RAMS template for cleaning contractors
Cleaning contractor RAMS should describe each area, cleaning method, product, equipment and work time, especially where premises remain occupied. Hazardous chemicals, incompatible products, sharps, bodily fluids, wet floors, powered machines, lifting and lone or late work require specific arrangements. COSHH 2002 requires exposure to substances to be prevented or adequately controlled, based on the task as well as the safety data sheet. Use closed dosing or measured dilution where possible, keep products labelled and never mix bleach with acidic cleaners. Provide a defined sharps response rather than asking staff to pick items up by hand, and train workers in spill and exposure procedures. Schedule wet cleaning to reduce access, secure stores and verify check-in arrangements for isolated staff.
- ✓Typical cleaning contractor tasks: Cleaning with hazardous products, Manual handling of materials, Use of ladders and stepladders, Lone working
- ✓Sequence of works, plant, permits and PPE
- ✓Editable Word and print-ready PDF
In short
A RAMS (risk assessment and method statement) is a combined document that identifies the hazards of a specific job, the controls that reduce the risk, and the step-by-step safe method of work. UK law requires a suitable and sufficient risk assessment; main contractors usually require a RAMS before you start on site.
What it must include
- ✓Scope of works, site address, dates and who is involved
- ✓Hazards, who could be harmed and how
- ✓Control measures and the risk rating before and after
- ✓Sequence of works from preparation to completion
- ✓Plant, tools, permits and PPE
- ✓Competence, supervision and emergency arrangements
- ✓Briefing and sign-off by the people doing the work
You stay the duty holder: review the document for your site before work starts. SitePaper is a drafting tool, not a consultancy.