What to include in RAMS
Reviewed September 2026 · Written by Complys and checked against HSE and legislation.gov.uk guidance (sources below).
There's no legally prescribed RAMS format, so the exact layout varies — but complete RAMS all cover the same ground. Use this as a checklist. If your document answers each of these, a reviewer has what they need to approve it.
Project and task details
Who you are, the site address, client and principal contractor, and a clear description of the specific task and its scope, dates and programme. Vague scope is the fastest way to a rejected RAMS.
The risk assessment
Hazards, who could be harmed and how, risk ratings before and after controls, and the control measures — following the hierarchy of control. This is the statutory core of the document.
Responsibilities and competence
Who is responsible for what, and the competence, training or tickets required for the work — for example CSCS/CPCS cards, trade qualifications, or specific certificates. Reference the risk assessments the method relies on.
Sequence of operations
The step-by-step safe method: access and egress, the order of work, plant and equipment, materials and substances (with COSHH controls), and controls for working at height, excavation, lifting, hot works or whatever the task involves.
PPE, welfare and emergencies
The PPE required, welfare and first-aid provision, and emergency and rescue arrangements including the nearest hospital and any task-specific rescue plan. Then the briefing record, crew sign-on and a review date.
A note on templates
HSE provides a free risk-assessment template and examples, but there is no official RAMS template and RAMS aren't "HSE-approved". A template speeds up the chrome; the content still has to be specific to your job.
Stop writing RAMS from scratch
Complys builds a complete, CDM-ready RAMS for your trade in minutes — hazards, controls, PPE, legislation, sequence of works and plant register — as a branded PDF you can share.
Sources
- HSE — Risk assessment template and examples
- HSE — Risk assessment: steps needed to manage risk
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 (risk assessment)
- HSE — Construction: managing safety (method statements)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Health and safety law and HSE guidance change over time — always check the current HSE and legislation.gov.uk guidance for your work.
What to include in RAMS — FAQs
What should a RAMS document include?
Project and task details, the risk assessment, responsibilities and competence, a step-by-step sequence of works, plant and materials, PPE, welfare and emergency arrangements, and a briefing sign-off with a review date.
Is there a standard RAMS template?
There's no official or legally required RAMS template. HSE offers a free risk-assessment template and examples, but the RAMS format is up to you as long as it's suitable and sufficient for the work.
What's the most common reason RAMS are rejected?
Being too generic. A RAMS that clearly matches the specific task, site and crew — with named responsibilities and a real sequence of works — is the one that gets approved.