Does it cover soldering and hot works?

Yes. The method names the joint type first, then the hot works permit and fire watch where a flame is used. Fire is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.

Does it cover pressure testing?

Yes. The test is part of the numbered method, and a sudden release of pressure is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.

Does it cover gas work?

Only where a Gas Safe registered engineer does that part of the job. For a boiler swap, the boiler replacement method statement covers gas isolation, tightness testing and flue checks.

Is this a plumbing RAMS template?

It is more than a template. You describe the job and the property, and the method statement and risk assessment are written for that site. You can edit the Word file before a competent person signs it off.

Will it be accepted on site?

It follows the HSE five steps and the CDM 2015 framing site managers expect. A competent person still has to review and sign it off before use.

Your first document is free. After that, £15 each, three for £35, or ten for £89. No subscription. You can read a full sample before you decide.

Plumbing RAMS: Method Statement Template & Example (UK)

What it covers

The sequence for isolating and draining the system, removing old pipework and fittings, running and jointing the new pipework, then filling, testing and commissioning. It records where the water is turned off, how any soldering is controlled, and how the system is tested before anyone relies on it.

Plumbing method statement steps

A first and second fix in an occupied home usually follows these steps. The boiler replacement sample shows a full plumbing and heating method statement.

Check the asbestos survey. Confirm the survey covers boxing, pipe lagging, cisterns and panels before anything existing is cut or removed.
Isolate and drain down. Turn off the water at the stopcock or valve, let a hot system cool, and drain it to a safe outlet.
Bond before cutting metal pipe. Fit a temporary continuity bond across the section you will cut if the pipe carries protective bonding.
Choose the joint. Use press-fit or push-fit joints where the specification allows, so no flame is needed.
Control any flame. Where soldering is needed, work under the site's hot works permit, protect nearby materials with a heat mat and keep a fire watch after the last joint.
Pressure test with water. Test with water rather than air where possible, and keep people away from the pipework while it is under pressure.
Flush and commission. Fill, vent and flush the system, check every joint, and record the test results.
Make safe each day. Cap open ends, leave the household with water where they need it, and clear offcuts and packaging.

Asbestos in older buildings

Plumbers often work behind boxing, in lofts and under floors. In older buildings, asbestos insulating board, pipe lagging and cement cisterns can still be found there. Check the asbestos survey before cutting or removing anything. If you find material you think is asbestos, HSE says to stop work immediately, put up a warning sign and keep people out of the area. Report it to whoever is in charge, and have a sample analysed before work continues.

Source: HSE, What to do if you discover or accidentally disturb asbestos (EM1)

Pressure testing

A pressure test stores energy in the pipework, and a failed joint or fitting can release it suddenly. HSE guidance GS4 says to pressurise with water rather than a gas wherever possible, because this reduces the stored energy. Keep people out of the area while the system is under pressure. Record the test pressure, the duration and the result.

Source: HSE, Safety requirements for pressure testing (GS4)

Hazards and controls

Fire from soldering, controlled by press-fit or push-fit joints first, then a hot works permit and a fire watch. Asbestos in older buildings, controlled by checking the survey before anything is disturbed. Scalds from hot systems, controlled by isolating the system and letting it cool before draining. Then electric shock from bonded pipework, falls through ceilings in loft spaces, silica dust from chasing, and manual handling of cylinders and baths. Controls follow the hierarchy, so removing the flame and isolating the system come before PPE.

Notifications and registration

Some installations need notice to the water company, and its consent, before work starts. Any work on a gas fitting must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The method statement names the notifications, registrations and competence the job needs, so a principal contractor can check it at a glance.

Boiler replacement method statement

Source: Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, regulation 5

FAQ

Does it cover soldering and hot works?: Yes. The method names the joint type first, then the hot works permit and fire watch where a flame is used. Fire is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
Does it cover pressure testing?: Yes. The test is part of the numbered method, and a sudden release of pressure is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
Does it cover gas work?: Only where a Gas Safe registered engineer does that part of the job. For a boiler swap, the boiler replacement method statement covers gas isolation, tightness testing and flue checks.
Is this a plumbing RAMS template?: It is more than a template. You describe the job and the property, and the method statement and risk assessment are written for that site. You can edit the Word file before a competent person signs it off.
Will it be accepted on site?: It follows the HSE five steps and the CDM 2015 framing site managers expect. A competent person still has to review and sign it off before use.
What does it cost?: Your first document is free. After that, £15 each, three for £35, or ten for £89. No subscription. You can read a full sample before you decide.

A plumbing method statement that matches the pipework you're fitting.