When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and fencing teams carrying out palisade & security fencing — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised site & general 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 palisade, weldmesh and high security fencing — sharp materials and taller panels.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-start planning: obtain utility drawings, commission CAT and Genny service detection survey of full fence line, complete risk assessment and COSHH assessments, brief all operatives via toolbox talk covering sharp materials, lifting and traffic management.
- 2Establish site set-up: erect temporary Heras fencing or hoarding to segregate the work zone from the public, set up material storage using A-frames for panels and defined lay-down areas, implement traffic management plan for delivery and plant access.
- 3Set out and mark post positions: use string line and spray paint to mark post centres; hand-dig trial holes (min 500 mm) at each position to confirm no buried services before mechanical equipment is used.
- 4Install posts: use mechanical post driver or auger as appropriate; maintain exclusion zone during operation; place and align posts to correct height, checking plumb with spirit level; temporary prop or brace posts where required before concrete is poured.
- 5Pour and cure post-base concrete: mix or place ready-mixed concrete using correct PPE; fill post sockets to specified depth; allow adequate curing time (typically minimum 24–48 hours) before loading posts with panels.
- 6Lift and position fencing panels: use mechanical lifting equipment with certified slings where panels exceed safe manual handling weights; maintain exclusion zone; two operatives to guide panels into post channels or fixings; do not stand beneath suspended loads.
- 7Fix panels to posts: operatives to use podium steps or MEWP for fixing work above 2 m; use correct fixings per manufacturer specification; ensure anti-climb and high-security toppings are fitted per design, wearing cut-resistant sleeves and gloves throughout.
- 8Install gates and ancillary ironmongery: ensure gate posts are concreted to specification and fully cured; hang gates using two-person team; check alignment and operation; fit lock boxes and security hardware as required.
- 9Final inspection and site clearance: inspect completed fence line for protruding fixings, sharp cut ends (fit protective caps where specified), correct panel fixing and topping installation; remove all off-cuts and waste to designated skips; remove temporary site segregation once safe to do so.
- 10Handover and documentation: complete as-built records including post positions, concrete mix batch, lifting equipment certificates and any deviation from design; advise client of any residual hazards such as exposed sharp topping and provide maintenance information.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Laceration from sharp fencing components
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use telehandler, crane or lifting frame to move large palisade and weldmesh panels rather than manual carry wherever practicable, eliminating direct hand contact with sharp edges.
- › Store panels vertically in purpose-made A-frames or horizontally in stable stacks with timber bearers to prevent uncontrolled rolling or collapse during access.
- › Brief all operatives before work commences on the specific laceration risks from palisade pales and weldmesh cut edges; demonstrate correct two-person carry technique.
- › Operatives must wear EN 388 Level C (or higher) cut-resistant gloves and arm guards or long-sleeved cut-resistant sleeves when manually handling all fencing components.
Fall from height during panel installation
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where feasible, pre-assemble fencing sections at ground level and raise into position with mechanical plant to reduce time spent working at height.
- › Provide a MEWP or proprietary podium steps with guardrails as collective protection rather than relying on stepladders or leaning ladders for fixing work above 2 m.
- › Carry out a pre-use check of all access equipment (podiums, steps, MEWP) and ensure operatives are trained/authorised to use MEWPs prior to starting elevated work.
- › All operatives and those working below must wear EN 397 helmets to protect against falling objects displaced during installation at height.
Struck by falling fencing panel
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Establish a clearly marked exclusion zone around lifting operations; no person to stand beneath or directly alongside a suspended panel. Banksman to control approach.
- › Use only LOLER-thorough-examined lifting equipment, certified slings and approved lifting attachments suited to panel shape; plan lifts with a competent person.
- › Where panels are placed manually, use a minimum of two operatives to control the panel during positioning into post pockets, preventing uncontrolled lean or topple.
- › Mandatory EN 397 safety helmet and EN ISO 20345 S3 footwear for all operatives in the panel installation zone.
Manual handling injury — heavy posts and panels
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use telehandler, pallet truck or post-puller/driver plant to transport and place posts and heavy panels; limit manual carries to within safe weight guidelines.
- › Complete a manual handling assessment for heaviest components; specify team lifts of two or more operatives, planned lift paths and rest breaks.
- › Ensure all operatives have received manual handling training covering correct technique for long and heavy loads specific to fencing installation tasks.
Contact with underground services during post driving or excavation
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Commission a CAT and Genny survey (or equivalent ground radar) of the entire fence line prior to any post-driving, excavation or core drilling. Obtain utility drawings from all statutory undertakers.
- › Excavate by hand to a minimum depth of 500 mm at every post position before using mechanical post drivers or augers to confirm absence of services.
- › Implement a site permit-to-dig system; define exclusion distances from known services and ensure a competent person approves each post position before ground work begins.
- › Use insulated hand tools when excavating near electrical services; ensure at least one operative is trained in electrical emergency procedures.
Slips, trips and falls on site — uneven and cluttered ground
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Keep installation area clear of off-cuts, bolt bags and packaging; designate a waste area away from the work face and clear it at least twice daily.
- › Mark and barricade open post sockets, drainage channels and ground level changes with high-visibility barriers before the work area is left unattended.
- › All operatives to wear EN ISO 20345 S3 safety boots with slip-resistant soles appropriate to site ground conditions.
Noise and vibration from post-driving equipment
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where technically feasible, specify hydraulic or vibration-damped post drivers with lower HAV emission values in preference to high-impact percussion drivers.
- › Calculate daily HAV exposure using manufacturer vibration data; implement job rotation so no individual exceeds the Exposure Action Value (2.5 m/s²) without further controls in place.
- › Provide EN ISO 10819 anti-vibration gloves for HAV risk operations and EN 352 hearing protection (minimum SNR 25 dB) when noise exposure approaches or exceeds 80 dB(A).
Public and vehicle interface at perimeter fence line
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Erect hoarding, Heras fencing or barrier tape minimum 2 m from the active work zone to prevent public access; use signage to redirect pedestrians and cyclists.
- › Prepare and implement a site-specific traffic management plan covering delivery access, plant movement routes and banksman use whenever reversing plant operates near site boundaries or public roads.
- › All operatives to wear EN ISO 20471 Class 2 (minimum) high-visibility vest or jacket at all times, ensuring visibility to vehicle operators.
Concrete and grout COSHH exposure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Specify pre-bagged or ready-mixed concrete to reduce dry cement dust exposure at point of use compared with site mixing from bulk cement.
- › Complete a COSHH assessment for all substances used including cement, concrete admixtures and chemical anchor resins; communicate findings and safe handling requirements to operatives.
- › Provide nitrile or heavy-duty rubber gloves for wet cement work and chemical resistant gloves for resin use; provide FFP2 dust mask when dry cement dust cannot be avoided.
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
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
- ✓ RPE per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
Competence
- ✓ NRSWA operative accreditation for any work in or on the highway; CAT & Genny competence for buried-service detection (HSG47)
- ✓ 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
- › Welfare units and signage
- › Barriers, cones and pedestrian segregation
- › First-aid kits and eye-wash
- › Spill kits
- › Communication (radios / lone-worker device)
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ Welfare provision matching CDM 2015 Schedule 2
- ✓ Traffic management and pedestrian routes
- ✓ Lone-working check-in arrangements where relevant
- ✓ 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 palisade & security fencing 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 palisade & security fencing, 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 palisade & security fencing?
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Work at Height Regulations 2005, PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations are the main ones, alongside HSE HSG47 — Avoiding danger from underground services, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). 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.