Flood work RAMS Builder

Risk assessment and method statement

Flood work, 41 River Street, Stockport: ground floor

Company

Hollins & Reed Restoration Ltd

Site and work area

41 River Street, Stockport: ground floor

Planned dates

12 to 14 October 2026

In charge on site

Dan Hollins

Team

Two technicians: Dan Hollins leads and records the moisture readings; Priya Shah sets and checks the equipment.

Method statement

1. 1Set up the work areaConfirm the work area and scope before starting. Keep other people outside the active work area. Keep entrances and escape routes clear.
2. 2Do not go down into a flooded cellar or voidPump and dry cellars, pits and underfloor voids from outside wherever you can reach. Nobody goes in without a written plan, an air test and a mate outside ready to pull them out.
3. 3Wait until floodwater recedesStart drying equipment only after the floodwater has receded. Do not use a dehumidifier to remove standing floodwater.
4. 4Hold back extensive mouldStop ordinary drying work if mould persists or is extensive. Get advice from a specialist cleaner with fungal-remediation experience.
5. 5Check the weather before you startStop handling wet contents and repair materials when the wind is strong enough to catch them. Stop in heavy rain, ice or lightning.
6. 6Keep wet electrical equipment out of useIsolate wet equipment and wiring from use. Have the right person check it before it is energised again.
7. 7Ventilate the drying areaUse good ventilation with the agreed drying method. Keep people out where damp materials or mould make the area unsafe.
8. 8Use a dehumidifier for dryingUse a dehumidifier to collect moisture from the air after water recedes. Empty the tank with face and eye protection where possible.
9. 9Check before closing or handing backUse the agreed drying checks or specialist check before closing the work. Record the result and do not rely on the surface looking dry.
10. 10Record the agreed handback checkRecord the drying readings or the specialist or insurer check named for the job. Keep unresolved damp or mould visible to the person responsible for the property.
11. 11Clear and hand back the areaRemove tools, waste and unused materials. Check the area is clean and ready to use. Tell the customer or whoever runs the site when the work is complete.

Risk assessment

• People entering the work area or tripping over materials

  Workers, occupants and visitors

  Mark or barrier the active work area. Store tools and materials away from access routes.

• Being overcome by bad air, sewer gas or engine fumes in a cellar, pit or void

  The person going in and anyone who tries to help

  Never run a petrol pump, generator or dehumidifier engine in or beside the opening. Never go in after a mate who has collapsed; raise the alarm.

• Electric shock or equipment damage while standing floodwater remains

  Drying workers and occupants

  Use a separate safe method for any remaining floodwater. Keep electrical equipment out until it is dry and inspected.

• Inhalation of fungal spores and spreading contamination

  Drying workers and occupants

  Restrict access to the affected area. Use the specialist route before disturbing extensive growth.

• Wind catches the wet contents and repair materials and blows them onto people nearby

  The team and people nearby

  Check the forecast before you start and agree when the wind stops the work. Tie down or take in loose materials before you leave.

• Electric shock or fire from wet or damaged electrical equipment

  Drying workers, occupants and other trades

  Do not test or repair electrical equipment as part of drying work. Keep isolated equipment marked and protected.

• Mould exposure or trapped moisture causing further damage

  Drying workers and occupants

  Keep clean areas separate from damp or contaminated areas. Do not disturb extensive fungal growth as ordinary dust.

• Contact with contaminated tank water or unsafe electrical equipment

  Drying workers

  Use only dry, inspected electrical equipment. Do not use a dehumidifier to remove floodwater.

• Damp construction or contamination is closed in or the area is reoccupied too soon

  Drying workers, occupants and future repair workers

  Keep the handback evidence with the job record. Keep the area controlled if the agreed check is not complete.

• The next trade closes work without knowing whether drying is complete

  Drying workers, occupants and future repair workers

  Do not sign off a different check by assumption. Keep the affected area out of use if the result is not acceptable.

• Debris, tools or unfinished work left in the area

  Workers, occupants and visitors

  Remove waste by the agreed route. Record and protect any unfinished work.