When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and roofing teams carrying out guttering & downpipe installation — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised work at height 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
Install guttering, fascias and downpipes from access equipment.
Sequence of works
- 1Conduct a pre-task site survey: identify overhead electrical cables, existing asbestos cement materials, ground conditions, public access points and the full extent of the work area. Obtain asbestos refurbishment survey for pre-2000 properties before any removal.
- 2Brief all operatives on the RAMS, exclusion zones and emergency procedures. Brief the householder on safe working areas and instruct them not to enter the exclusion zone without notifying the team.
- 3Erect barriers, cones and warning signs around the full working area including side passages, gates and any area directly below the working height.
- 4Set up and inspect access equipment: erect scaffold or tower scaffold where work duration or load demands it. Where ladders are used, inspect for defects, set at correct 75-degree angle, secure at top or foot, and confirm ground stability using levelling boards if required.
- 5Prepare materials at ground level: cut gutter sections, fascia boards and downpipes to required lengths; pre-drill brackets where possible to minimise overhead drilling time.
- 6Remove existing guttering and fascias as required. Handle any suspect materials carefully; if asbestos cement is identified, stop work and follow the asbestos emergency procedure.
- 7Fix new fascia boards to rafter feet using appropriate fixings. Two operatives to hold and position long sections. Maintain three points of contact on the ladder; do not over-reach — reposition the ladder for each section.
- 8Install gutter brackets at correct fall gradient, then clip gutter sections into brackets, joining with connectors and end-stop. Seal joints as specified. Keep the exclusion zone clear throughout.
- 9Fix downpipe brackets to the wall and assemble downpipe sections from the outlet downward, ensuring secure clips at recommended centres. Connect to surface water drainage as specified.
- 10On completion, remove all access equipment safely, clear all waste materials and cut-offs from the ground and scaffold, remove barriers, and confirm that all drainage connections are correct and secure. Notify the householder that the area is clear.
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, Members of the public
- › Wear a safety helmet when working at height or below others working at height. Use non-slip safety footwear.
- › Where a ladder is the only practicable option for short-duration low-risk tasks, use a Class 1 industrial ladder secured at the top or footed by a second operative, positioned at 75° (1 in 4 rule).
- › Where work duration or complexity justifies it, erect a full scaffold or tower scaffold to provide a working platform with guard-rails, mid-rails and toe-boards instead of relying on a ladder.
- › Deploy a second person to foot the ladder at ground level throughout use where it cannot be tied off at the top.
Falling objects striking persons below
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Define and barrier off a minimum exclusion zone beneath and around the working area. Use cones, barrier tape and warning signs to prevent public or other workers entering the drop zone.
- › Where a scaffold is in use, fit toe-boards of minimum 150 mm height on all open edges to prevent tools and materials rolling off.
- › Attach hand tools to lanyards secured to the worker or scaffold structure to prevent accidental drop.
- › All persons working or passing within the exclusion zone periphery must wear a safety helmet.
Manual handling injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Cut long gutter runs and fascia boards to manageable lengths at ground level before lifting, reducing the weight and awkward reach when working at height.
- › Use two operatives to carry and position long gutter sections or fascia boards, sharing the load and reducing individual strain.
- › Ensure operatives have received manual handling awareness training. Brief the team on correct techniques: straight back, bent knees, load close to body.
Ladder instability on uneven ground
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Inspect the ground conditions before placing the ladder. Use a proprietary ladder leveller or a firm, level boards to distribute load on soft ground. Never place a ladder on slippery or unstable surfaces.
- › Set the ladder at a 75-degree angle (1 out for every 4 up) and ensure feet are equipped with non-slip feet in good condition.
Overhead electrical contact
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Identify the location of any overhead service cables (electricity, telephone) before erecting access equipment or carrying materials. Consult site drawings and visually inspect the roofline.
- › Maintain a minimum safe distance from uninsulated overhead lines. If work cannot be undertaken safely at the required distance, contact the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to arrange isolation or insulation covers before work starts.
- › Where cable contact risk cannot be eliminated, use GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) or fibreglass ladders rather than metal ladders.
Slips on wet or algae-covered surfaces
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Inspect ladder rungs and working surfaces before use. Clean algae or moss from accessible surfaces using a brush before climbing. Avoid working in heavy rain.
- › Wear safety footwear with slip-resistant soles rated to S1P or S3 standard.
Interaction with members of the public
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Inform the householder and any other occupants of the scope of work, exclusion zones and not to pass beneath the working area without notifying the operatives.
- › Erect physical barriers (cones, barrier tape) with clear warning signage at all access points to the working zone, including side passages and garden gates.
Asbestos cement guttering or fascias
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Before removing or drilling into any existing guttering, fascias or soffits on pre-2000 properties, carry out or obtain a suitable asbestos survey or refurbishment survey completed by a competent person.
- › If asbestos cement is identified or suspected during work, stop immediately, prevent access to the area and consult a licensed or notifiable non-licensed asbestos contractor as appropriate before continuing.
- › Where non-licensed removal of asbestos cement is confirmed as permissible, wear minimum FFP3-rated disposable mask and disposable coveralls. Wet wipe all surfaces; do not dry sweep or use compressed air.
Struck by ladder or long materials
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Plan the route for carrying long items before lifting. Identify pinch points, steps and gates. Carry long sections with a second person for items over 4 m.
- › Use agreed verbal warnings ('carrying', 'moving ladder') when moving long items in restricted areas.
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
- ✓ Insulated gloves where live work is unavoidable
- ✓ Disposable RPE (FFP3)
- ✓ Disposable coveralls (Type 5)
Competence
- ✓ Roof-work competence and work-at-height training
- ✓ 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
- › Scaffold / mobile tower / MEWP as selected
- › Podium steps or ladders for short-duration tasks
- › Tool lanyards and tethers
- › Edge protection components
- › Inspection tags
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ A named access method (scaffold / tower / MEWP) with inspection regime
- ✓ A rescue plan that doesn't rely on calling 999
- ✓ Collective protection considered before harnesses
- ✓ 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 guttering & downpipe installation 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 guttering & downpipe installation, 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 guttering & downpipe installation?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment are the main ones, alongside Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. 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.