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.
Tile Cutting Equipment (Wet Saws, Grinders)
Control: Use guarded, PAT-tested cutting equipment with water suppression to limit dust. Ensure operatives are trained on the specific tool.
Exposure to Adhesive & Grout Fumes
Control: Follow the COSHH data sheet for tile adhesives and grouts. Ensure adequate ventilation and use low-solvent products where available.
Manual Handling of Tile Boxes & Stone Slabs
Control: Use trolleys for heavy tile boxes and large-format slabs. Team-lift stone or porcelain slabs over 25kg.
Kneeling & Repetitive Strain During Floor Tiling
Control: Use knee pads and a kneeling mat for floor tiling work, and take regular breaks to reduce repetitive strain from prolonged kneeling.
Silica Dust from Dry-Cutting Tiles
Control: Use water-fed or dust-extracted cutting equipment in preference to dry-cutting, and wear an FFP3 mask where dry-cutting cannot be avoided, in line with HSE guidance on respirable crystalline silica.
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 small bathroom tiling job?
Yes. Power tool use, manual handling and adhesive/grout exposure all apply even on small domestic jobs, so a documented risk assessment is expected under CDM 2015.
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.