RAMS for Painting & Decorating: FREE Template + Generator
HSE‑aligned Painting & Decorating RAMS template covering key hazards, practical controls and a clear method statement—built for UK sites and ready to customise.
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“The RAMS generator saved me hours. It covered work at height, COSHH and spraying controls in one clear document—my principal contractor approved it first time.”
5 star ratingLewis Grant· Director, Grant & Co. Decorating
What you get
- Painting RAMS including COSHH matrix, work-at-height plan and spray-control guidance tailored for UK sites.
- Product register template capturing VOC class, SDS links and required RPE filters for each coating.
- Lead/asbestos stop-work prompt sheet and dust-control checklist embedded in the pack.
- Client handover checklist covering snagging, protection removal and waste consignment references.
Why teams choose RAMSGen
Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific Painting & Decorating RAMS from the start.
Benefits
- ✓Assure principal contractors that you have solvent, spray and public protection covered without lengthy rewrites.
- ✓Speed up toolbox talks with pre-written cues on ladders vs towers, ventilation and COSHH hygiene.
- ✓Keep QA tidy by logging product batches, drying times and waste routes inside the RAMS export.
Risks of manual RAMS
- !Ignoring COSHH ventilation and RPE requirements leads to instant stop-work orders.
- !Generic RAMS rarely cover lead/asbestos triggers, putting decorators at compliance risk.
- !Poor access planning (untagged ladders/towers) causes most decorator-related enforcement notices.
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
Also searched for
painter, decorator, painting, decorating, wallpapering, spray painting
Generic RAMS template
Snapshot hazards
- Falls from height when using ladders, tower scaffolds or MEWPs
- Exposure to hazardous substances (VOCs, isocyanates, dust, lead-based coatings)
- Fire and explosion risk from flammable solvents/heat guns
- Slips, trips and falls due to spillages, sheeting and poor housekeeping
- Manual handling strains from lifting ladders, paint, access equipment
Critical controls
- Plan and control work at height per WAHR 2005: select the right access (avoid > prevent > mitigate), inspect ladders/towers, use 3T method/PASMA towers, consider MEWPs; edge protection and exclusion zones.
- COSHH controls: substitute water‑based products, obtain SDS, use local exhaust/forced ventilation, RPE face‑fit (P2/P3 for dust; A2/ABEK for vapours), skin protection and hygiene regime.
- Lead/asbestos precautions: check refurbishment/demolition info; stop if suspect; test/survey; use licensed specialists where required; wet methods and HEPA extraction when sanding non‑hazard surfaces.
- Housekeeping and spill control: route and tape down sheeting, keep walkways clear, clean spills immediately, manage trailing leads with cable ramps.
- Public and third‑party protection: barriers, signage, work outside peak hours, protect furnishings/finishes, coordinate with fire alarm isolation when spraying or dust‑creating work.
Permits & references
- Work at Height permit (site/client policy)
- Hot Works permit when using heat guns/infrared strippers
- Fire alarm isolation permit/notification when spraying or creating dust/vapours
- Confined space/limited access permit where applicable (e.g., plant rooms/voids)
- Highway/Local Authority permit for external works affecting the public footway
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Pre‑start: receive RAMS/briefing, confirm drawings/scope, review SDS and permits, check welfare and emergency arrangements.
- 2
Survey area and identify sensitive finishes/services; verify any asbestos/lead information and complete point‑of‑work risk assessment.
- 3
Set up work area: isolate/cover nearby fixtures, erect barriers and signage, lay floor/edge protection and dust sheeting; establish ventilation.
- 4
Access equipment: inspect and tag ladders/towers/MEWPs; set on firm, level ground; fit toe‑boards/guardrails; establish exclusion zone below.
- 5
Surface preparation: clean, degrease, remove loose coatings; wet‑sand or use extraction‑equipped sanders; fill/prime as specified; collect dust with HEPA vacuum.
- 6
Product preparation: mix/decant in ventilated area over spill trays; measure and label containers; follow SDS for pot life and flammability; keep ignition sources away.
