Guide
RAMS software for a job, not a blank form
RAMS software is only useful if it starts from the task you are actually doing. RAMSPack keeps a hazard library for UK trades, asks you to score the risk, and will not export until you have opened every section.
What this software does
You pick a trade and a task, add the site, and keep or drop the library hazards. The method statement, PPE, plant, substances, emergency arrangements, and training text are drafted from those selections and from what you type. You can edit them. The PDF stays watermarked on the free plan.
It does not sign the document off. The library entries are marked draft – awaiting competent review. You decide whether the pack is suitable and sufficient for the site.
A worked example: fitting a kitchen worktop
Fitting a worktop is a fair test of RAMS software, because the hazards are not all the same kind. The weight of the top, cutting dust and silica, and a pipe or cable behind the units need different controls. A template that only says “take care in the kitchen” has not described the job. The scores below are the library prompts. Change them for the kitchen you are fitting.
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: Worktop templating and fit
Template a kitchen for a rigid worktop and fit the finished top, including scribing and fixing. Cutting of silica-containing stone is not done on site with a dry blade.
Order of work
- Template from the installed units. Check appliances and taps against the drawing before the top is made.
- Plan the carry in. Remove doors on the route if needed. Use enough people or lifters for the weight.
- Set the top, scribe it, and fix it as the maker specifies. Make any on-site cut of timber or laminate with extraction.
- If the top is engineered stone, it should arrive cut. If a site cut is unavoidable, stop unless wet cutting and the right RPE are in place.
- Seal joints with the specified adhesive, clean off, and tell the occupier how long before it can be used.
Silica dust from cutting engineered stone
Library status: draft – awaiting competent review
From the kitchen fitter library, task: Worktop templating and fit. Who might be harmed: Fitters and occupiers
Before controls: 20 High. After controls: 5 Low. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Default to factory cutting. Dry cutting on site is not the method.
- If a cut cannot be avoided, use water suppression, the correct RPE, and keep the occupier out. Stop if the water fails.
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; Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022).
Crush injuries from a heavy worktop
Library status: draft – awaiting competent review
From the kitchen fitter library, task: Worktop templating and fit. Who might be harmed: Fitters
Before controls: 16 High. After controls: 6 Low. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Know the weight. Use suction lifters and enough people.
- Clear the route. Put the top down flat, not on edge where it can fall.
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; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022).
Skin sensitisation from joint adhesive
Library status: draft – awaiting competent review
From the kitchen fitter library, task: Worktop templating and fit. Who might be harmed: Fitters
Before controls: 6 Low. After controls: 4 Low. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Read the safety data sheet. Wear the stated gloves. Do not use adhesive in a closed room without ventilation.
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; Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022).
Cuts from a sharp stone edge
Library status: draft – awaiting competent review
From the kitchen fitter library, task: Worktop templating and fit. Who might be harmed: Fitters
Before controls: 6 Low. After controls: 4 Low. These scores are a prompt. Score the job yourself.
- Handle edges with gloves. Do not run a hand along a cut arris to 'feel' 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).
Draft this worktop fit in the RAMS software