Sample document · Roofing
Sample: roofing RAMS
A complete RAMS that RAMScribe generated for stripping and re-covering a pitched domestic roof from scaffold. Read the whole thing, then generate one for your own job.
| Contractor | Apex Roofing Ltd |
|---|---|
| Author | S. Patel, Roofing Foreman |
| Client / Principal Contractor | Private homeowner |
| Site | 8 Beech Avenue, 8 Beech Avenue, Bristol BS6 7** |
| Project reference | AR-0613 |
| Start / duration | Tue 17 Jun 2026 / 4 days |
1. Scope of works
Strip and re-cover a pitched domestic roof at 8 Beech Avenue, Bristol BS6 7**, with new breathable felt, timber battens and concrete interlocking tiles. Work to be carried out from an erected scaffold.
2. Sequence of works
Method statement, safe system of work
- Site induction and daily toolbox talk for all operatives, covering scope, hazards, controls and emergency procedures. Confirm first aid arrangements.
- Inspect the scaffold for integrity, guardrails, toe boards and safe access points. Do not commence work if scaffold is unsafe. Erect exclusion zones below work areas, clearly marked with signage.
- Confirm Hot Works Permit is issued and signed off before any torch work begins. Place fire extinguisher ready.
- Clear roof area of loose debris. Set up debris chute for safe removal of stripped materials directly into a skip.
- Carefully remove existing roof tiles and battens, passing debris to the chute. Take care not to damage roof structure. Any materials to be salvaged should be lowered safely.
- Remove old felt and inspect roof deck for any defects or rot. Report any issues to Principal Contractor/Homeowner.
- Install new breathable roofing felt, ensuring correct overlaps and fixing. Work downwards from ridge to eaves.
- Install new treated timber battens, spaced correctly for the new concrete interlocking tiles. Secure battens to rafters.
- Install concrete interlocking tiles, starting from the eaves and working towards the ridge. Use roof ladders as needed for safe access and even weight distribution.
- Form lead flashings using a gas torch where required (e.g., chimneys, abutments). Maintain a fire watch during and for a period after hot works.
- Complete ridge and hip tiling, ensuring all cuts are neat and secure.
- Clear all waste materials from the roof and scaffold. Lower tools and unused materials safely. Ensure debris chute is clear.
- Final inspection of the roof for integrity and appearance. Conduct a thorough site clean-up, removing all tools, equipment and waste. Secure the site at the end of each day.
3. Risk assessment
HSE 5-STEP · MHSWR 1999 REG 3 · HIERARCHY OF CONTROL
| Hazard | Who / how | Existing controls | L×S | Additional controls | Residual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls from height (from scaffold, roof edge, through roof structure) | Operatives, other site personnel, public below | Scaffold erected by competent contractor (inspected prior to use), operatives have working-at-height training. | 3×5=15 | Scaffold to be inspected daily by competent person (e.g., S. Patel) and weekly by a scaffold inspector (CISRS card holder). Ensure guardrails, toe boards are complete. Maintain 3-point contact when using scaffold ladders. Use roof ladders on the roof pitch to distribute weight and provide secure footing. Never work on roof deck without secure footing. Maintain clear work areas on scaffold boards. Prohibit solo working at height. | Low |
| Falling objects (tools, tiles, debris) onto occupied property/public nearby | Homeowner, family, public, operatives, other trades | Scaffold sheeting/netting installed by scaffold contractor. Operatives briefed on careful material handling. | 3×4=12 | Erect and maintain robust exclusion zones around the working area, clearly marked with 'Danger Falling Objects' signage. Use a debris chute for safe disposal of stripped materials directly into a skip. Tool lanyards used where practical. Ensure all tools and materials are secured at the end of the day or during breaks. Operatives to wear hard hats. | Low |
| Unauthorised access to work area / site (occupied site, public nearby) | Public, homeowner, children, operatives (due to interference) | Site boundary defined. | 2×3=6 | Secure scaffold access points at ground level when not in use. Ensure all site access points (e.g., gates) are closed and secured at the end of each day. Communicate clearly with the homeowner regarding safe access routes and exclusion zones. All tools and materials to be stored securely away from public access points. | Low |
| Fire / burns from hot works (gas torch for flashings) | Operatives, homeowner, property, public | Operatives trained in safe use of gas torch. Torch equipment maintained. | 2×5=10 | A Hot Works Permit must be obtained and completed before any torch work. Ensure a minimum 9kg ABC powder fire extinguisher is readily available. Clear all combustible materials from the work area. A dedicated fire watch must be maintained during hot works and for at least 60 minutes after completion. Check surroundings for smoke/heat migration before, during and after work. Train operatives on fire extinguisher use. | Low |
