Trade RAMS template

RAMS for Plumbing & Heating: FREE Template + Generator

Create a professional Plumbing & Heating RAMS in minutes. Built for UK sites with practical hazards, controls, and step-by-step methods your supervisor will sign off.

Trusted by 100+ UK contractors

The RAMS generator saved me hours. It covered hot-works permits, Gas Safe checks and commissioning sheets in one go—our principal contractor accepted it first time.
5 star ratingLewis Patel· Director & Gas Safe Engineer, LP Heating Ltd

What you get

  • Plumbing RAMS with pre-built sections for hot works, isolation and water hygiene so supervisors can brief in minutes.
  • Isolation and permit log capturing valve IDs, lock numbers, test points and reinstatement sign-offs.
  • Testing/commissioning sheets for pressure tests, flushing and Gas Safe records embedded into the pack.
  • Water hygiene and Legionella checklist covering drain-down, flushing, dosing and sampling evidence.

Why teams choose RAMSGen

Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific Plumbing & Heating RAMS from the start.

Benefits

  • Show clients that hot works, Legionella and Gas Safe duties are controlled before you arrive on site.
  • Reuse the same template across commercial, residential and plant-room jobs by swapping project data only.
  • Avoid admin duplication by storing certificates, permits and QA notes directly inside the RAMS export.

Risks of manual RAMS

  • !Plumbing RAMS without isolation detail or hot works controls are routinely rejected by PCs.
  • !If water hygiene steps aren’t documented you risk Legionella actions or re-flushing costs.
  • !Missing Gas Safe/G3 evidence can delay commissioning and handover payments.

Manual drafting

4 hrs

RAMSGen

8 min

Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation

Also searched for

plumbing rams, heating rams, gas safe method statement, pipefitting rams, hvac plumbing rams, boiler installation rams

Generic RAMS template

Snapshot hazards

  • Fire, burns and fumes from hot works (soldering/brazing).
  • Scalds and contact with hot surfaces/steam during commissioning and maintenance.
  • Striking live services or uncontrolled release of gas, water or electricity.
  • Exposure to biohazards and Legionella from stagnant water/sewage and aerosolised mist.
  • Musculoskeletal injury, slips/trips and work at height in lofts/plant rooms.

Critical controls

  • Plan the work and isolate services: identify/verify as-built information, lock-off and tag gas/water/electrics, test for dead, scan for hidden services before drilling.
  • Hot works management: permit-to-work, remove combustibles, use heat mats/guards, local fume extraction, correct extinguishers, and a minimum 60‑minute fire watch.
  • Competence and certification: gas work by Gas Safe registered engineers; unvented hot-water systems by G3-qualified personnel; electrical tasks by a competent person.
  • Water hygiene: drain down safely, cap open pipe ends, avoid aerosolisation, flush and disinfect to site specification/BS 8558, enforce hand hygiene and provide spill kits.
  • Safe access and manual handling: plan lifts and use mechanical aids, suitable work platforms/steps with inspections, good housekeeping and adequate task lighting.

Permits & references

  • Hot Works Permit (for soldering/brazing/cutting).
  • Permit to Isolate/LOTO for gas, water and electrical systems.
  • Confined Space Permit (if applicable to voids, tanks or ducts).
  • Permit to Drill/Penetrate for walls, floors or ceilings after service scanning.
  • Permit to Dig for external service runs or excavations.

Implementation walkthrough

  1. 1

    Pre-start: review drawings/specification, RAMS and H&S plan; check asbestos information (CAR 2012) and coordinate with other trades.

  2. 2

    Establish work area: set barriers/signage, clear combustibles, confirm ventilation; check fire extinguishers and spill kit are present.

  3. 3

    Isolate and verify: shut off gas/water/electrics, apply locks/tags, bleed residual pressure and prove dead; complete permit/LOTO records; drain down as required.

  4. 4

    Survey and route: scan walls/floors/ceilings for hidden services, mark routes and penetrations, control dust when drilling/coring and protect finishes.

  5. 5

    Supports and installation: fix brackets at correct spacings, cut/deburr pipe, use flame‑free systems where specified or apply full hot-works controls if heating is required.

