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 Plasterboard Sheets
Control: Use a board trolley or two-person carry for full-size sheets, and a board lifter for ceiling installations to avoid repeated overhead lifting.
Dust Exposure from Cutting & Sanding Joints
Control: Use dust extraction on cutting tools and wear an FFP3 mask when sanding jointing compound, particularly in enclosed rooms.
Falls from Trestles During Ceiling Work
Control: Use properly boarded trestle platforms with guardrails for ceiling-height dry lining, never standing on buckets or improvised platforms.
Fire-Rated Partition Compliance
Control: Install fire-rated plasterboard systems strictly to the specified board layers and fixing pattern where a fire rating is required.
Cutting Plasterboard in Confined Rooms
Control: Cut plasterboard in a ventilated area or outdoors where possible, using a dust-extracted saw or hand tools to limit dust in confined rooms.
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 manual handling risks of lifting plasterboard overhead for ceilings?
Yes. It includes a control requiring a board lifter for ceiling installations to avoid repeated overhead manual handling of full sheets.
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.