| Manual handling injuries (lifting tiles, battens, felt) | Operatives | Operatives briefed on safe lifting techniques. | 3×3=9 | Break down loads where possible (e.g., partial tile packs). Use team lifts for heavy or awkward items. Use mechanical aids for raising materials to the scaffold if available. Ensure clear access routes and good posture. Regular breaks. | Low |
| Noise from work activities (tile cutting, hammering) | Operatives, nearby residents | None specified. | 3×2=6 | Operatives to wear hearing protection (ear defenders/plugs). Minimise noisy operations where possible. Inform homeowner and neighbours of planned noisy work. Maintain equipment to reduce excessive noise. | Low |
| Exposure to dust (cutting tiles, stripping old roof) | Operatives, nearby residents, homeowner | None specified. | 3×3=9 | Operatives to wear suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) FFP3 dust masks when cutting tiles or working in dusty conditions. Use wet cutting methods for tiles where practicable. Ensure good ventilation. Clear dust regularly. | Low |
| Contact with sharp objects/tools (cut tiles, exposed nails, hand tools) | Operatives | Operatives wear gloves. Tools are regularly inspected. | 3×3=9 | Always wear robust gloves. Ensure all sharp tools are used correctly and stored safely when not in use. Discard damaged or blunt tools. Keep work area tidy to reduce tripping over discarded materials. | Low |
| Adverse weather conditions (rain, wind, heat, cold) | Operatives | None specified. | 3×3=9 | Monitor weather forecasts daily. Stop work at height in high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions. Ensure waterproof clothing is available. Provide access to drinking water for hydration in hot weather. Plan work to minimise exposure during extreme conditions. | Low |
4. Plant & equipment
- Scaffold (erected by others, inspected by Apex Roofing Ltd)
- Gas torch (for lead flashings)
- Roof ladders
- Debris chute
- Hand tools (hammers, saws, tin snips, trowels)
- Cordless angle grinder (for tile cutting)
- Tape measures, spirit levels
5. Materials / COSHH
New breathable roofing felt, timber battens (treated), concrete interlocking tiles, lead rolls, gas canisters (for torch). COSHH assessments are available for all materials, particularly for lead and gas canisters. Operatives to follow safety data sheet (SDS) guidelines. Minimal dust suppression for tile cutting. Safe handling of lead is essential, avoiding ingestion.
6. PPE
- Safety helmets (hard hats)
- Safety footwear (steel toe-caps and mid-soles)
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety gloves (cut-resistant)
- Eye protection (safety glasses/goggles)
- Hearing protection (ear defenders/plugs for noisy tasks)
- Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) FFP3 dust masks (for dusty tasks like tile cutting)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (waterproofs, warm layers)
7. Competence & training
All operatives hold valid CSCS cards. All operatives have undergone working-at-height training. S. Patel (Foreman) is a competent person for daily scaffold inspections. Operatives using the gas torch are trained and competent in hot works.
8. Permits
- Hot works permit (required for use of gas torch for flashings)
9. Access & egress
Access to the roof will be via the scaffold's internal ladders and designated access points. Materials will be delivered to ground level and then passed up to the scaffold. Homeowner will be briefed on scaffold exclusion zones and safe routes around the property. Site access will be secured at the end of each day.
10. Welfare
Welfare facilities (toilet, handwashing, drinking water) will be accessed within the homeowner's property as agreed, or a portable welfare unit if not suitable. Operatives will be given regular breaks.
11. First aid
A designated first aider (S. Patel) will be on site at all times. A fully stocked first aid kit will be readily available in the site vehicle. Emergency services contact details will be displayed clearly. All incidents, no matter how minor, will be reported.
12. Emergency procedures
In case of fire, raise the alarm immediately and evacuate to the designated assembly point (front lawn, clear of the building and scaffold). Contact emergency services (999). In case of serious injury, ensure the area is safe, administer first aid if competent, and call emergency services (999). Do not move the casualty unless absolutely necessary for safety. Report all incidents/near misses to S. Patel (Foreman) and Principal Contractor/Homeowner. Clear routes for emergency services will be maintained.
13. Environmental
All waste materials will be segregated where possible and disposed of in a skip provided by Apex Roofing Ltd, then taken to a licensed waste facility. Ensure no debris enters drains or public areas. Minimise noise during unsociable hours. Dust will be controlled through RPE and wet cutting where feasible. Prevent chemical spills (e.g., gas from torch) and have spill kit available if needed.
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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