  6. 6

    Joints and connections: solder/braze, press-fit or mechanical joints to manufacturer guidance; use heat shields, manage flux, and check torque/alignments.

  7. 7

    Testing: pressure or air test to the specified value using calibrated gauges; fit pressure relief; cordon area and record results on test sheet.

  8. 8

    Flushing/treatment: flush thoroughly, dose inhibitor or disinfect where required; capture and dispose of wastewater compliantly; record certificates.

  9. 9

    Commissioning: refill, purge and bleed; set flows/temperatures; for gas appliances conduct tightness testing, combustion checks and flue integrity by Gas Safe engineer.

  10. 10

    Handover/close-out: reinstate services, remove waste and temporary controls, update O&M manuals, commissioning sheets and close all permits.

How to create a site-specific Plumbing & Heating RAMS

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

Site-specific customization checklist

  • 1

    Exact location of isolation points and shut-off valves for gas and water.

  • 2

    Specified test pressures/media and any system limitations.

  • 3

    Building occupancy/noise restrictions and out‑of‑hours arrangements.

  • 4

    Water treatment/disinfection requirements and any sampling regime.

  • 5

    Access constraints to plant rooms/lofts and lifting plan for heavy plant.

  • 6

    Interfaces with fire alarm/sprinkler systems and required notifications.

  • 7

    Areas where flame‑free systems (press-fit/mechanical) are mandatory.

  • 8

    Drainage/containment points for system drain-downs and wastewater disposal.

  • 9

    Sensitive areas/tenants or equipment needing protection/permits.

  • 10

    Project emergency contacts, first-aid provision and muster point.

HSE compliance alert

This RAMS is a template and must be reviewed, adapted and approved by a competent person for the specific site and task. Gas work must only be carried out and signed off by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Stop work immediately if unexpected asbestos or unsafe conditions are encountered and notify the principal contractor.

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 should a Plumbing & Heating RAMS include?

A clear scope, roles, drawings/specs, hazard and control measures (isolation, hot works, water hygiene), step-by-step method, PPE, training/competence, permits, testing/commissioning process, emergency procedures and handover records.

Do plumbers need a Hot Works Permit when soldering?

Yes—where site rules require it or when there is any fire risk. Controls include removing combustibles, heat shields, local extraction, extinguishers and a 60‑minute fire watch.

Who is legally allowed to work on gas systems in the UK?

Only Gas Safe registered engineers may carry out and sign off gas installation, testing and commissioning. Always verify registration before starting gas work.

How do you control Legionella risk during plumbing works?

Drain down safely, cap open ends, avoid creating aerosols, flush and disinfect to the project specification/BS 8558, maintain temperature regimes and practice good hygiene.

What PPE is required for soldering copper pipes?

Safety boots, heat‑resistant gloves, eye/face protection, and FFP3 RPE or local extraction where fumes may accumulate. Fire‑resistant blankets and extinguishers must be at hand.

Is a RAMS required for small domestic plumbing jobs?

Where you are an employer or working under CDM, you must plan and manage health and safety. A proportionate RAMS helps demonstrate risk control and is often required by clients.

What testing and commissioning records should I keep?

Pressure/leak test results (with calibrated gauge details), flushing/disinfection certificates, Gas Safe records where applicable, and final commissioning settings for handover/O&M.

Do I need a permit to drill walls or floors?

Many sites require a permit to penetrate. You must scan for hidden services, mark safe zones and obtain approval before drilling to prevent service strikes.

How often should a Plumbing & Heating RAMS be reviewed?

Review before starting, if the scope, location or personnel change, after any incident/near miss, and at least on each project to keep it task- and site‑specific.

What qualifications are needed for unvented hot water cylinders?

Installation and maintenance must be done by a competent person holding a current G3 qualification, following manufacturer instructions and building regulations.

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

1 / month10 / month

Manually

£960

24 hrs of labour

RAMSGen

£60

2.4 hrs with RAMSGen

You save

£900

21.6 hrs saved

Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes for free!

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