When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and rope access teams carrying out rope access 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 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
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Scope of works
Facade cleaning by rope access with chemical and dropped-object risk.
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Sequence of works
- 1PRE-TASK PLANNING: Conduct site-specific risk assessment and prepare written RAMS covering rope access configuration, anchor points, rescue plan, COSHH assessments for all chemicals, exclusion zones, and weather criteria. Confirm all personnel hold valid IRATA (or equivalent) competency certificates.
- 2SITE SET-UP — GROUND LEVEL: Erect physical exclusion barriers and signage beneath and around the working facade. Brief the dedicated ground banksman on their duties, emergency procedures, and communication protocols. Confirm emergency services contact details are available.
- 3ANCHOR POINT AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTION: The rope access supervisor inspects all anchor points against certification records. Each operative carries out a thorough pre-use inspection of all personal rope access equipment (ropes, harnesses, connectors, descenders, fall-arrest devices) and signs the inspection record. Defective items are withdrawn.
- 4WEATHER CHECK: Use the on-site anemometer to record wind speed at roof level. Confirm conditions are within the written suspension criteria. Brief the team on the process for suspending work if conditions deteriorate during the shift.
- 5RIGGING AND ROPE INSTALLATION: Rig the independent working line and safety line to separate, certified anchor points for each operative position. Route ropes to avoid sharp edges (use edge protectors/rollers). Confirm rigging configuration is checked by the supervisor before any operative descends.
- 6CHEMICAL PREPARATION AND TOOL MANAGEMENT: Prepare pre-diluted cleaning solutions in sealed, labelled drip-proof containers of minimum required volume. Attach all tools and containers to lanyards. Don full PPE including chemical-resistant gloves and eye/face protection before handling chemicals. Confirm personal eye-wash bottle is accessible on harness.
- 7FACADE CLEANING OPERATIONS: Descend in controlled manner on working line with backup fall-arrest device engaged. Apply cleaning agent using controlled low-pressure technique, working in sections. Maintain regular radio check-ins with ground supervisor. Monitor wind and runoff conditions continuously. Suspend chemical application if wind exceeds limits or public approach the zone.
- 8PROGRESSIVE INSPECTION DURING WORK: Ground banksman continuously monitors the exclusion zone and operative positions. Rope access supervisor periodically reviews rigging and operative welfare. Check for any facade debris dislodged that may become a dropped object. Operatives must not exceed planned shift duration without briefed rest and hydration breaks.
- 9ASCENT AND EQUIPMENT RETRIEVAL: On completion of each section, ascend on working line, retrieve and bag all tools and equipment using controlled rope management. Avoid loose items on roof. Lower or hoist equipment bags to ground — do not throw or drop.
- 10CLOSE-OUT AND DECONTAMINATION: Once all operatives are at ground level, de-rig anchor systems and remove ropes. Remove PPE in correct doffing order to avoid self-contamination. Dispose of chemical waste and runoff in accordance with COSHH assessment and environmental requirements. Complete post-task inspection records and incident/near-miss reporting if applicable.
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Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Fall from height
Initial20→Residual10
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › All anchor points (natural, built-in, or temporary) must be inspected and confirmed adequate by a competent person (minimum IRATA Level 2 or structural engineer where required) before use. Minimum anchor strength of 12 kN per rope as per IRATA standards.
- › All ropes, connectors, descenders, ascenders, harnesses, and anchors must be visually and tactile inspected by the user before each use and formally inspected by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 6 months.
- › Two independent rope systems must be used at all times: a working line and a separately anchored safety (backup) line with a fall-arrest device (e.g. ASAP or similar). Neither rope should share the same anchor point.
- › All rope access personnel must hold a current IRATA (or equivalent recognised scheme) competency certificate appropriate to their level. Supervision ratios must comply with the scheme requirements.
Dropped object
Initial20→Residual10
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › A clearly defined and physically secured exclusion zone must be established beneath and around the working area. Barriers, hoardings, or scaffold fans should prevent public and unauthorised personnel from entering the drop zone.
- › All tools and equipment used at height must be secured to the operative or their rigging via tool lanyards rated for the item's weight. Tool bags must be closed when not in use.
- › A dedicated ground operative must manage the exclusion zone, communicate with rope access workers, and prevent encroachment by the public or site workers throughout the operation.
- › Where the exclusion zone cannot fully protect the public (e.g. narrow pavements), debris netting or scaffold catch fans must be installed to intercept falling objects.
Chemical exposure — cleaning agents
Initial12→Residual4
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Operatives must wear nitrile or neoprene gloves (EN 374), chemical splash goggles (EN 166) and, for volatile chemicals, a half-face respirator with appropriate filter cartridge (EN 140).
