Guide
Construction phase plan template
A CDM construction phase plan sets out the health and safety arrangements and site rules before the site is set up. A RAMS for one trade does not do that job.
Who has to write it
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 12, the principal contractor must draw up a construction phase plan before setting up the site, where there is more than one contractor. Regulation 15(5) puts the same duty on the contractor when there is only one. Regulation 15(6) says that plan must fulfil regulation 12(2): the arrangements, the site rules, and specific measures where Schedule 3 applies.
The plan is reviewed and updated so it stays sufficient for the work. Filling in this template does not make the plan sufficient. The worked example is a scaffold alteration, because other trades are often still using the scaffold while it changes. That coordination belongs in the plan. The fall and the stability belong in the RAMS as well.
No law requires a document called a RAMS. The duty is to assess risk under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3, and to plan the work safely.
Every hazard below is from the RAMSPack library and is marked draft – awaiting competent review. Change it for the site. It is not HSE approved.
Worked example: Scaffold alteration
Alter an existing scaffold, for example to adapt a lift, move a tie, or add a loading bay, and return it to a state that can be inspected and used.
Order of work
- Agree the alteration in writing or on the briefing. Identify which ties, boards, and loads will change.
- Sign the scaffold incomplete and stop other trades using the affected area.
- Reduce loads on the area being altered. Do not remove a tie until a replacement restraint is in place, unless a design says otherwise.
- Complete the alteration, including guard rails, toe boards, and access.
- Inspect and hand over again, including any change to the safe working load.
Other trades working on a partly altered scaffold
From the scaffolder library, task: Scaffold alteration. Who might be harmed: Other workers
Before controls: 20 High. After controls: 5 Low. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Display incomplete notices and physically prevent access to the affected lifts.
- Tell the site contact before starting and again when the scaffold is handed back.
Regulations that fit this hazard: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Work at Height Regulations 2005; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998; Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022); Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
Fall while guard rails or boards are temporarily removed
From the scaffolder library, task: Scaffold alteration. Who might be harmed: Scaffolders
Before controls: 20 High. After controls: 10 Medium. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Remove only the components required for the alteration, and replace protection as you go.
- Do not leave a gap in a guard rail over a break.
Regulations that fit this hazard: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Work at Height Regulations 2005; Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022); Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
Loss of stability when a tie is moved
From the scaffolder library, task: Scaffold alteration. Who might be harmed: Operatives, other workers, occupiers and the public
Before controls: 15 High. After controls: 5 Low. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Install the new tie before removing the old one, unless a competent design sets a different sequence.
- Do not tie to an unsound element such as a plastic downpipe or a window frame that is not designed for it.
Regulations that fit this hazard: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022); Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
Falling fittings during the alteration
From the scaffolder library, task: Scaffold alteration. Who might be harmed: People below
Before controls: 12 Medium. After controls: 6 Low. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Keep the exclusion zone in place. Use a pouch or a bag for fittings.
- Do not bomb materials to the ground.
Regulations that fit this hazard: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022); Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
Generate a scaffold alteration RAMS