealed; use RPE and hygiene controls when cutting
Permits & references
- Lifting operations permit for hoisting AHUs or large duct sections
- Hot works permit for brazing or welding
- Confined space permit for plant rooms with restricted egress
- Work-at-height permit for ceiling void or roof plant
Implementation walkthrough
Toolbox ready- 1
Review coordination drawings, clash reports, and supports schedule
- 2
Deliver modular sections and supports to staging areas with lifting plans
- 3
Install supports, hangers, and bracketry to design loadings
- 4
Hoist and connect ductwork, sealing joints, and fitting insulation
- 5
Test, balance, commission, and record results with the commissioning engineer
Template detail
Export ready in RAMSGenWhy HVAC & Ventilation RAMS matter
HVAC installers hoist heavy duct sections, work within ceiling voids, and interface with complex fire, BMS, and commissioning requirements. A trade RAMS ensures lifting, sealing, and testing are controlled from day one.
Common hazards for HVAC & Ventilation
- Manual handling of heavy ductwork and AHU components
- Sharp sheet metal edges causing cuts
- Working at height within congested ceiling voids
- Hot works during welding or brazing of pipework
- Exposure to welding fumes or fibreglass insulation
Typical control measures for HVAC & Ventilation
- Use mechanical lifting frames, chain blocks, or MEWPs for heavy sections
- Fit edge protection caps and deburr duct edges
- Provide adequate lighting, access platforms, and exclusion zones in ceiling voids
- Issue hot works permits with fume extraction and fire watch
- Store insulation sealed; use RPE and hygiene controls when cutting
Method statement outline
- Review coordination drawings, clash reports, and supports schedule
- Deliver modular sections and supports to staging areas with lifting plans
- Install supports, hangers, and bracketry to design loadings
- Hoist and connect ductwork, sealing joints, and fitting insulation
- Test, balance, commission, and record results with the commissioning engineer
PPE, training, and permits
PPE essentials
- Cut-resistant gloves and forearm protection
- Safety glasses or face shields when cutting or grinding
- Hearing protection when using powered tools
- Harnesses where using MEWPs or working near open edges
Training & competence
- NVQ Level 2/3 Heating & Ventilation or equivalent
- MEWP (IPAF) and PASMA for access equipment
- Brazing or welding qualifications with annual refreshers
- Commissioning and balancing competency for supervisors
Permits & supporting documents
- Lifting operations permit for hoisting AHUs or large duct sections
- Hot works permit for brazing or welding
- Confined space permit for plant rooms with restricted egress
- Work-at-height permit for ceiling void or roof plant
RAMS checklist for HVAC & Ventilation
- Confirm supports, anchors, and fixings are installed before lifting
- Verify sealants, gaskets, and insulation match the specification
- Check hot works controls, fire blankets, and extinguishers are staged
- Ensure lifting gear inspections, LOLER certificates, and load cards are current
- Record commissioning results, airflow, and pressure tests
FAQs: HVAC & Ventilation RAMS
Do we need a RAMS for balancing and commissioning?
Yes. Balancing introduces access at height, temporary covers removal, and plant adjustments. Document access, isolation, and hygiene controls in the RAMS.
How do we prevent swarf and debris in ductwork?
Seal duct ends, clean internally before closing sections, and maintain a hygiene log. Reference these hold points in the RAMS so clients can audit cleanliness.
Do we need to log torque settings for brackets?
Yes for many specifications. Include torque records and QA checklists in the RAMS to prove supports meet design loads.
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Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a RAMS for balancing and commissioning?
Yes. Balancing introduces access at height, temporary covers removal, and plant adjustments. Document access, isolation, and hygiene controls in the RAMS.
How do we prevent swarf and debris in ductwork?
Seal duct ends, clean internally before closing sections, and maintain a hygiene log. Reference these hold points in the RAMS so clients can audit cleanliness.
Related guidance
Share the following resources alongside your RAMS to reinforce site standards and evidence due diligence.
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