Applicable Regulations
Method Statement — Sequence of Work
- Review this RAMS and confirm site conditions match those described before work begins.
- Brief all operatives on the hazards, controls and PPE requirements below (toolbox talk).
- Check and don all required PPE, and inspect tools and equipment before use.
- Carry out the task in line with the control measures set out in the Hazard & Risk Assessment section below.
- Maintain good housekeeping throughout — keep the work area tidy and manage waste and materials safely.
- On completion, remove tools and equipment, restore the work area, and report any incidents, near misses or changes in site conditions to the site supervisor.
- Complete the sign-off section at the end of this document before leaving site.
Hazard & Risk Assessment
Each hazard is assessed against a standard Likelihood × Severity matrix. “Initial Risk” reflects the risk before any control measures are applied; “Residual Risk” reflects the risk once the stated controls are correctly implemented on site.
Entanglement in Conveyors & Sorting Machinery
Control: Never reach into or clear a blocked conveyor while it is running. Isolate and lock off machinery before any clearance or maintenance work.
Sharps & Contaminated Material Exposure
Control: Wear cut-resistant gloves at all times on the sorting line, and report any hazardous or contaminated items found (needles, chemicals) via the site's reporting procedure rather than handling directly.
Manual Handling on the Sorting Line
Control: Rotate operatives regularly between sorting tasks to reduce repetitive strain, and use mechanical aids for baled or bulk material movement.
Fire Risk from Batteries & Flammable Materials in Waste Streams
Control: Identify and safely remove damaged batteries and flammable items from the waste stream, following the site's fire prevention procedure.
Noise & Dust Exposure on the Sorting Line
Control: Wear hearing protection and an FFP2 dust mask on the sorting line, in line with the site's noise and dust assessments.
Required PPE
Emergency Procedures
Fire
Stop work immediately, raise the alarm and evacuate to the designated assembly point. Do not attempt to fight a fire beyond your training. Call 999 once safely evacuated if the fire brigade has not already been alerted.
First Aid / Injury
Stop work and alert the nearest first aider or site supervisor. For a serious injury, call 999 immediately and do not move a casualty unless there is immediate danger.
Spillage / Environmental Incident
Stop work, contain the spill using the site's spill kit if safe to do so, and report it to the site supervisor immediately. Do not allow any spillage to enter a drain or watercourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this RAMS cover the risk of entanglement in sorting line machinery?
Yes. It includes a control prohibiting reaching into or clearing a running conveyor, requiring full isolation and lock-off before any clearance or maintenance work.
Do I need to keep a copy of this RAMS on site?
Yes. HSE guidance expects a copy of the RAMS — along with the completed sign-off section — to be available on site for the duration of the work, and reviewed if site conditions change.