When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and drainage teams carrying out drainage cctv survey — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised groundworks & excavation 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
CCTV drainage survey including chamber entry.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-task planning: Obtain all necessary permits and highway authority approvals. Review drainage records and confirm system contents (foul/surface). Brief all operatives on the RAMS, confined space entry plan, and emergency rescue procedure before mobilising.
- 2Traffic and pedestrian management: Set up the approved traffic management scheme in accordance with Chapter 8. Erect barriers, cones, and signage. Ensure the protected exclusion zone is established before any equipment is deployed or covers removed.
- 3Equipment inspection and preparation: Inspect all CCTV equipment, gas monitors (confirm calibration within date), harness, lifeline, tripod/davit, and blower ventilation unit. Confirm gas monitor alarm setpoints. Confirm rescue equipment is immediately accessible.
- 4Chamber opening: Using mechanical lifting aids and a minimum two-person team, remove the manhole cover and fit guarding/barriers immediately around the open chamber. Do not stand over the opening during initial venting.
- 5Atmospheric testing and ventilation: Test the atmosphere with the multi-gas detector before any approach to or entry into the chamber. Record readings. If readings are outside safe limits, deploy forced mechanical ventilation and re-test before proceeding. Do not enter until atmosphere is confirmed safe.
- 6CCTV survey without entry: Where possible, deploy push-rod or crawler camera from the surface to complete the survey without any person entering the chamber. This is the preferred method and must always be attempted first.
- 7Confined space entry (if essential): Issue a signed confined space entry permit. Fit entrant with full-body harness connected to lifeline via tripod. Standby person takes position at surface. Maintain continuous gas monitoring and communication throughout. Ventilation must remain running. Entry duration to be minimised.
- 8Survey completion and exit: On completion of survey or camera retrieval, entrant exits the chamber. Standby person logs exit time on the entry permit. Remove all equipment from the chamber.
- 9Chamber reinstatement: Replace and fully seat the manhole cover immediately. Check cover is flush and secure before removing guarding. Conduct a visual check of the work area for trip hazards, contaminated materials, or equipment left behind.
- 10Demobilisation and hygiene: Remove traffic management scheme in the correct sequence. All operatives to carry out thorough hygiene procedures at the welfare facility (hand wash, remove contaminated PPE safely, bag contaminated disposables for controlled disposal). Record any near misses or incidents.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Confined space engulfment or asphyxiation
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where operationally feasible, conduct CCTV survey using push-rod or remotely operated crawler without any personnel entering the chamber.
- › Prepare a written confined space risk assessment and entry permit system. Appoint a competent person to supervise. Ensure a trained standby person is present at the entrance throughout entry.
- › Use a calibrated multi-gas detector to test for oxygen (target 19.5–23.5%), H2S, CO, and flammable gases before and continuously during entry. Do not enter if readings are outside safe limits.
- › Introduce forced fresh-air ventilation into the chamber using a blower/fan before and during entry to dilute and displace hazardous gases.
Rescue failure in confined space
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Prepare and rehearse a written emergency rescue plan before entry commences. Plan must not rely on emergency services alone and must detail non-entry rescue as the primary method.
- › Fit entrant with a full-body harness attached to a lifeline via a tripod/davit over the entry point. Standby person must be capable of raising the entrant without entering the space.
- › A trained, designated standby person must remain at the surface access point for the entire duration of entry, maintaining communication with the entrant.
Exposure to sewage and biological hazards
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Carry out a COSHH assessment identifying biological hazards from sewage exposure. Communicate findings to all operatives before work begins.
- › Provide dedicated welfare facilities with hot water, soap, and nail brushes on site. Prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas. Ensure cuts and abrasions are covered with waterproof dressings before work.
- › Inform operatives of Weil's disease symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. Verify vaccination status and advise workers to carry a Leptospirosis awareness card.
- › Wear impervious gloves (nitrile or rubber), waterproof coveralls or waders, face shield and/or goggles to prevent splash to eyes, nose, and mouth.
Hydrogen sulphide and toxic gas exposure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Test the atmosphere with a calibrated multi-gas detector before entry and continue monitoring throughout. H2S alarm threshold set to ≤5 ppm (WEL STEL 5 ppm). Evacuate immediately if alarms activate.
- › Deploy mechanical blower ventilation prior to and throughout entry to maintain safe atmospheric conditions and reduce gas concentrations.
- › Where gas cannot be adequately controlled by ventilation, operatives must use SCBA. SCBA must only be used by trained personnel and must be inspected before use.
Struck by vehicle
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Implement a formal traffic management scheme compliant with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual. Use signed lane closures, barriers, and/or banksmen as determined by a road risk assessment. Obtain necessary permits from the highway authority.
- › Establish and maintain a clearly demarcated exclusion zone using cones, barriers, and appropriate signage to separate operatives from live traffic.
- › Brief all operatives on traffic management arrangements, emergency evacuation routes, and the requirement to remain within the protected zone at all times.
- › All operatives must wear high-visibility jacket and trousers to Class 3 EN ISO 20471 at all times when working on or adjacent to the highway.
Fall into open excavation or chamber
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Fit a proprietary manhole guard or barrier system around any open chamber access point. Never leave an unguarded open manhole unattended.
- › Erect cones and barrier tape or hard barriers at a safe distance from open chambers to prevent public access, particularly in pedestrian areas.
- › Immediately replace and secure manhole covers when access is no longer required. Check cover is fully seated and flush before leaving the area.
Manual handling of equipment and covers
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use proprietary manhole cover lifting keys and clamps with mechanical assist (e.g. vacuum lifter or lever device) to avoid manual direct lifting of heavy covers.
- › Where manual handling of covers or heavy equipment cannot be avoided, a minimum two-person team lift must be used. Operatives must be trained in safe manual handling techniques.
- › Wear safety footwear to protect against dropped covers, and appropriate gloves for grip and hand protection during equipment handling.
Slips and trips on uneven or contaminated ground
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Keep CCTV cables and hoses routed tidily and clearly marked to avoid trip hazards. Remove mud and debris from access routes regularly.
- › Operatives to wear safety boots with anti-slip, oil-resistant soles appropriate for muddy and wet surfaces.
Public nuisance and third-party harm
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Obtain all required Section 50/Section 171 licences, road occupation notices, and agree traffic management with the relevant highway authority before commencing work.
- › Where footways are obstructed, provide a clearly signed and guarded alternative pedestrian route. Ensure access for mobility-impaired persons is maintained where reasonably practicable.
- › Display clear, legible signage warning members of the public of works in progress, including contact details for the responsible contractor.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ RPE per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
Competence
- ✓ Excavation and plant competence
- ✓ 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
- › Excavator and dumper as specified
- › Trench support system (boxes, sheets, props)
- › CAT and Genny (service avoidance)
- › Ladder access for excavations
- › Gas detector for confined areas
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ Service avoidance: drawings reviewed, CAT/Genny sweep, permit to dig
- ✓ Excavation support method and inspection regime
- ✓ Plant/pedestrian segregation around the dig
- ✓ 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 drainage cctv survey 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 drainage cctv survey, 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 drainage cctv survey?
Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, COSHH 2002, reg 7 — prevention or control of exposure, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3 are the main ones, alongside Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. 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.