Archaeology RAMS — Fast RAMS for Site Work & Watching Briefs

Create archaeology RAMS for site work, watching briefs, excavation, plant, welfare, lone working and project-specific hazards.

Frequently asked questions

Do archaeologists need RAMS?
Yes. Archaeological work — especially on construction sites — requires RAMS just like any other trade. Principal contractors will require RAMS before allowing site access. Even on standalone archaeological projects, RAMS are expected by clients, insurance providers, and CIfA standards.
What hazards are specific to archaeology?
Common archaeological hazards include trench collapse in variable or waterlogged ground, contaminated soil on brownfield sites, biological hazards when excavating burials, manual handling in field conditions, lone working on remote sites, working near live services on development sites, and exposure to weather on extended fieldwork projects.
Can I use a generic construction RAMS for archaeology?
You can, but it won't be adequate. Generic templates miss discipline-specific hazards and methods. Archaeological trenching, finds handling, burial excavation, and fieldwork welfare all require specific documentation. A RAMS tailored to archaeological work is more accurate, more useful on site, and more likely to be accepted by clients and principal contractors.
How does Riskora handle different types of archaeological work?
Riskora includes presets for common archaeological activities: open area excavation, evaluation trenching, watching briefs, building recording, and geophysical survey. Each preset generates relevant hazards, method steps, and control measures specific to that type of fieldwork.
What about working with human remains?
Riskora includes hazard presets for burial excavation, covering biological risks, the handling and storage of human remains, licensing requirements (Ministry of Justice licence), and the emotional wellbeing of team members. These are important considerations that generic construction templates never address.
Do I need CSCS cards for archaeological work?
When working on construction sites, yes — archaeological staff typically need a CSCS Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card or a Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card. Your RAMS should specify the competence requirements and card types for your team.