Sample document · Groundworks
Sample: groundworks RAMS
A complete RAMS that RAMScribe generated for foundation and drainage excavation on a residential extension. Read the whole thing, then generate one for your own dig.
| Contractor | Solid Ground Contractors Ltd |
|---|---|
| Author | M. Owusu, Site Supervisor (SMSTS) |
| Client / Principal Contractor | Hilltop Developments |
| Site | Plot 2, Orchard Rise, Orchard Rise, Leeds LS9 8** |
| Project reference | SGC-2207 |
| Start / duration | Mon 23 Jun 2026 / 2 weeks |
1. Scope of works
Excavation of trenches for new strip foundations and drainage on a residential extension at Plot 2, Orchard Rise, Leeds. This includes locating and avoiding existing underground services.
2. Sequence of works
Method statement, safe system of work
- 1. Site setup: Erect site security fencing, install clear signage for 'Construction Site Keep Out' and 'No Unauthorised Access'. Establish welfare facilities and first aid points. Define pedestrian and vehicle routes, ensuring segregation from public areas.
- 2. Review documentation: Hold a toolbox talk to brief all operatives on the RAMS, site layout, service drawings, and emergency procedures. Obtain and review the Permit to Dig. Confirm all personnel understand site-specific hazards.
- 3. Service location: Conduct a thorough CAT and Genny scan of all proposed excavation areas. Mark detected services clearly on the ground using spray paint or pegs. Compare findings with service drawings.
- 4. Manual trial pitting: Hand dig trial pits at locations where services are suspected or confirmed, using insulated digging tools. Expose services carefully to confirm their exact position and depth. Confirm with Principal Contractor if services are live and if isolation is required.
- 5. Establish exclusion zones: Where live services are confirmed, establish clear exclusion zones around them. Only hand digging with insulated tools is permitted within 0.5m of any live service.
- 6. Mechanical excavation (foundations): Position the 3-tonne excavator. Ensure a competent banksman is present during all plant movements, especially near public or other trades. Excavate foundation trenches to the specified depth and width, adhering to marked service exclusion zones. Spoil to be placed in designated areas, clear of services and public routes.
- 7. Trench support (foundations): Install trench support boxes or other approved shoring systems as excavation progresses, in line with geotechnical advice and site conditions, ensuring no operative enters an unsupported trench over 1.2m deep. Keep support materials readily available at the trench side.
- 8. Mechanical excavation (drainage): Once foundation trenches are complete, excavate drainage trenches, again observing all service exclusion zones and trench support requirements. Maintain appropriate gradients.
- 9. Inspect and record: On completion of excavation and support, the competent person (SMSTS) will inspect trenches for stability, depth, and width. Record as-built locations of services where exposed.
- 10. Backfilling: Once foundation concrete is poured or drainage installed and inspected, carefully backfill trenches in layers, compacting as required. Ensure no damage to new works or exposed services during backfilling.
- 11. Spoil removal: Load excess spoil onto the dumper and transport to the designated spoil heap or removal point. Ensure dumper routes are clear and segregated from pedestrians and public.
- 12. Site clear-up: Remove all plant, tools, and materials. Clean the work area and ensure all trenches are securely backfilled or protected overnight with secure covers/fencing.
- 13. Final inspection: Conduct a final walk-around to ensure the site is left safe and secure.
- 14. Permit closure: Close out the Permit to Dig with the Principal Contractor.