- › Where technically feasible, replace hazardous chemical products (e.g. strong acids or solvents) with pH-neutral or lower-hazard equivalents. Review Safety Data Sheets of alternatives before selection.
- › A written COSHH assessment must be completed for every chemical used, referencing the Safety Data Sheet. Exposure scenarios, WELs, and emergency measures must be communicated to all operatives before use.
- › Only the minimum quantity of chemical required for the task should be taken to height. Pre-diluted solutions in sealed, labelled, drip-proof containers must be used to reduce spill risk.
Chemical splash to eyes or skin
Initial12→Residual4
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Chemical application must be suspended when wind speeds exceed the threshold specified in the COSHH assessment or product instructions (typically >5 m/s on facades). An anemometer must be used to monitor conditions.
- › Each operative must carry a personal sterile eye-wash bottle (minimum 250 ml) on their harness accessible without assistance for immediate first-aid flushing until they can be lowered to ground-level facilities.
- › Full splash goggles or a full-face visor compliant with EN 166 must be worn when applying or handling cleaning chemicals on facade surfaces.
Chemical contamination of public
Initial12→Residual4
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › The ground exclusion zone must be extended downwind during chemical application to prevent public exposure to spray or runoff. Signage must clearly warn of chemical use.
- › Drainage channels, collection trays, or temporary bunding must be deployed at ground level to capture chemical runoff and prevent it entering public drains or watercourses. Disposal must comply with environmental legislation.
- › Low-pressure application equipment and controlled nozzle selection should be used to minimise drift and overspray. High-pressure spraying of chemicals on public facades should be avoided where practical.
Adverse weather — wind and wet conditions
Initial12→Residual4
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Written site rules must specify maximum permitted wind speeds and conditions for rope access work (typically Beaufort Force 5 / >8 m/s as a starting threshold, confirmed by competent person review). Work must be suspended when limits are exceeded.
- › A calibrated anemometer must be available and used to obtain actual wind speed readings at roof level before and during rope access operations.
- › Operatives must wear footwear with appropriate grip for wet/smooth facade surfaces. Rope techniques (e.g. deviation anchors) should be used to control swing on wide facades.
Suspension trauma (orthostatic shock)
Initial12→Residual4
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › A written rescue plan specific to the site and configuration must be prepared before work commences. At least one IRATA-qualified rescuer capable of reaching and recovering a suspended operative must be present on site during all rope access operations.
- › Each operative should carry short foot-loop straps (etriers) that can be deployed while suspended to stand up and reduce venous pooling pending rescue.
- › A buddy system with regular radio check-ins must be maintained so that an incapacitated operative is detected rapidly. Maximum check-in interval must be defined in the rescue plan.
- › Where rope access involves unusual hazard levels or complex rescue scenarios, the nearest emergency services should be informed of the work activity to reduce response time if needed.
Manual handling — equipment at height
Initial6→Residual3
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where practical, equipment should be pre-packed in rigging bags and hoisted to the work level mechanically (rope and pulley or materials hoist) rather than hand-carried up ladders or stairs.
- › Maximum individual load limits must be defined in the RAMS. Chemical containers taken aloft must be the smallest practical size to reduce weight carried.
- › Items exceeding individual load limits at ground level must be team-lifted using correct technique. Operatives must receive manual handling training appropriate to rope access contexts.
Slips, trips and falls — access and egress routes
Initial6→Residual3
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Safe routes to anchor points must be designated, clearly marked, kept clear of obstructions, and inspected at the start of each shift. Edge protection or collective fall prevention must be in place on all exposed roof edges on the access route.
- › Operatives must wear safety footwear with anti-slip soles rated for the roof surface type. Footwear condition must be checked as part of the pre-use inspection.
- › Ropes must be managed and coiled when not in use to prevent trip hazards on roof areas. Chemical containers and equipment must be secured when not in immediate use.
4
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 per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
5
Competence
- ✓ IRATA-certified rope-access technicians at the correct level, with an IRATA Level 3 supervisor on site
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
6
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
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Permits & legislation
Work at Height Regulations 2005Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3COSHH 2002, reg 7 — prevention or control of exposureControl of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment
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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.
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Frequently asked questions
Who should write a rope access 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 rope access 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 rope access cleaning?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3, COSHH 2002, reg 7 — prevention or control of exposure are the main ones, alongside Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment. 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.
This is a draft, not a finished RAMS. The content above is a starting point generated from recognised hazards and controls for this task. A competent person must review it and confirm it is suitable and sufficient for the specific site before use. It is not legal advice or a guarantee of acceptance.