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Plumbing RAMS example

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Plumbing RAMS example

Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in house

Only bathroom replaced, press-fit pipework under the floor and in a duct, tested before anyone closes it up, suite fitted after tiling.

See the method statement on its ownDownload PDFDownload Word

What to change

  • Company, people, site and dates
  • Age of the house and asbestos information
  • Where each shut-off is
  • Who is living there and how they manage without the bathroom
  • Whether gas is touched
  • Soldering, which this example avoids
  • Emergency arrangements

Sources

Checked

  1. ComplyOnSitecomplyonsite.comWORKED EXAMPLE: RISK ASSESSMENT AND METHOD STATEMENTBathroom first and second fix in a lived-inhouseHollins & Reed Plumbing Ltd · 12 to 23 October 2026 · In charge: Dan HollinsWorked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Job detailsCompanyHollins & Reed Plumbing LtdSite and work area9 Vicarage Road, StockportPlanned dates12 to 23 October 2026CustomerMr and Mrs LoweIn charge on siteDan HollinsTeamTwo plumbers: Dan Hollins leads and runs the job between trades; TomEllis works with him. The tiler and the electrician work to Dan’sprogramme.WorkBathroom first and second fix in a lived-in housePrepared byDan HollinsSignatureDateWork and boundariesIsolate/drain, sanitaryware, fit/replace pipe, cold joint, water pressure test. Areas: First-floorbathroom; Landing and stairs as the carry routeWorking arrangementAccess: the floor or ground.Test boundary: A new pipe section.Other people will be using the area.The family stays at home; children are kept out of the bathroom and landing while it is open.Pipes run under the floor and in a boxed duct, so no walls are chased, and joints are press-fit, sono hot work. This is the only bathroom: the family keeps the downstairs toilet and the kitchen sinkthroughout, and we agree the days without a bath with them before we start. The old cistern andWorked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 1 of 8
  2. Example: Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in houseComplyOnSitebath panel are checked for asbestos before they are touched. Hold point: nobody plasters, tilesor closes the duct over pipe that has not passed its test.Emergency arrangementsKnow where they are on day one: stopcock under the kitchen sink, gas emergency valve at themeter in the hall, consumer unit in the hall cupboard. Leak or failed joint: Tom Ellis shuts thestopcock, power off to anything wet, buckets and sheets, tell the family. Smell of gas: open up, noswitches, valve off, ring 0800 111 999. Fire: everyone out by the stairs, meet at the front gate, countthe family. Burn or scald: cool running water for 20 minutes. First aider: Tom Ellis, kit in the van.Nearest A&E named on the job sheet and the route checked on the day. Dan Hollins rings 999, gives9 Vicarage Road, and meets the crew at the gate; if he is the one hurt, Tom Ellis does.Planned method1Set up the work areaConfirm the work area and scope before starting. Keep other people outside the active workarea. Keep entrances and escape routes clear.2Keep people clear of the workAgree how people get past or around the work while it is going on. Put barriers or signs wherea route crosses the work. Do not leave open work unattended.3List every feed before you open the pipeTrace inlets, returns, bypasses and stored sections that can refill the work. Agree where theisolation stops before you start.4Check the route before you cutUse service information and a suitable detector before cutting or drilling. Stop if old lagging oran unknown material is in the route.5Get the test written down before you fillWrite down what is being tested, what you fill it with, what pressure, how long, and whatcounts as a pass. Do not fill or put pressure on until those numbers are written down.6Check hoses and connectorsInspect hoses, gauge, caps and connectors for damage before filling. Check their ratings andcompatibility with the written arrangement.7Check for asbestos before you disturb anythingCheck the asbestos survey covers exactly what you will disturb, to the full depth. Register only,or nothing: get a refurbishment survey or a sample first. Read what it says about old pipework,lagging, boards, sealants, toilet cisterns or panels under baths. No survey, or a material you donot recognise: stop and get it checked.8Find and isolate hidden servicesFind cables and pipes before you disturb anything: drawings, then a detector. Mark what youfind. Not sure what is there? Turn the supply off, or do not start. Have cables and gas isolatedby the right person and prove them dead before you start.Worked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 2 of 8
  3. Example: Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in houseComplyOnSite9Carry the plumbing materials safelyPlan the route, clear it, and get help with anything long or heavy. Store materials close to thework so nobody carries further than they need to.10Cool hot water before you open itTurn off the heat source serving the section. Wait until the water is safe to handle beforeopening a fitting.11Close and mark every isolation valveClose each valve that can feed the work, including a bypass or second feed. Tie or label thevalves so they are not opened by mistake.12Drain to the agreed safe pointConnect the hose or place trays before opening the drain. Open the drain slowly and keep thedischarge under control.13Prove the section is emptyOpen the drain or outlet at the work and watch the flow stop. Break the joint only after thesection cannot refill.14Depressurise before disconnectingEnsure the system is depressurised before disconnecting the fitting. Keep a tray under thejoint.15Take out the old suiteIsolate and drain first, then protect the route out. Lift out the bath, basin and WC with a team