Roofing RAMS — Risk Assessment Method Statement for Roofers
TL;DR
Roofing is one of the highest-risk activities in UK construction. Every roofing task requires a site-specific RAMS covering: working at height controls, fragile surface identification, edge protection, materials handling, weather restrictions, and emergency procedures. This guide covers what a compliant roofing RAMS must include and how to produce one quickly.
What should a Roofing RAMS include?
A compliant roofing RAMS combines the Risk Assessment (identifying hazards and controls) with the Method Statement (the safe sequence of work). For roofing, a complete RAMS must address:
- Hazard identification — falls from height, falls through fragile materials, manual handling (tiles, felt, battens), weather exposure, electrical proximity, asbestos
- Control measures — edge protection type and specification, scaffolding or MEWP access, safety nets or airbags, PPE requirements, permit-to-work for fragile roofs
- Method statement — sequence of work from access to completion, specific instructions for fragile areas, materials delivery and distribution on roof
- Emergency procedure — first aid, emergency contact, rescue plan if worker falls
- Competency requirements — PASMA/IPAF for platform access, Working at Height awareness, first aider on site
Who it's for
- Roofing Contractors who need to produce RAMS for every roofing job for principal contractors or clients
- Principal Contractors who need to verify that roofing subcontractors have appropriate RAMS in place before work begins
- H&S Managers reviewing RAMS submitted by roofing subcontractors
- Sole trader roofers who need a simple, compliant RAMS without a large H&S department
UK compliance notes
Roofing falls under the Working at Height Regulations 2005, which require that:
- Work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out as safely as practicable
- Appropriate working platforms and fall prevention equipment are used
- Equipment is inspected before use
- Workers are competent for the tasks
The HSE's guidance on roof work (HSG33) provides detailed technical guidance on roof work methods and controls that RAMS should align with. Fragile roofs require additional controls under HSG33 and Regulation 9 of the Working at Height Regulations.
CDM 2015 requires the Principal Contractor to ensure that site-specific RAMS are in place before any high-risk work begins. Roofing is categorised as high-risk work under CDM.
How Workforce Guardian helps
Using Workforce Guardian's AI RAMS generation, roofing contractors can:
- Upload photos of the roof area and access arrangements
- Describe the work type (felt and batten, flat roof, tile replacement, etc.)
- Receive a complete roofing RAMS draft in under 60 seconds
- Review, edit, and publish the RAMS for worker sign-off
- Capture digital sign-offs from all operatives before work starts
The AI identifies relevant roofing hazards from the photos — including edge proximity, fragile material indicators, and access method — and incorporates appropriate control measures automatically.
Checklist: Roofing RAMS requirements
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Falls from roof edges identified | Edge protection specification required |
| Fragile materials identified | Route across roof documented |
| Access method specified | Scaffold, MEWP, or fixed ladder |
| Materials handling assessed | Weight limits, delivery method |
| Weather restrictions documented | Wind speed limits, wet/icy surfaces |
| PPE requirements listed | Harness type and anchor points |
| Emergency rescue plan | Rescue from height procedure |
| Competency confirmed | CSCS, NPORS, PASMA as appropriate |
| Sign-off required | All operatives before starting |
FAQs
How often does a roofing RAMS need to be renewed?
A roofing RAMS is site-specific and task-specific. If the scope of work changes, a new or amended RAMS is required. For long-duration roofing projects, the RAMS should be reviewed periodically — at minimum every 3 months — and whenever site conditions change significantly (e.g. discovery of asbestos, change in access arrangements, adverse weather damage).
Does a sole trader roofer need a RAMS?
Yes. Even sole traders working on construction sites as subcontractors are required to comply with the Working at Height Regulations and CDM 2015 requirements. Principal contractors will typically require a RAMS from all subcontractors — including sole traders — before permitting work to begin.
What edge protection is required for roof work?
The HSE's guidance states that collective protection (scaffolding with edge protection, safety nets, or airbags) is preferred over personal protective equipment (harnesses). The RAMS should specify the type of edge protection, its specification, and who is responsible for its inspection and maintenance. If a harness is used as the primary control, the anchor points, harness type, and rescue procedure must all be documented.
Can I use the same RAMS for multiple roof jobs?
Generic RAMS are not recommended and will typically be rejected by principal contractors. Each RAMS must be site-specific — reflecting the specific roof, access method, materials, hazards, and working conditions. However, a template can be used as a starting point and quickly customised for each job, which is exactly what Workforce Guardian's AI generation does.