- 7
Application: brush/roller/spray as specified; maintain ventilation; control overspray and drips; monitor air quality; rotate tasks to reduce exposure and fatigue.
- 8
Curing and protection: allow correct drying times; maintain segregation; avoid removing protection until coatings are touch‑dry/fully cured as specified.
- 9
Quality check and snag: inspect finish, edges and coverage; rectify defects; remove masking in stages to prevent damage.
- 10
Clean‑down and close‑out: decant reusable materials, seal waste, remove sheeting, reinstate services/alarms, clear access equipment, sign off and handover.
How to create a site-specific Painting & Decorating RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Project address and work area/room numbers
- 2
Occupancy and interface controls (live premises/out of hours)
- 3
Exact products/brands and VOC class; required RPE filter type
- 4
Access method (ladder/tower/MEWP), SWL and rescue plan
- 5
Ventilation method and airflow route; any alarm isolation details
- 6
Protection requirements for fixtures/floors and sensitive equipment
- 7
Noise and vibration limits/restrictions for prep equipment
- 8
Waste classification (hazardous/non‑hazardous) and carrier details
- 9
Nearest welfare, first aid, eyewash and fire points
- 10
Named supervisor and emergency contacts
HSE compliance alert
This template provides general guidance aligned to UK HSE practice (e.g., WAHR and COSHH). It must be reviewed and made site‑specific by a competent person. Always stop work if asbestos or lead is suspected and follow legal procedures.
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
Do painters and decorators need a RAMS on small jobs?
Yes where there are foreseeable risks—especially work at height, solvents or dust in occupied premises. Many clients/principal contractors require RAMS regardless of project size.
Which regulations apply to Painting & Decorating RAMS in the UK?
Primarily the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs, Work at Height Regs 2005, COSHH 2002, PUWER 1998, PPE Regs 1992/2022 and Control of Lead at Work 2002 as relevant.
What respirator do I need for painting and sanding?
Use P2/P3 particulate filters for sanding dust and A2/ABEK organic vapour cartridges for solvent vapours. Ensure face‑fit testing and seal checks; consider air‑fed RPE for isocyanate spraying.
How do I control fumes and overspray when spraying paint indoors?
Substitute water‑based products where possible, use LEV or forced ventilation, establish exclusion zones, mask/cover sensitive items, and coordinate fire alarm isolation with the client.
Are ladders allowed for decorating work?
Yes for short‑duration, low‑risk tasks if the ladder is suitable, inspected and used correctly. For longer or higher‑risk work, use towers or MEWPs with edge protection.
What should I do if I suspect lead paint?
Stop, do not disturb further, arrange testing, and follow the Control of Lead at Work requirements. Use wet methods/HEPA extraction and licensed specialists when required.
How is paint waste disposed of?
Liquid paint, solvent, contaminated rags and filters are usually hazardous waste. Store in sealed, labelled containers and use a licensed carrier with consignment notes.
What information should be in a Painting & Decorating method statement?
Scope and products, access method, step‑by‑step sequence, COSHH controls, ventilation plan, public protection, quality checks, waste arrangements and emergency procedures.
Do I need PASMA or IPAF for decorating?
PASMA is required for assembling/using tower scaffolds; IPAF for operating MEWPs. Only trained, competent persons should select and use access equipment.
How often must ladders and towers be inspected?
Pre‑use checks every time; formal inspections at suitable intervals (often weekly) and after events that could affect stability. Record tower inspections per site policy.
Calculate your RAMS preparation costs
See how much time and money you could save by switching from manual RAMS preparation to RAMSGen's automated workflow.
RAMSGen Cost Calculator
Use the slider to discover the time and cost savings with RAMSGen.
Monthly volume
4 RAMS
Manually
£960
24 hrs of labour
RAMSGen
£60
2.4 hrs with RAMSGen
You save
£900
21.6 hrs saved
Useful articles
Deep dives picked for Painting & Decorating teams.
Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes for free!
Open this template in RAMSGen, tailor the task, and export a branded RAMS ready for site.