Working at Height RAMS: UK Compliance Requirements, Hazard Controls & Method Statement
Create a compliant Working at Height RAMS in minutes. Practical steps, HSE-aligned controls, and site-ready checklists designed for roofers, fit-out, M&E, and façade teams.
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“The Working at Height RAMS generator saved us hours. It covered permits, wind limits and a solid rescue plan—exactly what our roofing crews need to stay compliant and safe.”
5 star ratingLydia James· Roofing Supervisor, North Coast Roofing Ltd
What you get
- Site-specific working at height risk assessment covering fall arrest, edge protection, MEWP and ladder use, and falling-object exposure (WAHR 2005).
- Method statement broken down by access type — fixed scaffold, MEWP, mobile tower, ladder, roof access — so the contractor can lift only the section that applies (HSG33).
- Rescue plan template for suspension trauma after a fall arrest, with retrieval roles and maximum suspension time pre-populated (WAHR 2005 reg. 4(1)(c)).
- PASMA and IPAF training-record prompts for tower erectors and MEWP operators, plus harness inspection log fields (WAHR 2005, LOLER 1998).
- Pre-use inspection checklist for ladders, towers and MEWPs aligned with the daily/weekly/monthly cadence inspectors expect (HSG150, PASMA Code of Practice).
- Editable PDF export ready for principal contractor submission, with version control and the inspector's signature block at the foot of every page.
Benefits
- ✓One document covers every access method on the job — no separate RAMS for the ladder, the tower and the MEWP.
- ✓The rescue plan section forces a written answer to "what happens in the first 15 minutes after a fall," which is the question principal contractors increasingly ask before sign-off.
- ✓Pre-filled regulatory references (WAHR 2005, HSG33, HSG150) save the contractor from having to look them up — and stop reviewers rejecting the doc for "no regulatory basis."
Risks of manual RAMS
- !Falls from height through unprotected edges, fragile surfaces or roof lights — the single largest cause of construction fatalities in the UK and the principal HSE enforcement focus (WAHR 2005, HSG33).
- !Falling materials and tools struck causing head injury to operatives or third parties below, including pedestrians where the scaffold abuts public footways (HSG150).
- !MEWP overturn or trapping during travel on uneven ground or against an overhead obstruction — fatalities here are rising as MEWP use grows (IPAF, LOLER 1998).
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
A working at height risk assessment, method statement and rescue plan for roofers, M&E, fit-out and façade teams. Pre-filled hazards cover fall arrest, edge protection, MEWP and ladder use, falling materials, and rescue retrieval after a fall. Controls align with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, HSG33 and CDM 2015 — adapt to your access and rescue arrangements before exporting.
Working at Height 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 Working at Height 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 Working at Height RAMS for you in minutes.
Snapshot hazards
- Falls from height due to unprotected edges, openings or fragile surfaces
- Falling objects striking people below (tools, materials, debris)
- Equipment failure or misuse (ladders, towers, scaffolds, MEWPs)
- Adverse weather (high winds, rain, ice, lightning) affecting stability and footing
- Contact with overhead services (power lines), building services or structures
Critical controls
- Apply the hierarchy: avoid work at height where possible, then prevent falls (collective protection), then mitigate (fall arrest).
- Use suitable access equipment selected through risk assessment (scaffold/tower/MEWP) installed or operated by competent persons and inspected before use.
- Provide edge protection (guardrails, toe boards, brick guards), cover and sign fragile surfaces and openings, and establish exclusion zones below.
- Use fall restraint/arrest systems with certified anchors; ensure compatible connectors, tool lanyards and secure materials management.
- Plan for weather, proximity to services and rescue: permit to work, competent supervision, emergency rescue plan and clear communications.
Permits & references
- Permit to Work at Height
- MEWP permit and ground assessment (where applicable)
- Scaffold/tower handover certificate and in-date inspection tag
- Roof access/fragile surface authorisation
- Electrical/overhead services isolation or permission where required
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
1) Planning: Review drawings and scope; consider alternatives to avoid working at height; produce task-specific risk assessment and RAMS.
- 2
2) Permits & briefings: Obtain Permit to Work at Height and any MEWP/scaffold authorisations; deliver induction/TBT and confirm competencies.
- 3
3) Site survey: Verify access/egress, ground conditions, overhead/underground services, fragile surfaces and drop zones; mark and isolate hazards.
