When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and hvac teams carrying out ductwork cleaning — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised building services & m&e 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 9-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Clean ventilation ductwork (TR19) at height with dust and access risk.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-work survey and COSHH assessment: Review building asbestos register, water hygiene records, and system maintenance history. Complete a site-specific COSHH assessment identifying dust, biological and chemical hazards. Confirm TR19 cleaning specification and scope with the client representative.
- 2Isolations and permits: Isolate and lock off the AHU fan motor and all associated electrical controls serving the ductwork zone. Prove dead using an approved voltage tester. Raise a permit-to-work. Where confined space entry is required, issue a confined space entry permit and confirm atmospheric testing equipment is available.
- 3Access equipment erection and inspection: Erect and inspect the selected access equipment (tower scaffold, MEWP or similar) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and relevant guidance. Confirm ground conditions, overhead clearances and edge protection before use. Brief all operatives on the access plan.
- 4Containment and extraction set-up: Sheet off the ductwork section(s) to be cleaned to create negative-pressure containment. Connect H-class or M-class HEPA vacuum extraction unit at the downstream end of the section. Confirm extraction is operating and drawing negative pressure before disturbing any deposits.
- 5Mechanical cleaning of duct interior: Working systematically from upstream to downstream, insert rotating brush or pneumatic cleaning equipment through access hatches. Use vacuum extraction continuously to capture dislodged debris. Do not open more than one access hatch at a time unless containment is maintained.
- 6Internal inspection and post-clean verification: On completion of mechanical cleaning, carry out a TR19 post-clean inspection using a camera system or visual inspection through access hatches. Record results with photographic evidence. Where biological contamination was identified, apply approved biocidal treatment and allow specified contact time.
- 7Waste segregation and disposal: Bag and seal all extracted debris, used filters and contaminated PPE in double-sealed, labelled bags. Classify waste in accordance with EWC codes. Arrange disposal via a licensed waste carrier; obtain a waste transfer note. Decontaminate reusable equipment before removal from the work area.
- 8Reinstatement and re-commissioning: Replace and seal all access hatches to the manufacturer's specification. Remove containment sheeting. Restore AHU isolations under the permit-to-work procedure. Commission the ventilation system and confirm correct airflow operation before handing back to the client.
- 9Documentation and sign-off: Complete TR19 cleaning certificate including pre- and post-clean inspection records, operative names, scope of work and waste disposal documentation. Provide copy to client and retain on site file. Formally close all permits-to-work and update the building's ventilation maintenance log.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Fall from height
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Redesign installation sequence or use extended fixing tools to reduce the need to work at height where practicable.
- › Prioritise scaffold, podium steps, or MEWP over ladders to provide a stable working platform with edge protection.
- › Ensure MEWPs are inspected before use, operators hold valid IPAF or equivalent card, and ground conditions are checked for stability and overhead obstructions.
- › Where collective protection is not reasonably practicable (e.g., inside ceiling void), operatives must wear a full-body harness with a short lanyard or inertia reel attached to a suitable anchor point.
Inhalation of hazardous dust
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Carry out a specific COSHH assessment before work, including review of building history and, where required, sampling of duct deposits to identify biological or chemical contaminants.
- › Use negative-pressure containment (sheeting off duct sections) combined with H-class or M-class HEPA-filtered vacuum extraction at the point of disturbance to capture dust before it becomes airborne.
- › Provide operatives with a minimum FFP3 disposable mask or a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with P3 filter where dust exposure cannot be adequately controlled by extraction alone.
Asbestos exposure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Obtain and review the building's asbestos management survey or refurbishment/demolition survey before work. If the register is unavailable or the duct area is unsurveyed, commission a licensed asbestos surveyor before proceeding.
- › If unidentified material suspected of containing asbestos is encountered during cleaning, operatives must stop work immediately, leave the area undisturbed and report to the responsible person.
- › Where asbestos is confirmed or cannot be ruled out on duct surfaces, engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove or encapsulate the material before cleaning proceeds.
Contact with live electrical services
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Identify all electrical services in the work zone via drawings. Isolate, lock off and prove dead using an approved voltage tester before work commences in the vicinity of any electrical conductors.
- › Isolate, lock off and prove dead the air handling unit (AHU) fan motor and associated controls before entering connected ductwork. Use a permit-to-work system.
- › Where residual electrical risk cannot be fully eliminated, use insulated cleaning rods, non-conductive vacuum hoses and insulating gloves rated to the voltage present.
Confined space entry
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Use remote cleaning equipment (rotating brush systems, air lance, robotic cleaners) operated from access hatches to clean duct interiors without requiring personnel entry.
- › Where entry cannot be avoided, classify the space under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, implement a written entry permit, conduct atmospheric testing (O2, CO, CO2, LEL) before and during entry.
- › Designate a trained standby person outside the confined space at all times. Have a documented rescue plan, rescue equipment and means of communication in place before entry.
Manual handling injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Use trolleys, pump trucks or hoists to move heavy vacuum equipment and scaffold components. Avoid manual lifting of items exceeding 25 kg where mechanical aids are available.
- › Rotate operatives between physically demanding tasks to limit cumulative musculoskeletal load. Use two-person lifts for items between 10 and 25 kg in constrained spaces.
Slips and trips at height
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Keep working platforms free of loose equipment, coiled hoses and debris. Route cables and hoses using clips or ties to prevent trip hazards on scaffold boards and MEWP platforms.
- › Operatives must wear safety footwear with anti-slip soles rated to SRC standard when working on platforms where moisture or grease contamination may be present.
Exposure to biological contaminants
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Prior to cleaning, review the building's water hygiene and ventilation maintenance records. Where Legionella or heavy microbial contamination is suspected, commission microbiological sampling and specialist advice before proceeding.
- › Apply an appropriate biocidal product (compliant with GB BPR) to duct surfaces after mechanical cleaning to reduce microbial contamination. Ensure adequate contact time and ventilation during application.
- › Operatives must wear Type 5/6 disposable coveralls and nitrile gloves when handling contaminated duct components or applying biocidal products. Dispose of contaminated PPE as controlled waste.
Noise exposure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Provide and enforce use of appropriate hearing protection (ear defenders or plugs with adequate SNR rating) in designated hearing protection zones where exposure exceeds 85 dB(A).
- › Select vacuum and cleaning equipment with published noise emission data; specify quieter models where technically equivalent performance is achievable.
- › Measure noise levels at the operative's ear during representative tasks. Where action values (80 dB(A) LEP,d) are exceeded, implement a hearing protection zone and limit exposure time.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
- ✓ RPE (FFP3 or as risk-assessed) with face-fit
- ✓ Disposable RPE (FFP3)
- ✓ Disposable coveralls (Type 5)
- ✓ Insulated gloves where live work is unavoidable
- ✓ RPE per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
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
- › Isolation valves / pipe-freezing kit
- › Gas tightness test gauge (gas work)
- › Press tool or soldering/brazing set
- › MEWP or tower for high-level plant
- › LEV / extraction for brazing fume
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ Named competence where required (Gas Safe / F-Gas / Part P)
- ✓ Service isolation and test-before-touch (gas tightness, electrical lock-off)
- ✓ Hot-works permit and fire watch for brazing/soldering near combustibles
- ✓ 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 ductwork cleaning 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 ductwork cleaning, 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 ductwork cleaning?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 are the main ones, alongside Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, COSHH 2002, reg 7 — prevention or control of exposure, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. 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.