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.
Undisclosed Asbestos-Containing Materials
Control: Check the asbestos survey/register before starting. Stop work immediately and isolate the area if suspect materials are disturbed.
Structural Instability from Removing Load-Bearing Elements
Control: Confirm with a structural engineer or site management which elements are load-bearing before removal. Install temporary propping prior to any structural strip-out.
Manual Handling & Falling Debris
Control: Use chutes or skips for debris removal, segregate the drop zone, and team-lift heavy stripped-out components such as radiators and doors.
Dust Generation During Strip-Out
Control: Use dust suppression (damping down) and dust extraction on cutting/breaking tools, and wear an FFP3 mask throughout strip-out work.
Hidden Services in Walls & Floors
Control: Check for live electrical, gas and water services before breaking into walls or floors, isolating any services found before continuing.
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 encountering asbestos during strip-out?
Yes. It includes a control requiring the asbestos survey to be checked before work starts, and a stop-work procedure if suspect materials are found, in line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
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.