RAMS for Working at Height: FREE Template + Generator
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.
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“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 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 Working at Height 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
WAH, roof work, MEWP operations, ladder work, scaffold work, tower scaffold
Generic RAMS template
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/lifting plan 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.
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 Working at Height teams.
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