Electrical RAMS — Risk Assessments and Method Statements for Electricians
TL;DR
Electrical work on construction sites carries serious risks of electric shock, fire and explosion. Every electrical contractor must produce suitable RAMS before starting work, ensure workers are briefed on the content, and obtain digital sign-off from the principal contractor before energised or high-risk tasks begin.
Typical Electrical Tasks on Construction Sites
- First and second fix wiring (domestic and commercial)
- Distribution board installation and testing
- Cable containment — conduit, trunking, cable tray
- Testing and inspection (C&G 2391)
- Temporary site electrics and distribution
- External lighting and power supplies
- Emergency lighting systems
- Fire alarm wiring and testing
- Electric vehicle charging point installation
- Solar PV and battery storage systems
Common Hazards for Electrical Work
Electric Shock and Electrocution
The primary risk for electrical workers. Contact with live conductors, faulty equipment or inadequate isolation can cause serious injury or death. The primary control is safe isolation — always proving the circuit is dead before working on it using an approved voltage indicator and lock-off equipment.
Arc Flash
Arc flash is an explosive release of energy from an electrical fault. It can cause severe burns, blindness and hearing damage. Risk is highest when working near high-voltage systems or switchgear. Arc-rated PPE and strict approach distance rules apply.
Fire
Overloaded circuits, poor connections and cable damage are significant fire risks on construction sites. Temporary site electrics are a common ignition source. All temporary installations must be inspected regularly and comply with BS 7671.
Working at Height
Cable runs, lighting installations and ceiling-level work require working at height. Falls from ladders, stepladders and platforms account for a significant proportion of electrical contractor injuries. A separate working at height risk assessment is required for any work at 2m or above.
Manual Handling
Heavy cable drums, distribution boards and containment systems create manual handling risks. Mechanical aids should be used where possible and team lifts agreed in advance.
Control Hierarchy for Electrical Work
- Eliminate — design out the need for live working wherever possible; specify de-energised installation
- Substitute — use lower voltage systems (25V AC or 50V DC) for temporary site supplies
- Engineer — install proper isolation facilities at circuit level; use RCDs on site supplies
- Administrative — safe isolation procedure; permit to work for high-risk tasks; lock-off/tag-out
- PPE — insulated tools, rubber-soled boots, arc-rated clothing where applicable, voltage indicator
PPE Requirements for Electrical Work
| PPE Item | Standard | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Hard hat | EN 397 | On site at all times |
| Safety boots | EN ISO 20345 | On site at all times |
| Hi-vis vest | EN ISO 20471 | On site at all times |
| Insulated gloves | EN 60903 | When working near live conductors |
| Safety glasses | EN 166 | Cable work, drilling, cutting |
| Arc-rated face shield | EN 166 | Switchgear and high-voltage work |
RAMS Sign-off Workflow
- Electrical supervisor prepares RAMS for each distinct work phase
- RAMS reviewed and approved by principal contractor before work starts
- Pre-task briefing delivered to all workers — briefing recorded with signatures
- Work carried out in accordance with the RAMS
- Any deviation from the RAMS triggers a review before resumption
- RAMS stored in the project record for the full duration of the project
Site Evidence Checklist
- RAMS prepared, reviewed and approved before task start
- Safe isolation certificates completed for all isolated circuits
- Test and inspection certificates (where applicable)
- All workers briefed on RAMS and signed
- Temporary site electrics inspected to schedule
- RCDs tested on energisation of site supply
- Working at height permits in place (where applicable)
- Plant and tools inspected (PAT or visual inspection records)
FAQs
Does every electrical job need a separate RAMS?
A single RAMS can cover multiple related tasks within the same work phase if the risks are similar. However, any task with distinctly different hazards — such as high-voltage work, confined space cable runs, or work near live systems — requires its own RAMS.
Who can prepare electrical RAMS?
RAMS should be prepared by a competent person — typically a qualified electrician or electrical supervisor with knowledge of the specific work and site conditions. They must understand both the technical and safety requirements.
Is a permit to work always needed for live electrical work?
For any work that cannot be made dead, a permit to work is strongly recommended and is required under many principal contractor safety management systems. Live working should always be the last resort.
What test certificates are required for a new electrical installation?
New installations and significant alterations require an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) produced by a qualified electrician. The installation must comply with BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations).
How often should temporary site electrics be inspected?
Temporary site electrical installations should be formally inspected at least every three months by a competent electrician, or more frequently on high-risk or long-duration sites. A formal inspection record must be kept.