When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and asbestos teams carrying out asbestos sampling — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised demolition & strip-out hazards for this task, with the controls a reviewer expects to see.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 9 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 10-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Take samples of suspected ACMs for analysis under controlled conditions.
Sequence of works
- 1Confirm competence and authorisation: verify the surveyor holds a current asbestos sampling qualification (e.g. BOHS P402), obtain site access permissions and complete the pre-task risk assessment and RAMS review before entering the building.
- 2Conduct pre-survey walkthrough: identify ACM locations, access hazards (height, confined spaces, slips/trips), lighting conditions and lone working risks; mark or remove trip hazards and set up task lighting where required.
- 3Establish a controlled sampling zone: erect barrier tape or warning signs around the immediate sampling area to prevent unauthorised access; inform any other persons in the vicinity.
- 4Don full PPE: put on Type 5/6 disposable coveralls (hood up), safety footwear, nitrile gloves, safety eyewear and a face-fit-tested FFP3 respirator before approaching the ACM.
- 5Prepare the sampling point: apply a fine water mist to the suspected ACM surface to suppress fibre release; prepare a labelled, sealable sample container (double zip-lock bag) ready to receive the sample.
- 6Take the sample: using a sharp, dedicated tool, remove the smallest representative sample practicable (typically a few grams); avoid unnecessary disturbance and re-wet the area if dust becomes visible during sampling.
- 7Seal and label the sample immediately: place the sample in the pre-labelled inner bag, seal, then place in the outer bag and seal; apply asbestos warning label with location reference, date and surveyor ID.
- 8Repair the sampling point: apply an encapsulant or suitable repair tape to the sampled area to prevent further fibre release and record the repair in the survey log.
- 9Decontaminate: use a Type H HEPA vacuum to remove loose material from coveralls before removing them inside-out into a labelled asbestos waste bag; remove gloves and eyewear into the waste bag; wash hands and face thoroughly.
- 10Complete documentation and dispatch: record sample details (location, suspected ACM type, condition, reference photos) in the survey log; store bagged samples securely and arrange dispatch to an accredited UKAS laboratory for analysis.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Asbestos fibre release
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use the smallest possible sample, wet the area with fine water mist before and during sampling to suppress fibre release, and use a sharp tool to minimise tearing.
- › Restrict access to the immediate sampling zone; erect barriers or warning tape to prevent unauthorised persons entering the disturbed area.
- › Place sample immediately into a sealable, labelled container (e.g. double-bagged zip-lock pouch) to prevent further fibre release.
- › Wear a minimum FFP3 disposable half-mask respirator, or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) where assessment demands, fitted and face-fit tested.
Asbestos fibre contamination spread
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › On completion of sampling, use a Type H vacuum to clean disposable coveralls before removing them inside-out, place in a labelled asbestos waste bag and seal. Wash hands and face thoroughly.
- › Use dedicated, cleanable tools for sampling; decontaminate or dispose of as asbestos waste after use.
- › Wear Type 5/6 disposable coveralls to prevent fibre transfer to personal clothing.
Airborne dust and fibres (non-asbestos)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Apply fine water mist to the sampling point to suppress all airborne dust before and during sampling.
- › Review COSHH assessment to identify other hazardous substances (e.g. silica) present in the matrix being sampled and apply appropriate controls.
- › As a minimum, wear FFP3 RPE, which also provides protection against other respirable dusts present.
Asbestos waste mismanagement
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › All sample containers must be labelled with the asbestos warning label, location reference, date and surveyor ID before leaving the sampling area.
- › Contaminated PPE, tools and materials must be double-bagged in UN-approved asbestos waste bags, labelled and disposed of via a licensed waste carrier.
Slips, trips and falls (survey environment)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Conduct a walkthrough before sampling to identify slip, trip and fall hazards; mark or remove obstacles where possible.
- › Use portable task lighting in poorly lit areas to ensure safe visibility when moving and sampling.
- › Wear safety footwear with slip-resistant soles; compatible with disposable coveralls.
Fall from height (access to ACMs)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Assess whether sampling can be achieved from ground level using extension tools before committing to elevated access.
- › Where height access is necessary, use a suitable podium step or low-level platform with guardrails rather than a step ladder. Ensure equipment is inspected before use.
- › Only competent persons should erect and use access equipment; inspect before each use for defects.
Inadequate competence and training
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Ensure all sampling is conducted by a surveyor holding a current, relevant asbestos surveying qualification (e.g. BOHS P402 or equivalent) and working for an appropriately accredited organisation.
- › Confirm that site permissions, client notification and any permits required to enter and sample have been obtained before work commences.
Skin and eye contact with ACM material
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Dampen the sampling area to reduce airborne and surface fibre spread before cutting the sample.
- › Wear disposable nitrile gloves during sampling and decontamination; remove and bag as asbestos waste.
- › Wear close-fitting safety spectacles or goggles, particularly when sampling overhead ACMs.
Lone working during survey
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Implement a formal lone worker protocol with regular timed check-ins with a designated contact; ensure surveyor carries a charged mobile phone.
- › Ensure the surveyor has site emergency contacts, building layout information and is briefed on known hazards before working alone.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Disposable RPE (FFP3)
- ✓ Disposable coveralls (Type 5)
- ✓ RPE (FFP3 or as risk-assessed) with face-fit
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
- ✓ RPE per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
Competence
- ✓ Non-licensed / NNLW asbestos work ONLY — licensed work (e.g. AIB, lagging, sprayed coatings) must be done by an HSE-licensed contractor. Operatives need task-specific non-licensed asbestos training (beyond awareness); NNLW also needs medical surveillance, health records and notification to the enforcing authority
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Hand strip tools and wrecking bars
- › Dust suppression equipment
- › Waste chutes and covered skips
- › Asbestos sample kits (analyst use only)
- › Temporary props where structure is affected
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ Asbestos survey reviewed before any strip-out
- ✓ Structural stability checked before load-bearing removal
- ✓ Waste segregation and disposal route
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
Who should write a asbestos sampling RAMS?
Someone competent to plan the work — usually the contractor doing the job or their supervisor. A template like this gives you the recognised hazards and controls for asbestos sampling, but the person signing it off must review it as the competent person and confirm it matches the actual site and method.
How long is the RAMS valid for?
Until something changes — there's no fixed expiry in law. Review it if the method, site conditions, equipment or people change, after any incident or near miss, and at sensible intervals on longer jobs. Date the review and re-brief the team.
What regulations apply to asbestos sampling?
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment are the main ones, alongside Work at Height Regulations 2005, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a method statement need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.