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 Paving Slabs & Aggregates
Control: Use a slab trolley or mechanical lifting aid for heavy paving and stone. Team-lift where mechanical aids aren't practical.
Power Tool Use (Cut-Off Saws, Compactor Plates)
Control: Use dust suppression on cutting equipment, ensure guards are fitted, and keep bystanders clear of the operating radius.
Exposure to Cement Dust & Chemicals
Control: Wear appropriate RPE when mixing cement or handling weedkillers/sealants, and follow the COSHH data sheet for each product.
Working Near Existing Structures & Services
Control: Locate existing drains, cables and buried services before excavating for a patio base, using a CAT & Genny scan where service positions are uncertain.
Manual Handling of Turf & Green Waste
Control: Use correct lifting technique and mechanical aids where possible when removing turf, soil and green waste from the site.
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
Do I need a RAMS for a domestic patio job?
Yes. Power tools, manual handling of heavy materials and cement-related COSHH risks apply to most domestic landscaping jobs, so a written risk assessment is expected.
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.