ora mechanical aid. Treat foul water as a serious health hazard.16Protect open connectionsCap or cover open supply, waste and flush connections while other work continues. Removecovers before final connection and inspection.17Support the pipe and its fittingsFix the pipe on supports that suit its material and route. Do not leave a joint carrying the weightof the pipe.18Keep joints where they can be reachedLeave every joint accessible for inspection and repair. Fit an access panel if the agreed routeneeds a cover.19Cut the pipe end square and cleanCut the pipe without crushing it and remove burrs or score marks. Use the preparation requiredby the fitting instructions.20Fit the right insert or sealUse the insert, olive, seal or thread material specified for the fitting. Keep fittings clean untilthey are ready to use.21Seat the pipe fully in the fittingPush the pipe to the stop or marked insertion depth. Tighten or press the fitting exactly as itsinstructions say.Worked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 3 of 8
  4. Example: Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in houseComplyOnSite22Pull-check the jointPull the pipe to check that it is secure.23Mark where the test stops and keep people backWork out which pipes and fittings are in the test, and shut off or take out anything that cannottake the pressure. Keep people out of the area and stand where you can watch the gauge.24Fill and vent the water sectionFill with clean water and open the vents. Let the air out before raising the pressure.25Raise the pressure in stepsApply the written low-pressure check first. Raise the pressure in steps and hold each one asthe written test says. Water pipework is tested at not less than 1.5 times its maximum pressure.Test first fix before anyone plasters or tiles over it.26Let the pressure off before you touch itAfter the test, open the drain or relief point. Check the gauge reads zero before you go near itor disconnect anything.27Secure the sanitaryware supportUse the fixing points and frame instructions. Make sure the support holds the fitting firmly inplace.28Lift and carry the item safelyPlan the route before moving the fitting. Use an aid or help when the item is heavy, bulky orhard to grip.29Connect water and drainageConnect the supply using suitable fittings, and stop water flowing back into the supply.Connect the drainage and keep open ends and seals clean.30Test and flush the new runTest the completed run using the written arrangement for the system. Flush it before it ishanded back for use.31Bring the water back on slowlyBring the system back on slowly and inspect each joint before use.32Run and inspect the finished fittingTurn supplies on slowly and run the taps, flush or waste. Look around every connection beforethe room is handed back.33Clear and hand back the areaRemove tools, waste and unused materials. Check the area is clean and ready to use. Tell thecustomer or whoever runs the site when the work is complete.Worked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 4 of 8
  5. Example: Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in houseComplyOnSiteRisk assessmentHazardWho might beharmed and howControls in placePeople entering thework area or trippingover materialsStep 1Workers,occupants andvisitorsMark or barrier the active work area. Store tools and materialsaway from access routes.People using thebuilding or passingby walking into thework or over what itleavesStep 2Occupants,visitors, membersof the public andworkersKeep the barriers and signs up while the work is active. Givepeople a clear way round where their normal route is blocked.An unlisted feedrefills the pipe andcauses flooding or ascaldStep 3Plumbers,occupants andpeople belowUse the water-system information and label each valve. Stop ifthe boundary cannot be proved.A hidden service orasbestos material isstruck or disturbedStep 4Plumbers andpeople in nearbyroomsCheck the asbestos information before disturbing the building.Use a controlled route and stop for an unknown service.Pressure put on thewrong pipework, ormore than it can takeStep 5The persontesting, plumbersand people nearthe testWork to the written test, not to memory. Stop if you do notknow the pressure or where the test stops.A hose, cap orconnector fails andreleases pressurisedwaterStep 6The person testingand anyone nearthe assemblyUse identified compatible components rated for the test. Tieback any hose that could whip if it lets go.Breathing asbestosfibres from oldboards, sheets,sealants or insulationStep 7The team andanyone in thebuildingDo not cut, drill or break any material until it is confirmedasbestos free. Licensed work is not for this method; hand it toa licensed contractor.Hitting a live cable orgas pipe causesshock, fire or gasescapeStep 8The person doingthe work andeveryone nearbyCheck again wherever the work moves. If you hit something,stop, keep clear and report it.Worked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 5 of 8
  6. Example: Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in houseComplyOnSiteHazardWho might beharmed and howControls in placeBack and shoulderinjury from carryingheavy or long itemsStep 9Everyone handlingmaterialsUse a trolley or sack truck on the flat where the load suits one.Where the work is up a level, hand items up or hoist them.Never carry them up a ladder.Hot stored waterburns the plumber oranyone under theworkStep 10Plumbers,occupants andpeople belowCheck the system has cooled before draining. Keep hot wateraway from people and finishes.Unexpected flowcauses flooding,scalding or pressurereleaseStep 11Plumbers andeveryone usingthe buildingKeep the isolation under one person's control. Tell the peopleaffected which water or heating is off.Water, sludge orcontaminated sprayreaches people,floors or electricsStep 12Plumbers,occupants andpeople belowUse the agreed drain point and keep a bucket ready. Stop if thedischarge is faster than it can be