When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and gas teams carrying out gas & heating works — 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
Install and commission gas-fired heating systems (Gas Safe).
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-task planning and permits: Review drawings, Gas Safe registration of all engineers, obtain hot-works permits, confined space permits and any site inductions. Carry out a dynamic risk assessment on arrival and confirm emergency arrangements including gas isolation point locations.
- 2Isolate and make safe existing services: Identify and isolate existing gas, electrical and water supplies in the work area using lock-off/tagout. Verify electrical isolation with a GS38-compliant voltage indicator. Confirm gas supply is isolated and capped at the meter or incoming governor.
- 3Position and fix appliances and plant: Use mechanical handling aids (sack trucks, hoists) to move boilers and vessels to position. Fix to the wall or floor per manufacturer's instructions and structural requirements. Confirm all combustion air ventilation requirements are met before enclosing the appliance.
- 4Install pipework and flue system: Run gas pipework in correct material (BS EN 10255 steel or copper); use press-fit or soldered joints per design. Install flue system to manufacturer's instructions; ensure all flue joints are sealed and correctly supported. Apply fire-stopping to all penetrations through fire-rated elements.
- 5Carry out pressure and tightness testing: Perform let-by test and tightness test on gas pipework per Gas Safe Procedures (IGE/UP/1 or equivalent) using calibrated test equipment. Record all results. Do not proceed if any leakage is detected; locate and rectify before retesting.
- 6Connect electrical controls and wiring: With supply isolated and locked off, wire boiler controls, programmers, thermostats and pumps per manufacturer's wiring diagram. Have electrical connections inspected by a competent electrician before energising.
- 7Fill, flush and treat the heating system: Fill the system with mains water via a temporary filling loop; power-flush or flush to BS 7593 standards to remove debris. Dose with appropriate inhibitor and record concentration. Remove temporary filling loop.
- 8Commission and first fire: With CO monitor active and personal CO alarm worn, purge gas to the appliance per Gas Safe purging procedures. Light appliance and carry out full combustion analysis; check CO and CO2 ratios are within acceptable limits. Check all safety devices operate correctly.
- 9Handover, documentation and certificates: Complete and issue Gas Safe Building Regulations notification and Benchmark commissioning checklist. Provide the client/end user with appliance manuals, service intervals and CO alarm maintenance instructions. Remove all tools, waste and COSHH materials from site.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Gas leak / explosion
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Prohibit naked flames, smoking and use of non-intrinsically-safe tools in the work area before any gas pipework is opened or purged.
- › Deploy a calibrated combustible gas detector in the work area during all stages of installation and commissioning; alarm set at no more than 10% LEL.
- › Carry out let-by and tightness tests to Gas Safe / IGE UP/1 standards before any appliance is lit; document results.
- › Wear anti-static clothing; have RPE (FFP3 half-mask rated for gas-phase contaminants) available for use during purging operations in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Carry out flue flow, spillage and combustion efficiency analysis using a calibrated flue gas analyser before the system is handed over; verify CO/CO2 ratio is within manufacturer and Gas Safe limits.
- › Install a BS EN 50291-compliant CO alarm adjacent to every gas appliance as a permanent safeguard.
- › Ensure adequate natural or mechanical ventilation during commissioning; open doors and windows; never commission in a sealed unventilated room.
- › Engineer to wear a personal CO monitor/alarm set at STEL of 100 ppm during commissioning and testing.
Burns from hot surfaces and pipework
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Where practicable, use push-fit or press-fit jointing systems to eliminate the need for open-flame soldering.
- › Place a fire-proof soldering mat or ceramic tile behind pipework when brazing; use spark arrestor to protect combustible materials.
- › Obtain a hot-works permit from the principal contractor; nominate a fire watcher and conduct a 60-minute post-works check.
- › Wear EN 407 heat-resistant gloves and a face shield when brazing or handling hot components and flue sections.
Fire spread from hot works
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Remove or relocate all combustible materials within 1 m of the brazing point before commencing hot-works.
- › Keep a suitable 2 kg CO2 or dry-powder extinguisher within 10 m of all hot-work operations; engineer must be trained in its use.
- › Implement a hot-works permit system; dedicated fire watcher remains on-site for a minimum of 60 minutes after works are completed.
Confined space entry
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Re-route pipework or design installations to avoid the need to enter confined or restricted spaces wherever reasonably practicable.
- › Test for oxygen levels (>19.5%), combustible gas (<10% LEL) and CO (<20 ppm) before entry and continuously during occupation of the space.
- › Implement a permit-to-work for all confined space entries; appoint a trained standby person and prepare a written emergency rescue procedure before entry.
- › Provide and wear self-contained or airline breathing apparatus where atmospheric hazards cannot be fully controlled by ventilation.
Exposure to flux and brazing fumes
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Select low-fuming, low-hazard flux formulations and lead-free solder to reduce the hazard at source.
- › Use portable LEV (fume extractor) at the point of brazing or ensure forced ventilation to dilute and remove fumes from the breathing zone.
- › Obtain and review Safety Data Sheets for all fluxes, brazing alloys and jointing compounds; complete a COSHH assessment before works commence.
- › Wear a P3/FFP3 filtering half-mask where LEV cannot adequately control fume exposure.
Manual handling of boilers and plant
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Use sack trucks, boiler lifts, gantry hoists or pump trucks to move heavy appliances; avoid manual carrying of items over 25 kg.
- › Plan two-person or multi-person lifts for items between 15–25 kg; brief all team members on technique, route and hazards before lifting.
- › Wear safety footwear and grip gloves during all manual handling tasks.
Electrical contact during commissioning
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Isolate the electrical supply to the appliance at the fused spur or consumer unit and apply a lockout/tagout device before connecting or working on controls and wiring.
- › Prove the circuit dead using a two-pole voltage indicator (GS38 compliant) before touching any electrical terminals.
- › Use 1000 V insulated screwdrivers and pliers; wear rubber-soled footwear during electrical connection work.
Hazardous substance exposure — inhibitors and system chemicals
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Obtain Safety Data Sheets and complete a COSHH assessment for all inhibitors, descalers and jointing compounds before use on site.
- › Bring only the quantities of inhibitor and descaler required for the task; store in original labelled containers in a secure COSHH cabinet.
- › Wear nitrile chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses or goggles when handling inhibitors, descaling agents and jointing compounds.
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
- ✓ Eye/face protection
- ✓ Flame-resistant gloves
- ✓ Insulated gloves where live work is unavoidable
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 gas & heating works 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 gas & heating works, 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 gas & heating works?
DSEAR 2002 — Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, 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 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. 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.