Solar PV & Renewables RAMS: UK Compliance Requirements, Hazard Controls & Method Statement
Create a professional, UK‑compliant RAMS for solar PV and renewables in minutes. Includes hazards, controls, method steps, PPE, permits and site‑specific prompts.
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“The RAMS generator saved us hours on every PV job. It hits all the UK requirements—G98/G99, working at height and commissioning—so our principal contractors sign off first time.”
5 star ratingAmar Choudhury· Director, BrightGen Solar Ltd
What you get
- Solar PV RAMS connecting roof access, electrical safety and G98/G99 paperwork in one document.
- String layout and test log template for voltage/current readings, insulation resistance and polarity checks.
- Weather and wind monitoring sheet for rooftop and MEWP operations.
- Battery/ESS addendum with isolation, fire plan and storage requirements when energy storage is included.
Benefits
- ✓Speed through PC approvals by proving WAH, electrical and DNO compliance are fully planned.
- ✓Reuse across domestic, commercial rooftop and ground-mount installs by editing only the project-specific data.
- ✓Give supervisors a turnkey briefing pack covering rescue, LOTO and testing responsibilities.
Risks of manual RAMS
- !RAMS without G98/G99 references or LOTO details stall commissioning approvals.
- !Missing fragile-roof and rescue plans expose installers to serious fall incidents.
- !Unlogged test data invites warranty disputes and DNO rejections.
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
A solar PV and renewable energy installations risk assessment and method statement for domestic, commercial and ground-mount arrays. Pre-filled hazards cover DC isolation and arc-flash, working at height on roofs, manual handling of panels, inverter and battery commissioning, and grid-tie isolation. Controls align with MCS standards, BS 7671 and CDM 2015 — adapt to your system specs before exporting.
Solar PV & Renewables RAMS — Key Requirements & Controls
CDM 2015 compliance notice
Under CDM 2015, generic templates are not compliant and cannot be used directly on site. The HSE requires every RAMS to be tailored to your specific project conditions, site layout, and identified hazards. Using an unmodified template without site-specific adjustments exposes you to enforcement notices, project delays, and potential prosecution.
The content below provides a baseline understanding of typical hazards and controls for Solar PV & Renewables work. It is not suitable for use on site until you have tailored it to reflect your actual working conditions, project location, and team.
RAMSGen generates a compliant, site-specific Solar PV & Renewables RAMS for you in minutes.
Snapshot hazards
- Falls from height during roof access, panel placement and work near edges.
- Electric shock or arc from DC strings, inverters and AC circuits during installation/commissioning.
- Fragile or unstable roofs, rooflights and skylights leading to through‑falls.
- Dropped objects and falling materials from roofs/MEWPs to areas below.
- Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of panels, rails, inverters or batteries.
Critical controls
- Plan and control work at height: scaffold to TG20:21 or proprietary edge protection, MEWP with trained operator, fall restraint/arrest with inspected anchors, ladders only for short duration; implement rescue plan.
- Electrical safety: isolate and lock‑off supplies (LOTO), prove dead with a calibrated tester, maintain strings open‑circuit and covered, correct MC4‑type terminations, no live working unless justified by risk assessment and controlled.
- Fragile surface controls: survey roof, mark/guard fragile zones and rooflights, use crawling boards/roof ladders, demarcate safe walkways and keep clear of unsupported areas.
- Manual handling: team lifts, panel carriers/suction aids, mechanical lifting (hoist/crane), avoid twisting; stage materials close to point of use.
- Dropped‑object and weather controls: toe‑boards, tool lanyards, debris nets/exclusion zones, secure materials at height, monitor wind/rain/ice and stop work when limits or manufacturer restrictions are exceeded.
Permits & references
- Electrical Isolation/Lock‑Out Tag‑Out Permit to Work.
- Roof access/working at height permit with fragile roof controls specified.
- LOLER/PUWER permit for hoist/crane/MEWP, with evidence.
- DNO G98/G99 application/approval and commissioning notification.
- Traffic management/street works permit where works interface with the public highway.
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Pre‑start: review drawings, design, RAMS and product datasheets; complete site induction and brief the team; verify competencies and equipment inspections.
- 2
Establish access and exclusion zones: install/inspect scaffold or position MEWP; confirm Scafftag/LOLER status; set barriers and signage; agree rescue arrangements.
- 3
Electrical safety set‑up: identify isolation points; apply LOTO to AC supply; confirm absence of back‑feed from any existing PV/battery; test for dead; display warning tags.
- 4
Roof preparation: inspect roof condition; identify/guard fragile areas and rooflights; fix temporary lifelines/anchors if specified; stage rescue kit and housekeeping controls.
- 5
Lifting and logistics: lift rails/panels to roof via hoist/crane; check wind speed; secure loads; keep public/exclusion zones enforced.
- 6
Mounting system: set out and fix rails/brackets to structural members per design; use specified fasteners and sealants; maintain drainage and weatherproofing.
- 7
Module installation: lift, place and fix PV modules; keep strings open‑circuit (use string caps/covers); route and secure DC cabling with UV‑rated clips; maintain polarity and segregation.
- 8
Inverter and balance‑of‑system: mount inverters/isolators/SPDs; make DC/AC terminations; label circuits and isolation points; ensure earthing/bonding and cable management are correct.
- 9
Testing, commissioning and notification: perform BS 7671/MCS tests (continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop, RCD/functional); complete Electrical Installation Certificate and schedules; submit DNO G98/G99 documentation; energise only when authorised.
- 10
Handover and demobilisation: produce as‑builts, O&M manuals and warranties; client demonstration; remove temporary works; clear waste; close permits and sign off RAMS.
How to create a site-specific Solar PV & Renewables RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Project address, client and CDM dutyholders (PC/PD/Contractor).
- 2
Roof type, pitch, condition, identified fragile areas and anchor locations.
- 3
Chosen access method (scaffold/MEWP/ladders) and detailed rescue arrangements.
- 4
Wind limits and weather triggers for stopping work, per equipment/manufacturer.
- 5
Crane/hoist position, ground bearing pressures and exclusion zones.
- 6
Asbestos survey status (especially pre‑2000 buildings) and control measures.
- 7
Isolation points and any existing PV/ESS that could back‑feed; metering and earthing arrangement.
- 8
DNO references (G98/G99), meter location and switchgear details.
- 9
Public interface and traffic/pedestrian management near entrances, schools or retail.
- 10
Environmental constraints: noise hours, bird nesting, runoff control and waste segregation.
HSE compliance alert
This RAMS must be adapted for the site and signed by a competent person. No work on or near live conductors unless justified and controlled. Comply with UK CDM 2015, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Work at Height Regulations 2005.
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
Useful articles
Deep dives picked for Solar PV & Renewables teams.
Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes
Open this template in RAMSGen, tailor the task, and export a branded RAMS ready for site.