RAMS for Scaffolding Over a Public Footpath — UK

UK construction-safety guidance by the Riskora Editorial Team

The reality of scaffolding over a public footpath on a live UK site is that the risks are well known and well documented — and the law expects them to be managed in writing. High wind, overloading, and missing ties are the three failure modes that account for most UK scaffold collapses — and all three should be addressed before the first standard is set. For scaffolding over a public footpath, the controlling framework is clear: A scaffold licence from the local authority is required under the Highways Act 1980. That is what a RAMS for this work is for: turning the regulations and the site-specific risks into a single, briefable document.

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Example RAMS

RAMS for Scaffolding Over a Public Footpath — UK

  • Full scope and description of erecting scaffold that oversails or is adjacent to public footpaths and pavements
  • Site-specific hazard identification and risk ratings
  • Risk control: falling tools or materials striking pedestrians below
  • Risk control: scaffold components dropping during erection over a live footpath
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When This Document Is Required

A scaffold licence from the local authority is required under the Highways Act 1980. The RAMS must address public protection including fans, netting, covered walkways, and lighting.

What Must Be Included

  • Full scope and description of erecting scaffold that oversails or is adjacent to public footpaths and pavements
  • Site-specific hazard identification and risk ratings
  • Risk control: falling tools or materials striking pedestrians below
  • Risk control: scaffold components dropping during erection over a live footpath
  • Risk control: inadequate pedestrian diversion causing trips and obstructed access
  • PPE and RPE requirements for all personnel
  • Emergency procedures and response arrangements
  • Competency requirements and training records
  • Communication and briefing procedures
  • Supervision and monitoring arrangements
  • Review schedule and sign-off by competent person

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using a generic template without adapting it to the specific erecting scaffold that oversails or is adjacent to public footpaths and pavements conditions
  • Not reviewing the document when site conditions change
  • Missing sign-off from a competent person before work begins
  • Failing to consider falling tools or materials striking pedestrians below
  • Not addressing scaffold components dropping during erection over a live footpath
  • Not briefing all workers on the document content before work starts

Example Scenario

On a typical UK site, a groundworks subcontractor has been appointed to carry out this work and the principal contractor has asked for a fully documented RAMS before site access is granted. They walk through the guided builder, accept the suggested hazards for scaffolding over a public footpath that fit, override the ones that do not, capture the project details in one pass, and send the finished document straight from Riskora to the client. The finished document explicitly addresses falling tools or materials striking pedestrians below, which the principal contractor would otherwise expect to see written into the pack.

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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.