contained.Stored pressure orwater escapes whenthe joint is brokenStep 13Plumbers andpeople near theworkUse a controlled opening and keep the tray in place. Recheckthe valves if flow continues.Water or pressureescapes while thejoint is beingremovedStep 14Plumbers andpeople near theworkUse the isolation and drain-down agreed for the job. Stop ifpressure remains.Strain from heavyitems, and contactwith foul waterStep 15Plumbers and thepeople living thereStop if an item is too heavy for the people lifting it. Keep thefamily out of the route while items come out.Debris enters thepipe or a connectionis damaged beforehandbackStep 16Plumbers andpeople working inthe roomUse clean covers that cannot fall into the pipe. Keep the fittingprotected from building dust.Pipe movement orsupport failurecauses a leak orfalling materialStep 17Plumbers andpeople below therouteUse sound supports at the agreed positions. Check the wall orstructure before fixing to it.Worked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 6 of 8
  7. Example: Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in houseComplyOnSiteHazardWho might beharmed and howControls in placeA hidden leakdamages the buildingbefore it can befoundStep 18Plumbers,occupants andpeople belowDo not close in a joint without an agreed access arrangement.Record the route before covering it.A sharp or damagedpipe end cuts handsor makes the jointleakStep 19Plumbers andpeople below theworkUse the correct cutter and deburr the end. Keep swarf out ofan open drinking-water pipe.The wrong partcauses a joint to failor contaminates thewaterStep 20Plumbers andpeople using thewaterCheck the fitting instructions and water-service suitability. Donot mix parts from different systems without approval.An incompletelyseated pipe pulls outand releases waterStep 21Plumbers,occupants andpeople belowUse the correct jaw or spanner for the fitting. Do not rely on anearly tight joint.A joint that looksmade pulls apartonce the water is onStep 22Plumbers,occupants andpeople belowRemake it if it moves.A fitting or hose letsgo and hits someoneStep 23The persontesting, plumbers,occupants andvisitorsKeep people out of the area while the pressure is on. Sort thatout before you start filling.Air left in the pipemakes a failureworse, and escapingwater causes injuryor damageStep 24The persontesting, plumbersand people nearthe testKeep the fill and drain points where you can see them.A joint or fitting letsgo under pressurewhile people arecloseStep 25The person testingand people nearthe assemblyStay where the gauge can be read and a failure will not reachyou. If a joint leaks or a stage fails, let the pressure off, put itright and test again.Someone touches ajoint or fitting that isstill under pressureStep 26The person testingand anyone askedto inspectUse the planned drain or relief point. Do not tighten or undo ajoint under pressure.Worked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 7 of 8
  8. Example: Bathroom first and second fix in a lived-in houseComplyOnSiteHazardWho might beharmed and howControls in placeThe fitting falls orpulls away from aweak supportStep 27Plumbers andpeople using theroomFix the frame to sound floor or wall construction. Stop if thesupport or fixing arrangement is not suitable.Strains, crushedfingers or a droppedceramic fittingStep 28Plumbers andanyone helpingwith the liftClear the route and keep both ends under control. Use asuitable trolley or lifting aid where possible.A wrong or dirtyconnection leaks orcontaminates thewaterStep 29Plumbers andpeople using theroomUse the model instructions and suitable fittings. Keep openends protected from dirt.A leaking orcontaminated pipe isput back into serviceStep 30Plumbers,occupants andusers of the waterKeep the area protected until the test passes. Record leaks andcorrect them before handback.A failed joint floodsthe work area orrooms belowStep 31Plumbers,occupants andpeople belowStand where the joint can be seen as pressure returns. Stop,isolate and remake it if it weeps or moves.A hidden leakdamages the room orleaves the fittingunsafe to useStep 32Plumbers,occupants andpeople using theroomKeep the fitting out of use until it is secure and leak free. Cleanand dry the area before handback.Debris, tools orunfinished work leftin the areaStep 33Workers,occupants andvisitorsRemove waste by the agreed route. Record and protect anyunfinished work.Worked example. Change it to fit your job before you use it.Page 8 of 8

Method statement and risk assessment, side by side

Method statement The work in order, step by step.
Risk assessment Each hazard, who could be harmed, the controls in place and any further action.

Use an example, then make it yours

HSE says not to just copy an example and put your company name on it: that would not satisfy the law or protect your people.

The builder asks about your site and rewrites the hazards and steps.

RAMS example questions

Are these real jobs?

No. Every job, company, person and address here is made up. Each one is a worked example written with our builder, and every page says so.

Can I use one as it is?

No. Your site, your people and your emergency arrangements will be different. Change it to fit your job before anyone works to it.

Why do they carry ComplyOnSite branding?

They are made with our builder and printed in its standard design. A RAMS you build yourself carries your company name.

Word or PDF?

Both. Word if you will change the wording yourself, PDF to read or print. Or press Use this and edit it in the builder, then download your own copy.

Where is the blank?

On the RAMS template page. These examples are all filled in.

How were they checked?

Each one is read against published guidance, mainly from HSE, for its facts, the order of the work and its emergency arrangements. The sources are listed beside it. If a document changes, it comes off this page until it has been checked again. The check covers the example, not your job.