What should RAMS include?

A risk assessment works out what could cause harm and how to control it; a method statement describes, step by step, how the job will be done safely, with those controls built in (HSE, HSG150). Together they are known as RAMS. HSE says a method statement is an effective way of telling workers how the job should be done and the precautions to take.

Only as a starting point. HSE says do not just copy an example risk assessment and put your company name on it, as that would not satisfy the law or protect your employees. A method statement for a repeated task may be similar from job to job, but it will need revising when circumstances change markedly (HSG150). Check every detail against this site, this job and this team.

Not by law. What the law requires is that employees get clear, relevant information on the risks found by the risk assessment and the measures that control them (regulation 10 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999). Brief the RAMS before work starts, check people have understood, and record who attended. A signed briefing sheet is a simple way to keep that record.

The order in which to consider controls, from most to least effective: elimination (remove the hazard), substitution (replace it), engineering controls (isolate people from it), administrative controls (change the way people work), then personal protective equipment (HSE). HSE says PPE should be the last resort. Your RAMS should show you have worked down the list and only rely on PPE for the risk that remains.

Every lift must be planned, but not every lift needs a detailed written plan. Every lifting operation using lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely (regulation 8 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998). HSE says a simple, routine lift may need only minimal on-the-job planning by trained people, while a complex lift needs detailed planning and records.

Yes, for any work at height. Planning work at height must include planning for emergencies and rescue (regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005). Your RAMS should say how you would reach and recover someone, such as a worker left hanging in a harness, with the equipment and trained people in place before work starts. Plan rescue for other high-risk work too, such as confined spaces.

Stop and review before carrying on. You must review a risk assessment if there is reason to think it is no longer valid, or there has been a significant change, and make any changes needed (regulation 3 of the Management Regulations 1999). Update the method statement, brief the team on what has changed and record the briefing before work restarts.