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.
Inspecting an Incomplete or Non-Compliant Structure
Control: Carry out a full visual and structural check against the design or TG20:21 compliance sheet before issuing a handover certificate (Scaff Tag). Do not certify a structure with missing components.
Falls While Accessing the Scaffold for Inspection
Control: Use the scaffold's own designated access route (ladder bay or staircase) rather than climbing the frame, and maintain three points of contact throughout.
Working at Height During Re-Inspection
Control: Re-inspect at the required interval (at least every 7 days) and after any adverse weather event, following the same access and structural check procedure as the initial inspection.
Recording & Communicating Inspection Findings
Control: Complete the scaffold inspection record (or equivalent) accurately and immediately communicate any defect found to the site manager before the scaffold is used.
Adverse Weather Affecting Inspection
Control: Postpone external inspection in high winds or icy conditions where the scaffold itself cannot be safely accessed.
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 required frequency of scaffold re-inspection?
Yes. It includes a control requiring re-inspection at least every 7 days and after any event likely to have affected its stability, in line with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
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.