3. Risk assessment
HSE 5-STEP · MHSWR 1999 REG 3 · HIERARCHY OF CONTROL
| Hazard | Who / how | Existing controls | L×S | Additional controls | Residual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excavation collapse | Operatives, other site personnel. Crushing, serious injury or fatality. | Competent excavator operator. Supervision. Basic site induction. Visual inspection of ground conditions. | 3×5=15 | All trenches over 1.2m deep or in unstable ground conditions will be supported with trench boxes or shoring systems. Regular inspections of trench stability and support by competent person. Provide safe means of access/egress into and out of trenches every 9m. No person to work under unsupported ground. Spoil heaps to be kept at least 0.5m from trench edges. | Medium |
| Striking live underground services (gas, electricity, water, comms) | Operatives, other site personnel, public. Electrocution, explosion, fire, asphyxiation, flooding, service disruption, serious injury or fatality. | Site plans, CAT and Genny scans. Trained operatives. Emergency contact numbers. | 3×5=15 | Mandatory Permit to Dig. Comprehensive service drawings verified by Principal Contractor. Pre-dig CAT and Genny survey, with findings marked on the ground. Manual trial pitting (hand digging with insulated tools) to expose and confirm exact location of services. Strict '0.5m rule' for hand digging around services. Emergency procedures for service strikes clearly briefed. Utilities to be isolated where possible and confirmed by PC. | Medium |
| Plant (excavator, dumper) movement and operation | Operatives, other site personnel, public, other trades. Struck by plant, crushing, falls from plant, overturning. | Competent CPCS plant operators. Banksman for reversing. Site speed limits. Hi-vis PPE. | 3×4=12 | Dedicated plant movement routes, segregated from pedestrians. Use a banksman for all close proximity operations and reversing. Daily pre-start checks on plant. Ensure exclusion zones are maintained around operating plant. Plant keys to be removed when unattended. Secure plant overnight. | Medium |
| Public / Other trades nearby (Plant/Pedestrian Interface) | Public, other trades, children, site visitors. Struck by plant, falling into excavations, trips and falls over materials/plant, unauthorised access. | Site fencing. Warning signage. Site induction for authorised personnel. Banksman. | 3×4=12 | Robust site security fencing, regularly inspected and maintained. Clear, separate pedestrian access routes away from work areas. All excavations to be securely fenced, covered, or backfilled at the end of each shift or if left unattended. Brief all operatives on maintaining secure boundaries and challenging unauthorised persons. Regular site perimeter checks. | Medium |
| Occupied / operational site (disruption, access, interface) | Residents, site users, other trades, delivery drivers. Traffic congestion, noise disturbance, dust, restricted access, collision. | Site layout plan. Phased work approach. Communication with PC. | 2×3=6 | Regular communication with the Principal Contractor regarding work schedule and potential impacts. Establish clear delivery and waste collection times to minimise disruption. Implement dust suppression measures (e.g., dampening spoil). Control noise levels where possible, particularly during sensitive hours. Ensure clear, signed alternative routes for site users if main access is affected. | Low |
| Manual handling (lifting, carrying, pushing trench boxes/tools) | Operatives. Musculoskeletal injuries (strains, sprains, back injury). | Toolbox talks on manual handling. Use of mechanical aids where possible. | 3×3=9 | Assess loads before lifting. Use team lifts for heavy or awkward items (e.g., trench boxes). Use correct lifting techniques. Provide suitable tools and equipment to minimise manual handling. Break up tasks to avoid prolonged effort. | Low |
| Slips, trips, and falls | All site personnel, public. Fractures, sprains, cuts, head injuries. | Good housekeeping. Appropriate footwear. Site signage. | 3×2=6 | Maintain good housekeeping at all times, keeping work areas clear of obstructions, cables, and excess spoil. Ensure clear, well-maintained access routes. Provide adequate lighting in all work areas, especially trenches. Install handrails on steps/ramps where applicable. Clean up spills immediately. | Low |
| Noise and Vibration (from plant) | Operatives, other site personnel, nearby residents. Hearing damage, hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), noise nuisance. | Modern plant. Daily checks. Hearing protection (PPE). | 2×3=6 | Regular maintenance of plant to ensure efficient operation. Rotate tasks to limit individual exposure times. Use anti-vibration tools where available. Erect noise barriers if practical for prolonged noisy operations near sensitive receptors. Provide suitable hearing protection (earplugs/muffs) for all personnel working in noisy areas and ensure use. | Low |
| Buried contaminants / Unsuitable ground | Operatives, public. Skin irritation, respiratory issues, long-term health effects. Structural instability, ground collapse. | Site investigation reports. Risk assessment. | 1×4=4 | Review site investigation reports for potential contaminants. If unexpected contaminants (e.g., unusual odours, discolouration) are found, stop work immediately, cordon off the area, and inform the Principal Contractor. Follow COSHH assessments for any identified hazardous materials. Implement suitable control measures (e.g., forced ventilation, respiratory protection). Seek specialist advice for ground stability issues. | Medium |
4. Plant & equipment
- 3-tonne excavator (with various buckets)
- Dumper
- Trench support boxes / shoring equipment
- CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool)
- Genny (Signal Generator)
- Hand digging tools (shovels, spades, picks, insulated tools)
- Small tools (rammers, levels, tape measures)
5. Materials / COSHH
Diesel fuel (for plant, stored securely in bunded containers). Lubricants and oils (small quantities, stored in sealed containers). Cement (for foundations, use appropriate PPE to avoid skin/respiratory irritation). Excavated spoil (may contain naturally occurring hazardous substances or contaminants, assess on discovery). Refer to COSHH data sheets for all hazardous substances.
