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.
Falls from Steps or Podiums on Stairwells
Control: Use a purpose-made stairwell access tower or podium steps for high stairwell walls and ceilings, rather than freestanding ladders on stair treads.
Exposure to Paint & Wallpaper Adhesive Fumes
Control: Follow the COSHH data sheet for paints, primers and adhesives, and ensure adequate ventilation, particularly in occupied properties.
Manual Handling of Paint Tins & Paste Buckets
Control: Use correct lifting technique for full paint tins and paste buckets, and avoid carrying multiple full containers up ladders or stairs at once.
Working Around Furniture & Occupied Rooms
Control: Protect and move furniture clear of the work area, and use dust sheets to protect flooring and fittings in occupied rooms.
Lead Paint in Older Properties
Control: Assume painted surfaces in pre-1960s properties may contain lead unless tested otherwise, avoiding dry sanding and using wet methods or chemical stripping instead.
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 access equipment for painting stairwells?
Yes. It includes a control requiring purpose-made stairwell access towers or podium steps rather than freestanding ladders on stair treads, which is one of the most common fall risks in interior decorating.
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.