RAMS for Structural Steelwork & Steel Erection: FREE Template + Generator
Create a site-ready RAMS for structural steelwork and steel erection in minutes. Includes hazards, controls, method steps, PPE, training and permits aligned to UK law and industry best practice.
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“The RAMS generator saved us hours on our last steel frame. It covered lift planning, temporary stability and bolt torque records clearly, and our principal contractor signed off first time.”
5 star ratingMartin O.· Contracts Manager, Structural Steel Erector
What you get
- Site-specific risk assessment and method statement
- Editable PDF export ready for client submission
- Permits, PPE, and inspection prompts tailored to your trade
Why teams choose RAMSGen
Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific Structural Steelwork & Steel Erection RAMS from the start.
Benefits
- ✓Generate polished RAMS packs in minutes instead of hours
- ✓Build documents that align with CDM 2015 and HSE expectations
- ✓Collaborate with your team using a structured approval workflow
Risks of manual RAMS
- !Manual RAMS often miss critical hazards, exposing you to enforcement notices
- !Inconsistent documents slow down principal contractor approvals
- !Last-minute edits lead to version control issues and compliance gaps
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
Also searched for
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Generic RAMS template
Snapshot hazards
- Falls from height during access, positioning and connecting members.
- Lifting operations: crane/MEWP collisions, load swing, dropped loads.
- Falling materials and struck-by risks from bolts, tools and components.
- Welding/cutting hazards: fumes, burns, sparks and fire.
- Temporary instability or partial collapse from inadequate bracing or high winds.
Critical controls
- Engineer-approved erection methodology and temporary stability plan (EN 1090/BS 5975) with planned bracing/guying and wind monitoring.
- Planned lifts under LOLER with an Appointed Person (BS 7121): certified cranes/gear, slinger/signallers, exclusion zones, taglines and radios.
- Work at height controls: collective protection first, MEWPs over ladders, EN 361 harness with suitable anchors, documented rescue plan and equipment.
- Material and tool control: edge protection, debris nets where specified, tool lanyards, bolt boxes, controlled landing zones and strict housekeeping.
- Hot-work management: permit to work, fire watch, extinguishers, welding screens, LEV for fume control, safe gas storage and flashback arrestors.
Permits & references
- Permit to Work at Height (including rescue plan approval).
- Hot-Work Permit for welding, cutting and grinding.
- Approved Lift Plan and crane permit under LOLER/BS 7121.
- Temporary Works Register approval/permit (TWC/TWS).
- Traffic management/highway permits where public interfaces exist.
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Pre-start briefing: review drawings, RAMS, lift plan, roles/responsibilities, and weather; record attendance/toolbox talk.
- 2
Set out grids; verify foundation levels and holding-down bolts; install shims/sole plates to design; confirm temporary works requirements.
- 3
Mobilise crane/MEWPs; inspect lifting accessories; set barriers, signage and exclusion zones; confirm communications and rescue arrangements.
- 4
Offload and inspect members (ID marks, CE/UKCA), bolt packs and fittings; segregate damaged items; plan laydown and lift sequence.
- 5
Erect first columns; plumb and temporarily secure with guys/temporary bracing; snug-tighten base fixings and check tolerance.
- 6
Install primary beams/rafters; use taglines to control rotation; fit minimum required bolts per connection; maintain stability lines as per method.
- 7
Progress bay by bay: complete bracing and secondary members/purlins; maintain exclusion zones below; coordinate with other trades.
- 8
Plumb and line the frame; torque bolts to specification with calibrated tools; mark/tally tightened bolts; grout baseplates if specified.
- 9
Carry out site welding (if required) under hot-work permit with screens and LEV; complete touch-up coating to specified system.
- 10
Final checks and sign-off: bolt torque records, weld/NDT results, QC of dimensions; remove temporary works only when authorised; update as-built and handover.
How to create a site-specific Structural Steelwork & Steel Erection RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Project and principal contractor details; site rules and emergency contacts.
- 2
Crane positions, radii, slew restrictions and oversailing agreements.
- 3
Adjacent hazards: overhead lines, public areas, live roads/rail and excavations.
- 4
Ground conditions and bearing calculations; mat design/verification method.
- 5
Defined wind-speed limits for lifts and work at height; monitoring location.
- 6
Temporary works references, drawings and hold points for removal.
- 7
Access/egress routes, muster point and nearest A&E/hospital.
- 8
Interfaces with other trades and phased exclusion times.
- 9
Delivery/vehicle routing, laydown space and banksman arrangements.
- 10
Identified anchor points for fall arrest and detailed rescue methods/equipment.
HSE compliance alert
This template aligns with UK law (HSWA, CDM 2015, LOLER, PUWER, Work at Height) but must be tailored by a competent person to the specific site and design. Where conflict exists, follow the engineer’s design and manufacturer instructions.
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 Structural Steelwork & Steel Erection RAMS include?
A clear scope; drawings/references; hazards and controls; erection sequence and temporary stability plan; lift plan summary; responsibilities (AP, Lift Supervisor, Slinger); PPE and training; inspection and test plans (bolt torques, weld/NDT); emergency and fall-rescue arrangements; and site-specific risks.
Do I need a separate crane lift plan as well as the RAMS?
Yes. Lifts must be planned by an Appointed Person in line with BS 7121 and LOLER. The RAMS can reference the lift plan, but the detailed calculations, rigging, positions, radii and wind limits sit in the lift plan.
What wind speed should stop steel erection or lifting?
Follow the lift plan, crane/MEWP manuals and the temporary stability design. Define site-specific limits in the RAMS and monitor with an anemometer at height—work stops when any published limit is reached or conditions become unsafe.
How is temporary stability maintained during erection?
By following an engineered sequence with designated stability lines, minimum bolt requirements per connection, timely installation of bracing/guys, and hold points for checks before removing temporary works.
Which regulations and standards apply to steel erection in the UK?
Key references include HSWA, CDM 2015, Work at Height Regulations, LOLER, PUWER, BS 7121 (lifting), BS 5975 (temporary works) and EN 1090 (execution of steel structures). Your PC/client specifications may add requirements.
What competencies are required for steel erectors and lifting teams?
Competent, trained personnel: CSCS Steel Erector (NVQ), IPAF for MEWPs, CPCS/NPORS Slinger/Signaller, and where applicable a Lift Supervisor and Appointed Person. All must be briefed on the RAMS and rescue plan.
How are bolts controlled and verified on steel frames?
Use specified bolt grades and washers; fit minimum bolts for stability during erection; final tightening with calibrated tools to the method (torque/turn-of-nut); mark-up tightened bolts and retain torque records for handover.
Do I need a hot-work permit for site welding or cutting?
Yes. A permit to work is required, including fire watch, extinguishers, segregation/screens, fume control (LEV/RPE) and post-work checks before leaving the area.
Who approves the RAMS and temporary works?
The contractor prepares the RAMS for review by the Principal Contractor. The Temporary Works Coordinator approves temporary works permits, and the Appointed Person approves the lift plan. Client-specific approvals may also apply.
When should the RAMS be reviewed or updated?
Before work starts and whenever there is a change in design, sequence, equipment, location, weather limits, personnel or after any incident/near miss. Record revisions and re-brief the team.
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 Structural Steelwork & Steel Erection 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.