- 4
4) Equipment selection: Choose safest method (scaffold/tower/MEWP/ladder for short, low-risk tasks); confirm SWL, reach and wind ratings.
- 5
5) Set-up: Install/position equipment per manufacturer’s instructions; fit guardrails/toe boards; install covers and signage; establish exclusion zone.
- 6
6) Fall protection: Identify certified anchor points; don and adjust full body harness; connect suitable lanyard/SRL; check for clearance and pendulum risk.
- 7
7) Pre-use checks: Inspect equipment, tags and emergency kit; record daily checks; verify weather/wind within limits; test communications.
- 8
8) Carry out work: Maintain three points of contact where required; keep both feet on platform; secure tools/materials; avoid overreaching.
- 9
9) Housekeeping: Remove waste and loose items; lower or secure materials; re-check edges and access routes before de-rigging.
- 10
10) De-rig & close-out: Remove barriers last; inspect for damage; sign off permits; update inspection records and lessons learned.
How to create a site-specific Working at Height RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Site address, building elevation/roof area and work location
- 2
Working height, edge distances and nature of drop (internal/external)
- 3
Access/egress routes and safe rescue egress
- 4
Chosen access equipment type/model, SWL and reach diagram
- 5
Ground bearing capacity and outrigger/spreader pad sizing
- 6
Location/rating of anchor points or lifeline systems
- 7
Presence of fragile roofs/skylights and the protection method
- 8
Overhead/underground services proximity and any isolation requirements
- 9
Site wind exposure, microclimate and weather constraints
- 10
Rescue method, kit location and named rescue team/competent person
HSE compliance alert
This template supports compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and HSE guidance but must be adapted to the specific site and task. Always use competent persons and verified equipment; stop work if conditions change or become unsafe.
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 counts as ‘work at height’ under UK law?
Any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. This includes gaining access/egress and includes work above ground and at or below ground level if there is a risk of falling from an edge or opening.
When is a ladder acceptable for work at height?
Ladders may be used for low-risk, short-duration tasks where three points of contact can be maintained and where it is not reasonably practicable to use safer collective protection. They must be secured, set at a 75° angle (1:4), extend sufficiently, and not be used for heavy or prolonged work.
Do I need a rescue plan for fall arrest systems?
Yes. If fall arrest PPE is used, a task-specific rescue plan, competent rescuers and the right equipment must be in place. Relying solely on the emergency services is not acceptable; the plan should address suspension intolerance and prompt retrieval.
What wind speed is too high for using a MEWP?
Most outdoor-rated MEWPs are limited to a maximum wind speed of 12.5 m/s (28 mph, Beaufort 6). Some models are indoor-only (0 m/s). Always check the machine dataplate and manual and use an anemometer on exposed sites.
How often should harnesses and lanyards be inspected?
Carry out pre-use checks every time and record interim inspections as your RAMS requires. A competent person should complete a detailed inspection typically every 6 months (or more frequently—e.g., every 3 months—on construction sites or in harsh conditions). Remove damaged or doubtful PPE from service immediately.
How frequently must scaffolds and towers be inspected?
Before first use and at least every 7 days thereafter, and after events that could affect stability (e.g., high winds, alteration). Towers must be erected by competent persons and display an in-date inspection tag/hand-over certificate.
What edge protection is required on platforms and roofs?
Provide guardrails at appropriate height with intermediate rails and toe boards; use brick guards or debris netting where materials could fall. Openings and fragile surfaces must be securely covered and clearly signed.
How do I control falling objects when working above others?
Set up exclusion zones and barriers, use toe boards/brick guards, secure tools with lanyards, store materials away from edges, and consider debris netting or catch fans. Stop work if the area below cannot be protected.
What should a ground assessment include for MEWPs?
Confirm ground bearing capacity, hidden voids/services, gradients, and the need for spreader pads. Select pad sizes to keep ground pressures within allowable limits and follow the manufacturer’s guidance or an engineer’s calculation.
When should work at height be postponed due to weather?
Postpone during high winds, lightning, heavy rain, snow or when surfaces are icy/slippery. If conditions approach equipment limits or reduce visibility/footing, stop, make safe and re-assess before resuming.
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4 RAMS
Manually
£960
24 hrs of labour
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£60
2.4 hrs with RAMSGen
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21.6 hrs saved
Useful articles
Deep dives picked for Working at Height teams.
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