When this template fits
This RAMS is for the heating engineer installing or replacing a gas or oil boiler — typically when a client, landlord or principal contractor wants the new appliance fitted, flued and commissioned with evidence it is safe to use. It suits the Gas Safe or OFTEC registered engineer working in an occupied house, plant room or new build who needs to show that the hot works on the pipework, the flue and the combustion checks are controlled and that the appliance is left safe and certificated.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 4 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 6-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
The scope covers positioning the boiler, running and jointing the pipework, installing and testing the flue, connecting the gas or oil supply, and commissioning the appliance with a combustion analysis. It includes the hot works involved in jointing pipework and the working at height needed for the flue terminal. It does not cover the gas supply pipe upstream of the meter, oil tank installation, or electrical work beyond the appliance connection, which are covered by their own methods.
Sequence of works
- 1Confirm the appliance, flue route and clearances against Approved Document J and the manufacturer's instructions before starting.
- 2Move the boiler into position using mechanical aid or a team lift and protect the surrounding finishes and occupants' access.
- 3Run the pipework and carry out brazing or soldering joints under hot-works controls, away from combustible building fabric.
- 4Install the flue, confirm the terminal position and clearances, and check the whole flue route is sealed and supported.
- 5Connect the gas or oil supply, carry out a tightness test and purge, and confirm there is no leak before firing the appliance.
- 6Commission the boiler, take a combustion analysis, check the flue for spillage, and leave the appliance certificated with the user instructed.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Carbon monoxide exposure from an incorrectly installed, unsealed or unproven flue
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Occupants
- › Install the flue to the manufacturer's instructions and Approved Document J clearances and confirm every joint is sealed and supported
- › Carry out a flue flow and spillage test and a combustion analysis at commissioning before handing over
- › Do not leave the appliance in use until the flue is proven and the combustion readings are within limits
Fire ignition of combustible building fabric while brazing or soldering pipework
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Occupants
- › Work under a hot-works permit with combustibles removed or protected by a fire blanket and heat mat
- › Keep a suitable extinguisher at the point of work and maintain a fire watch during and after jointing
- › Use press-fit connections in place of a naked flame where the location is enclosed or near insulation
Gas or oil escape and explosive atmosphere during connection and commissioning
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Occupants
- › Carry out a tightness test and purge to the gas regulations before firing the appliance
- › Eliminate ignition sources and ventilate the space while making and testing the supply connection
- › Cap and make safe the supply, then evacuate and ventilate if an escape is found before any further work
Musculoskeletal injury manoeuvring the boiler into a loft, airing cupboard or plant room
Who’s at risk: Operatives
- › Plan the route and use a sack truck, stair climber or team lift for the appliance
- › Clear and light the access and use a loft ladder or tower rather than balancing the unit at height
- › Split the appliance into its lighter sub-assemblies where the manufacturer allows
PPE
- ✓ Flame-resistant gloves and gauntlets for brazing
- ✓ Eye protection rated for hot works and pipe cutting
- ✓ Safety footwear with toe protection
- ✓ Knee pads and head protection for loft and cupboard installations
Competence
- ✓ Gas Safe registration for the relevant appliance category, or OFTEC registration for oil
- ✓ Current ACS assessments for the boiler and flue types being worked on
- ✓ Hot-works and fire-watch training
- ✓ Manual handling training for appliance moves
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Brazing or soldering kit with fire blanket, heat mat and extinguisher
- › Flue flow and spillage test equipment
- › Electronic combustion analyser and gas tightness gauge
- › Press-fit tool where naked-flame jointing is to be avoided
- › Sack truck or appliance stair climber for the boiler move
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ That the flue is installed to Approved Document J and proven by flow, spillage and combustion checks before hand-over
- ✓ That brazing and soldering are covered by a hot-works permit with a fire watch maintained after the flame is out
- ✓ That a tightness test and purge are completed before the appliance is fired, with the result recorded
- ✓ 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
Does this RAMS need a hot-works permit if I am using press-fit fittings?
If the whole job is genuinely press-fit with no naked flame, the fire-ignition hazard from brazing largely falls away and a hot-works permit may not be needed — but most boiler installs still involve some soldering or brazing on the tails or existing pipework. The method keeps the hot-works controls in because the risk depends on what you actually do on the day, not the headline jointing method. Where you can use press-fit in an enclosed or insulated location, that is the safer choice and the RAMS treats it as the preferred control rather than relying on the permit alone.
Why is carbon monoxide treated as the highest-severity hazard here?
A boiler that fires but vents combustion products into the room because of a poorly sealed or wrongly sited flue can put occupants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning after you have left site. That is why the flue installation, flow and spillage testing and the commissioning combustion analysis are non-negotiable steps, and why the appliance must not be left in use until those checks pass. The danger is not visible during the install, so the controls rely on proving the flue and combustion rather than on it looking right.
What regulations apply to boiler installation?
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, Building Regulations Approved Document J (combustion appliances and flues), Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are the main ones, alongside Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for hot works. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a RAMS 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.