What must be included in a rams for this work?

Demolition sequence and structural stability assessment at each stage. Exclusion zones, barriers, and segregation from live areas. Pre-demolition survey results including asbestos, services, and structural condition. Isolation and disconnection of all live services (gas, electric, water, telecoms). Dust, noise, and vibration control measures for adjacent occupants. Fall protection and edge protection during progressive demolition. Plant and equipment requirements with operator competency records. Waste segregation, removal routes, and disposal arrangements. Emergency procedures including structural collapse response. Communication plan with adjacent occupants and other contractors

RAMS for Demolition on a Live Site — UK

UK construction-safety guidance by the Riskora Editorial Team

Demolition on a live or occupied site multiplies every risk. You are managing structural collapse hazards alongside pedestrian movements, adjacent occupants, live services, and other trades working in close proximity. The consequences of getting this wrong are catastrophic. A site-specific RAMS is essential — not just to satisfy CDM requirements, but to keep people alive.

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Example RAMS

Demolition sequence and structural stability assessment at each stage
Exclusion zones, barriers, and segregation from live areas
Pre-demolition survey results including asbestos, services, and structural condition
Isolation and disconnection of all live services (gas, electric, water, telecoms)

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When This Document Is Required

Under CDM 2015, demolition work requires specific planning and a written demolition method statement forming part of the construction phase plan. When demolition takes place on a live site — where other trades, occupants, or the public are present — the RAMS must address the interface between demolition operations and all other activities. BS 6187:2011 (Code of Practice for Demolition) provides the technical framework. The principal contractor must review and approve the RAMS before demolition begins.

What Must Be Included

Demolition sequence and structural stability assessment at each stage
Exclusion zones, barriers, and segregation from live areas
Pre-demolition survey results including asbestos, services, and structural condition
Isolation and disconnection of all live services (gas, electric, water, telecoms)
Dust, noise, and vibration control measures for adjacent occupants
Fall protection and edge protection during progressive demolition
Plant and equipment requirements with operator competency records
Waste segregation, removal routes, and disposal arrangements
Emergency procedures including structural collapse response
Communication plan with adjacent occupants and other contractors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting demolition before confirming all services are isolated and disconnected
Not conducting a pre-demolition asbestos survey (R&D survey)
Failing to establish and enforce exclusion zones around demolition areas
Not assessing structural stability at each stage of progressive demolition
Underestimating dust and noise impacts on adjacent occupied areas
Not coordinating with other trades working on the live site

Example Scenario

A demolition contractor in London is stripping out a wing of an occupied hospital to make way for a new extension. The adjacent wards remain operational with patients and staff. The principal contractor requires a detailed RAMS addressing structural demolition, asbestos management, service isolation, and noise/dust control before any work begins. Using Riskora, the contracts manager generates a comprehensive RAMS covering every interface — from exclusion zones to dust suppression — in under 5 minutes.

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Final RAMS must be reviewed and approved by a competent person before use.

Riskora is an assistive document preparation tool. All documents generated must be reviewed, verified, and approved by a competent person before use on site. Riskora does not replace professional safety judgment, and no output should be treated as a legal compliance guarantee.