Trade RAMS template
RAMS for Painting & Decorating (UK): Free Template + Site-Specific Generator
Finishing teams often work in live buildings and close to other trades while managing flammable coatings, mobile access, and sensitive finishes. A tailored RAMS keeps overspray, fumes, and falls under control while protecting adjacent workfaces.
Fit-out and finishing
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 paint specification, batch numbers, and colour references before opening
- ✓Verify ventilation rates meet SDS minimums for solvent use
- ✓Inspect ladders, towers, and access equipment with latest inspection tags
- ✓Check spill kits, fire extinguishers, and waste drums are staged
- ✓Record drying/curing times and recoat intervals in the RAMS register
Key approvals
Work-at-height permit or inspection record for towers and podiums, Hot works/spray application permit for airless or HVLP spraying, Confined space or plant room permit where ventilation is limited, Out-of-hours permit where spraying must occur outside normal working times
Snapshot hazards
- Inhalation of solvent fumes, isocyanates, and paint mists
- Falls from ladders, podiums, and mobile towers when working overhead
- Fire and explosion risk from flammable paints, thinners, and dust
- Skin irritation and dermatitis from repeated chemical contact
- Contamination or overspray impacting other trades and finished surfaces
Critical controls
- Substitute low-VOC coatings and provide forced ventilation or extraction where required
- Select the safest access method first (towers, podiums) and inspect equipment before use
- Implement flammable liquid storage, bonding, and hot works coordination for spraying
- Enforce barrier protection, masking, and wet films to protect adjacent finishes
- Segregate drying areas with signage, fire watch, and temperature monitoring
Permits & references
- Work-at-height permit or inspection record for towers and podiums
- Hot works/spray application permit for airless or HVLP spraying
- Confined space or plant room permit where ventilation is limited
- Out-of-hours permit where spraying must occur outside normal working times
Implementation walkthrough
Toolbox ready- 1
Review specification, colour schedules, and material safety data with the site manager
- 2
Set up access platforms, lighting, ventilation, and exclusion zones with signage
- 3
Prepare substrates: clean, degrease, sand, fill, and prime as required
- 4
Apply primers, undercoats, and finish coats using the approved method (brush, roller, spray)
- 5
Inspect, de-mask, rectify snags, and record touch-ups before handover
Template detail
Export ready in RAMSGenWhy Painting & Decorating RAMS matter
Finishing teams often work in live buildings and close to other trades while managing flammable coatings, mobile access, and sensitive finishes. A tailored RAMS keeps overspray, fumes, and falls under control while protecting adjacent workfaces.
Common hazards for Painting & Decorating
- Inhalation of solvent fumes, isocyanates, and paint mists
- Falls from ladders, podiums, and mobile towers when working overhead
- Fire and explosion risk from flammable paints, thinners, and dust
- Skin irritation and dermatitis from repeated chemical contact
- Contamination or overspray impacting other trades and finished surfaces
Typical control measures for Painting & Decorating
- Substitute low-VOC coatings and provide forced ventilation or extraction where required
- Select the safest access method first (towers, podiums) and inspect equipment before use
- Implement flammable liquid storage, bonding, and hot works coordination for spraying
- Enforce barrier protection, masking, and wet films to protect adjacent finishes
- Segregate drying areas with signage, fire watch, and temperature monitoring
Method statement outline
- Review specification, colour schedules, and material safety data with the site manager
- Set up access platforms, lighting, ventilation, and exclusion zones with signage
- Prepare substrates: clean, degrease, sand, fill, and prime as required
- Apply primers, undercoats, and finish coats using the approved method (brush, roller, spray)
- Inspect, de-mask, rectify snags, and record touch-ups before handover
PPE, training, and permits
PPE essentials
- Disposable or reusable coveralls resistant to paint penetration
- Chemical-resistant gloves matched to solvent or water-based coatings
- Respiratory protection (FFP3 or air-fed) for spraying or sanding tasks
- Eye protection with side shields when sanding, mixing, or spraying
Training & competence
- NVQ Level 2+ in Painting & Decorating or demonstrable trade competency
- IPAF or PASMA for powered access and tower erection where used
- COSHH awareness covering paints, thinners, fillers, and cleaning agents
- Manual handling for handling 10L tins, plasterboard, and access equipment
Permits & supporting documents
- Work-at-height permit or inspection record for towers and podiums
- Hot works/spray application permit for airless or HVLP spraying
- Confined space or plant room permit where ventilation is limited
- Out-of-hours permit where spraying must occur outside normal working times
RAMS checklist for Painting & Decorating
- Confirm paint specification, batch numbers, and colour references before opening
- Verify ventilation rates meet SDS minimums for solvent use
- Inspect ladders, towers, and access equipment with latest inspection tags
- Check spill kits, fire extinguishers, and waste drums are staged
- Record drying/curing times and recoat intervals in the RAMS register
FAQs: Painting & Decorating RAMS
Do decorators need COSHH assessments for every coating?
Yes. Each paint, stain, filler, and cleaning solvent must have a COSHH assessment drawing on the latest safety data sheet. The RAMS should reference the control measures, ventilation, PPE, and disposal steps for each substance.
How do we control overspray on live construction sites?
Use engineered screens, temporary enclosures, negative pressure extraction, and schedule spraying when adjacent trades are clear. Document the barriers and monitoring regime in the RAMS so the principal contractor can sign off the plan.
Do we need a permit for internal spray painting?
Most UK sites treat spray painting as hot works due to ignition and overspray risk. Secure a spray permit, nominate a competent fire watch, and include post-spray monitoring times in the RAMS.
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Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Do decorators need COSHH assessments for every coating?
Yes. Each paint, stain, filler, and cleaning solvent must have a COSHH assessment drawing on the latest safety data sheet. The RAMS should reference the control measures, ventilation, PPE, and disposal steps for each substance.
How do we control overspray on live construction sites?
Use engineered screens, temporary enclosures, negative pressure extraction, and schedule spraying when adjacent trades are clear. Document the barriers and monitoring regime in the RAMS so the principal contractor can sign off the plan.
Related guidance
Share the following resources alongside your RAMS to reinforce site standards and evidence due diligence.
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