Free plumbing risk assessment template + method statement (RAMS) for UK plumbers and heating engineers. Editable PDF with hot works, COSHH, scalding, confined space and Gas Safe controls.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a written plumbing risk assessment as a sole-trader plumber?
- The MHSWR 1999 written-record duty legally kicks in at five employees, but in practice every commercial client, letting agent, housing association and principal contractor will ask sole-trader plumbers for a written, job-specific RAMS before letting them on site. Producing one per job is now the industry norm for any plumbing work beyond an emergency call-out.
- What's the difference between a plumbing risk assessment and a plumbing RAMS?
- The risk assessment identifies the hazards (hot works, COSHH, scalding, confined space, asbestos etc.) and the controls. The method statement is the step-by-step of how the job will be done safely (isolate → drain-down → install → test → reinstate). Together they form the RAMS pack — most principal contractors want both in a single submission.
- Does a plumbing RAMS need to cover Gas Safe work separately?
- Yes — gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, with tightness testing and commissioning per the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Include the engineer's Gas Safe registration number in the RAMS and reference the tightness-testing procedure in the method statement.
- How long should a plumbing risk assessment be?
- Long enough to cover every hazard that actually applies to this job, short enough that the operatives will read it. A domestic boiler swap RAMS typically runs 6-10 pages; a commercial plant-room install 15-25 pages including the COSHH section and permits.
- Can I use the same plumbing RAMS on every job?
- No — CDM 2015 and MHSWR 1999 require the assessment to be project-specific. Property age, occupancy, access, plant location and scope all change the hazards and controls. A generic 'plumbing works' RAMS is the number-one reason principal contractors bin submissions.
- How often does a plumbing RAMS need reviewing?
- For every new project. Additionally, review immediately if scope changes, if a new operative joins the gang, or after any incident, near-miss or symptom report. Diarised annual review for any long-running maintenance contract.
- What hazards must a plumbing risk assessment cover?
- Hot works and ignition sources, COSHH substances (flux, solvent cement, leak-detection sprays, cleaning chemicals, jointing compound), manual handling (boilers, cylinders, radiators), hand-arm vibration from cutting and chasing, scalding from hot water and steam, working near live electrics, confined-space entry under floors and in plant rooms, and asbestos in pre-2000 properties. Gas work adds tightness testing per Gas Safe; potable water work follows WRAS.