Windows & Glazing RAMS: UK Compliance Requirements, Hazard Controls & Method Statement
Professional RAMS for window and glazing works: identify key hazards, apply robust controls and follow a clear, HSE‑aligned method from delivery to handover.
14-day free trial — no credit card required
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“The RAMS generator saved us hours. The glazing method steps and lift‑plan checks were spot on, and the client signed off first time.”
5 star ratingLewis Carter· Director, Carter Glass Ltd.
What you get
- Site-specific risk assessment for replacement, new-build and curtain-walling installs, scaled for both domestic and commercial work (GGF Good Practice, CDM 2015).
- Manual handling assessment for glass and frame units, with two-person lift triggers, suction-cup requirements and unit-weight thresholds for mechanical handling (Manual Handling Regs 1992, BS 8213-4).
- Working-at-height section covering install from MEWP, scaffold and internal step-up, with specific reference to the fall opening created when an existing unit is removed (WAHR 2005, HSG33).
- Removal-and-disposal procedure for existing glazed units (including suspected lead-painted timber sashes and asbestos-containing putty in pre-2000 buildings) with appropriate notification thresholds (Control of Lead at Work Regs 2002, CAR 2012).
- Editable PDF export with the manual handling matrix, MEWP rescue plan and disposal procedure formatted for principal contractor or domestic-client submission.
Benefits
- ✓Pre-filled GGF Good Practice references and BS 8213-4 citations stop reviewers asking "what's this written against" — the document answers it on page one.
- ✓The fall-opening section addresses the moment most generic WAH RAMS miss — the gap left when the existing unit is out and the new one not yet seated — which is when the fall actually happens.
- ✓The pre-2000 building notification prompts (lead, asbestos) catch the most common refurb compliance gap before the contractor mobilises.
Risks of manual RAMS
- !Falls from height through the opening left after an existing unit is removed and before the new one is fitted — typically at first-floor or above, often in occupied buildings without permanent edge protection (WAHR 2005, HSG33).
- !Laceration injury from broken or breaking glass during handling, install or removal, including delayed cuts from glass shards left in the working area (HSWA 1974, PPE at Work Regs 2022).
- !Manual handling injury lifting heavy or oversized units (insulated glass units over 25 kg, large frames) without mechanical aid or correct two-person technique — back, shoulder and trapped-hand injury (Manual Handling Regs 1992).
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
A windows and glazing risk assessment and method statement for replacement, new-build and curtain walling installs. Pre-filled hazards cover manual handling of glass and frames, working at height during install, breakage and laceration injury, and removal of existing units. Controls align with HSE guidance, GGF Good Practice and CDM 2015 — adapt to your unit specs and access before exporting.
Windows & Glazing 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 Windows & Glazing 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 Windows & Glazing RAMS for you in minutes.
Snapshot hazards
- Falls from height during installation, beading or sealing at openings.
- Severe cuts, crush and puncture injuries from handling glass and frames.
- Dropped objects striking people below when working above ground level.
- Musculoskeletal strains from manual handling of heavy/awkward frames or panes.
- Exposure to hazardous substances (sealants, primers, cleaners) under COSHH.
Critical controls
- Plan work at height: select suitable access (scaffold/MEWP), edge protection, inspect tags, use fall‑prevention over fall‑arrest where practicable.
- Control glass handling: use rated suction lifters/frames, mechanical aids or cranes, team lifts with clear commands, and protective edge/film on panes.
- Segregate the area: establish exclusion zones, toe‑boards, debris nets/brick guards and tool lanyards to prevent dropped‑object incidents.
- Apply COSHH controls: review SDS, substitute low‑hazard products, provide ventilation, use correct cartridges/RPE if required, and skin protection/clean‑up kits.
- Tool and equipment safety: pre‑use checks, guards in place, PAT where applicable, only trained/authorised users (PUWER/LOLER), and good housekeeping.
Permits & references
- Permit to Work at Height/MEWP use as required by the Principal Contractor.
- Lifting operations plan with competent Appointed Person; LOLER thorough examination for lifting accessories/vacuum lifters.
- Hot Works Permit if cutting/grinding or heat‑applied finishes are undertaken.
- Site access/induction permit and interface agreement with other trades.
- Traffic/pavement management permit if working adjacent to the public highway.
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Pre‑start: review drawings/spec, RAMS and SDS; brief the team (TBT); confirm inductions complete and emergency arrangements in place.
- 2
Set up work area: establish barriers and signage, agree exclusion zones, verify scaffold/MEWP inspections (tags current) and confirm safe access/egress routes.
- 3
Delivery & storage: receive glass/frames using mechanical aids; store vertically on A‑frames with restraints; inspect for damage; weigh/size check.
- 4
Prepare openings: survey, protect finishes, remove existing units under control (catch nets/props as needed), manage waste via designated glass bins/skips.
- 5
Pre-lift checks: confirm pane weights, SWL of lifters/gear, wind limits, tagline use and communication signals; inspect vacuum lifters and perform function test.
- 6
Frame installation: position, plumb and level with approved packers/shims; fix using specified anchors/torque; check reveals and tolerances; temporary secure if required.
- 7
Glazing: fit setting/edge packers; lift panes with rated suction gear; guide into place with taglines; install beads/gaskets/clips to manufacturer’s sequence.
- 8
Seal & finish: apply primers and sealants per SDS; maintain ventilation; clean with approved agents; fit trims/caps; remove surplus materials safely.
- 9
Quality checks: verify operation, drainage, fire‑stopping/air‑tightness where specified; weather test if required; record inspections and rectify snags.
- 10
Handover & demobilise: remove plant and barriers, clean area, dispose/recycle glass and packaging, update O&M documentation and sign off with the PC/client.
How to create a site-specific Windows & Glazing RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Exact window/glass specification (type, thickness, fire/safety rating, coatings).
- 2
Pane/frame weights and centre of gravity; lifting method and SWL calculations.
- 3
Access method selection (scaffold/MEWP/crane) with positions and ground bearing data.
- 4
Wind and weather limits for lifting and sealing; contingency plan for stoppage.
- 5
Fixing detail (anchor type, embedment, edge distances) and substrate verification.
- 6
Interfaces with fire‑stopping/air‑seal and drainage details unique to the project.
- 7
Public protection and traffic management plan, including working hours and deliveries.
- 8
Location of services and fragile surfaces (e.g., canopies, rooflights) near openings.
- 9
Emergency glass‑breakage procedure and muster point for the work zone.
- 10
Named competent persons (Supervisor, AP for lifting, MEWP operators) and contact numbers.
HSE compliance alert
This RAMS supports compliance with UK CDM 2015, Work at Height Regulations, PUWER, LOLER and COSHH. It must be reviewed daily and updated for site‑specific conditions. Only trained, authorised personnel may carry out glazing activities.
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 Windows & Glazing teams.
Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes
Open this template in RAMSGen, tailor the task, and export a branded RAMS ready for site.