What RAMS Documents Do I Actually Need for a Job in the UK?
If you’ve ever been asked to “provide RAMS” for a job, you may have wondered what that actually means in practice.
In the UK, RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) is not a single document. It’s a set of documents, used together, to show that work has been properly planned and risks are controlled.
The exact documents required depend on the task, site, and risks involved — but there is a common core that covers most jobs.
The core RAMS documents most jobs require
For the majority of routine, low to medium-risk work, RAMS usually consists of:
1. Risk Assessment
This identifies hazards associated with the task, assesses the level of risk, and records control measures to reduce that risk.
2. Method Statement / Safe System of Work
This explains how the work will be carried out safely, including the sequence of work, equipment, PPE, supervision, and responsibilities.
Together, these form the foundation of RAMS.
Additional documents that may be required
Depending on the nature of the work, you may also need:
Point of Work Risk Assessment (PoWRA)
A short, on-site check completed immediately before work starts to confirm conditions match the planned RAMS.
COSHH Assessment
Required where hazardous substances are used or generated (e.g. solvents, adhesives, fuels, dusts).
Fire Risk Assessment
Required where work introduces fire risk (e.g. hot works) or affects existing fire precautions.
Not every job needs all of these — but many sites will expect them when relevant.
The problem most people face
The challenge isn’t knowing what the documents are — it’s knowing:
- Which ones apply
- When they’re required
- How they fit together
That’s why many businesses now use a RAMS documentation system rather than buying documents individually.
Final thought
If you want a clear, repeatable way to cover the core RAMS requirements without guessing each time, see the RAMS Documentation System (UK).
