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.
Manual Handling of Bricks, Blocks & Mortar
Control: Use a mechanical hoist or brick/block dispenser to reduce repetitive lifting. Team-lift heavy lintels and mix mortar in small batches to limit bag handling.
Working from Scaffold/Bricklayer's Platform
Control: Ensure platform is fully boarded with guardrails and toe boards before laying above 2m. Check the scaffold handover certificate before use.
Cement & Mortar Skin/Dust Contact
Control: Wear waterproof gloves when handling wet mortar to prevent cement burns, and an FFP3 mask when cutting blocks dry, in line with COSHH 2002.
Wet Weather & Ground Conditions on New Build Sites
Control: Assess ground conditions before positioning materials and access equipment, and suspend work in heavy rain that could affect mortar quality or scaffold stability.
Manual Handling of Lintels & Padstones
Control: Use mechanical lifting aids or a minimum two-person lift for heavy lintels and padstones, keeping loads close to the body.
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 working from a bricklayer's scaffold platform?
Yes. It includes controls for safe access, guardrails and platform boarding standards required before laying block or brickwork above 2m.
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.