6. PPE
- Hard hat (BS EN 397)
- Safety footwear (BS EN ISO 20345)
- Hi-visibility clothing (BS EN ISO 20471)
- Safety gloves (suitable for task, e.g., general handling, anti-vibration)
- Eye protection (safety glasses/goggles BS EN 166)
- Hearing protection (earplugs/muffs BS EN 352-1/2) where noise levels require
- Dust masks (FFP2/FFP3) as required for dusty conditions
- Insulated gloves and electrical protective footwear when working near live services
7. Competence & training
All operatives briefed on this RAMS. M. Owusu (Site Supervisor) holds SMSTS certification. Excavator operators hold valid CPCS cards. Banksmen are trained and competent. All operatives have received site induction.
8. Permits
- Permit to Dig (mandatory for all excavations)
- Any other site-specific permits required by Hilltop Developments
9. Access & egress
Primary site access is via Orchard Rise. All pedestrian and vehicle movements on site will be managed to ensure segregation, especially from public routes. Clearly signed access/egress points. Safe means of access/egress provided for all trenches (e.g., ladders, steps) at regular intervals.
10. Welfare
Welfare facilities (toilets, washing facilities, drying room, rest area) are provided by the Principal Contractor within the site compound and will be kept clean and accessible. Drinking water will be available.
11. First aid
A designated first aider (M. Owusu) and fully stocked first aid kit are available on site. Emergency contact numbers and location of the nearest hospital (St James's University Hospital) are displayed in the welfare area. All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to the Principal Contractor.
12. Emergency procedures
In case of emergency: 1. Raise the alarm (shout 'STOP WORK', 'FIRE', 'EMERGENCY'). 2. Inform the Site Supervisor (M. Owusu). 3. For fire, attempt to extinguish if safe to do so with appropriate equipment, otherwise evacuate to the assembly point (designated by PC). 4. For injury, administer first aid and call emergency services (999) if required. 5. For a service strike (gas/electrical), evacuate immediately, call 999, and then inform PC. Do NOT attempt to cap or repair services. 6. For excavation collapse, do not attempt rescue if unsafe, call 999 immediately. All personnel must know the assembly point and emergency contacts.
13. Environmental
Minimise dust nuisance by damping down spoil or work areas as required. Manage noise by maintaining plant and avoiding unnecessary idling. All waste will be segregated and disposed of in designated skips or waste streams. Prevent fuel/oil spills by using drip trays and storing hazardous liquids in bunded areas. Implement spill kit procedures. Protect existing trees and vegetation as per site plan. Avoid disturbance to local wildlife where possible.
This document was AI-generated as a drafting aid. It is not a substitute for professional health & safety advice. It must be reviewed, verified and made site-specific by a competent person before use, briefed to all operatives, and updated when site conditions or the method change. The provider accepts no liability for use of this document on site.
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