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 Through Ceilings Between Joists
Control: Never step off joists or crawl boards directly onto ceiling material, identifying joist positions and existing insulation depth before laying boards.
Manual Handling of Loft Boards & Raised Leg Battens
Control: Use a loft board conveyor or pass boards hand-to-hand up a properly footed ladder rather than carrying stacks singlehanded.
Exposure to Existing Insulation Fibres
Control: Wear an FFP3 mask and gloves when moving or working around existing mineral wool insulation to lay raised-leg battens.
Overloading Ceiling Joists with Storage Weight
Control: Confirm joist size and spacing before recommending raised-leg boarding, avoiding overloading ceiling joists not designed for storage loads.
Existing Electrical Cabling in the Loft
Control: Identify and avoid existing electrical cabling when fitting battens and boards, reporting any damaged or exposed wiring found.
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 falling through the ceiling while boarding a loft?
Yes. It includes a control requiring joist positions to be identified and crawl boards used before any boarding begins, preventing steps directly onto ceiling material.
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.