What is a RAMS Pack? Complete Guide for UK Contractors

If you've ever tendered for work on a construction site, you've probably been asked for a "RAMS pack." But what exactly is it, why do you need one, and how do you create a RAMS pack that actually helps you win contracts?

In this guide, we'll explain everything UK contractors need to know about RAMS packs, from the basics to best practices that will make your documents stand out from the competition.

What Does RAMS Stand For?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. A RAMS pack bundles these two critical health and safety documents together into a single package that demonstrates how you'll carry out work safely.

The two components of a RAMS pack:

• Risk Assessment (RA) - Identifies hazards and evaluates the risks associated with a task
• Method Statement (MS) - Describes the step-by-step process for completing work safely

Together, these documents show that you've thought carefully about the dangers involved in your work and have a clear plan to manage them.

Why Do You Need a RAMS Pack?

There are several important reasons why RAMS packs have become essential for UK contractors:

1. Legal Requirements

Risk assessments are a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Additionally, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) requires contractors to plan, manage and monitor work safely, and to have "safe systems of work" in place.

While the term "RAMS pack" isn't specifically mentioned in legislation, bundling your risk assessment and method statement together has become the industry-standard way to demonstrate compliance with these requirements. Most principal contractors now expect to see a RAMS pack before allowing subcontractors on site.

2. Winning Contracts

Many principal contractors won't even consider your tender without a professional RAMS pack. A well-prepared RAMS demonstrates that you're competent, organised, and take safety seriously.

Contractors with poor or missing RAMS are often passed over in favour of those who can demonstrate proper planning.

3. Demonstrating Due Diligence

If an incident occurs on site, having a comprehensive RAMS pack helps demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to identify hazards and prevent harm. This documentation can be important in HSE investigations and may be relevant in any subsequent proceedings.

4. Better Safety Outcomes

The process of creating a RAMS forces you to think through every aspect of the job. This often reveals hazards you might otherwise miss, leading to safer working practices.

What Should a RAMS Pack Include?

A complete RAMS pack typically contains several key sections. Here's what principal contractors expect to see:

Risk Assessment Section

• Task description - What work is being carried out
• Hazard identification - All potential dangers (falls, electricity, manual handling, etc.)
• Risk evaluation - Likelihood and severity ratings for each hazard
• Control measures - Specific actions to reduce or eliminate each risk
• Residual risk - The remaining risk level after controls are applied

Method Statement Section

• Scope of work - Clear description of what will be done
• Sequence of operations - Step-by-step process
• Personnel required - Number of workers and their competencies
• Equipment and materials - Tools, PPE, and materials needed
• Emergency procedures - What to do if something goes wrong

Supporting Documents

Depending on the work, you may also need to include:

• Insurance certificates (public liability, employers' liability)
• Relevant qualifications and training records
• COSHH assessments for hazardous substances
• Equipment inspection certificates
• Permit to work documentation

Common RAMS Mistakes to Avoid

Many contractors submit RAMS packs that get rejected or create a poor impression. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Generic content - Using template RAMS without tailoring them to the specific job and site
2. Missing hazards - Failing to identify all relevant risks for the work being done
3. Vague control measures - Saying "wear appropriate PPE" instead of specifying exactly what's required
4. No emergency procedures - Forgetting to include what to do if something goes wrong
5. Unsigned or undated - Documents that aren't properly authorised
6. Poor formatting - Hard-to-read documents that look unprofessional
7. Out of date - Using RAMS from previous jobs without updating them

How to Create Professional RAMS Quickly

Creating RAMS from scratch is time-consuming, especially when you're juggling multiple jobs. Here are some tips to speed up the process:

Start with a Template

Having a well-structured template saves time and ensures you don't miss important sections. However, you must always customise it for each specific job.

Build a Hazard Library

Create a list of common hazards and control measures for the types of work you do regularly. This gives you a starting point for each new RAMS.

Use Dedicated Software

Modern contractors are switching from Word templates to dedicated RAMS software like Risk Ranger. Purpose-built tools offer:

• HSE-aligned templates that guide you through the process
• Pre-built hazard libraries you can customise
• Professional PDF output that impresses clients
• Cloud storage so your RAMS are always accessible
• Version control to track changes over time

RAMS for Different Trades

While the basic structure is the same, RAMS requirements vary by trade. Electricians need to address different hazards than plumbers or roofers. Your RAMS should reflect the specific risks of your trade and the particular job at hand.

Some trades that commonly require RAMS packs include:

• Electricians and electrical contractors
• Plumbers and heating engineers
• Roofers and scaffolders
• Painters and decorators
• Groundworkers and civil engineers
• Demolition contractors
• Fire and security installers

Conclusion

A well-prepared RAMS pack isn't just about compliance - it's a competitive advantage that demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to safety. Contractors who invest time in creating quality RAMS documents consistently win more work and build stronger relationships with principal contractors.

Whether you're using Word templates or dedicated software, the key is to create documents that are specific to each job, comprehensive in their hazard identification, and clear in their control measures.

Key takeaways:

• RAMS = Risk Assessment + Method Statement
• Risk assessments are legally required; RAMS packs are industry standard practice
• Must be tailored to each specific job and site
• Professional RAMS help you win more contracts