Risk assessments and method statements RAMS
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
RAMS are Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
[edit] Risk assessments
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who build, use and maintain structures is reduced.
They require that as the design progresses, risks are identified and eliminated and residual risks are reduced and managed and that designers, principal designers, principal contractors and contractors take account of the 'principles of prevention' in carrying out their duties, which in general terms are:
(a) Avoid risks where possible.
(b) Evaluate those risks that cannot be avoided.
(c) Put in place proportionate measures that control them at source.
Whilst the specific process of preparing a formal risk assessment is not a requirement of the CDM regulations, regulation 3(6)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations does require that risks are controlled in the workplace, including construction sites. This involves thinking about what might cause harm to people and deciding what steps to take to prevent that harm. Where an employer employs five or more people, the significant findings of risk assessments must be recorded.
For more information, see Risk assessments.
[edit] Method statements
Method statements are widely used in construction as a means of controlling specific health and safety risks that have been identified (perhaps following the preparation of a risk assessment) such as; lifting operations, demolition or dismantling, working at height, installing equipment, and the use of plant.
A method statement helps manage the work and ensures that the necessary precautions have been communicated to those involved.
Like risk assessments, producing written method statements is not an explicit requirement of the CDM Regulations, however they are identified by the Health and Safety Executive as one way of satisfying the requirements of the regulations and as an effective means of assessing risks, managing risks, collecting workers’ views and briefing workers.
Method statements need be no longer than is necessary for them to be effective. They are for the benefit of those carrying out the work and so should be clear, should not be overcomplicated and should be illustrated where necessary.
For more information, see Method statements
[edit] RAMS
So, generally a risk assessment is undertaken to identify (and where possible eliminate) risks, and then a method statement is prepared to control residual risks.
They are sometimes described together as 'RAMS'. RAMS may be required by third parties to demonstrate that health and safety has been properly considered and that the requirements of the CDM regulations have been satisfied. For example, a contractor may require submission of RAMS form sub-contractors, a landlord may require submission of RAMS from tenants proposing to carry out works to a property, or a client may require submission of RAMS from contractors operating on their premises.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
- CDM.
- Contractor.
- Deleterious materials.
- Demolition.
- Design risk management (DRM)
- Health and safety.
- How to write a method statement.
- Method statements.
- Permit to work.
- Principal contractor.
- Project execution plan.
- Risk assessment.
- Risk feedback.
- Site records and registers.
- Temporary works.
Featured articles and news
Statement of health and early intervention.
The importance of regular check-ups
And related links on DB.
Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS
Rooflights, skylights, roof windows and Part L
Shedding some light on the new Building Regulations.
Interview with historic built environment surveyor.
Upgraded membership category now requires assessment.
The average kinetic energy of molecules
Temperature in buildings, explained on DB
Women and unequal pay in project management
Main barrier to entering the profession, new study reveals.
IHBC’s response to Parliamentary Committee
On Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Finalists for 2022 CIOB Awards revealed
Over 70 managers and organisations shortlisted for the 14 awards.
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS
Comments
Excellent, very helpful. I just bookmarked the website.