When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and carpentry teams carrying out second-fix carpentry — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised trades & finishing 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
Second-fix carpentry — doors, skirting, architrave and ironmongery.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-task planning: Review drawings and door schedules. Complete RAMS including manual handling and COSHH assessments. Confirm services survey has been completed and safe fixing zones are identified before work begins.
- 2Site preparation: Clear and clean the work area of debris from previous trades. Establish a dedicated cutting zone with dust extraction and ventilation. Set up tool storage and waste receptacles for off-cuts.
- 3Materials handling: Deliver door sets and timber as close to point of installation as possible using sack trucks or mechanical aids. Inspect all components for damage and confirm correct specification (fire rating, dimensions, ironmongery schedule).
- 4Door lining/frame installation: Scan walls and floors with a cable/pipe detector before fixing. Fix door linings plumb and square using appropriate fixings within identified safe zones. Check clearances for door leaf.
- 5Door hanging: Using a door-lifting lever and two operatives where required, hang the door leaf. Fit hinges using power screwdrivers with guards in place and blades/bits secured. Check door operation before fitting furniture.
- 6Ironmongery fitting: Fit locks, latches, handles and door closers following manufacturer instructions. Use clamps to secure workpiece when chiselling hinge/lock recesses. Verify fire door compliance (intumescent strips, correct closer action) where applicable.
- 7Skirting and architrave cutting: Cut all timber in the designated cutting zone with LEV (on-tool extraction) connected and operational. Wear FFP2/FFP3 mask and eye protection during all cutting and sanding.
- 8Skirting and architrave fixing: Fix lengths in place using nail gun or adhesive. When using adhesive, ensure ventilation is active and appropriate gloves and eye protection are worn. Use platform steps or podium step for high-level fixing — do not overreach.
- 9Cleaning and inspection: Remove all off-cuts, packaging and dust from the work area. Inspect finished installation against specification and snag list. Dispose of chemical waste (adhesive containers, rags) in accordance with site waste management plan.
- 10End-of-shift checks: Isolate and store all power tools securely. Ensure dust extraction units are emptied per manufacturer guidance. Report any near-misses, damage to services or defective equipment to the site supervisor before leaving site.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Manual handling injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Ensure all operatives have received manual handling training covering safe lifting technique, load assessment, and recognition of when mechanical aids must be used.
- › Pre-plan deliveries so door sets are delivered as close as possible to the point of installation, minimising carrying distances.
- › Use door-lifting levers, sack trucks or panel carriers for heavy door sets and sheet materials to reduce manual effort.
- › Implement a two-person lift for door sets and items over 25 kg. Brief operatives on safe lifting posture, grip and communication before lifting.
Wood dust inhalation
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Connect all saws, routers and sanders to an H-class or M-class vacuum extractor rated for wood dust. Use extraction hoods and shrouds at the point of generation.
- › Where practicable, cut skirting, architrave and door components to length off site or in a dedicated well-ventilated cutting area to eliminate dust at the point of installation.
- › Ensure the work area is well ventilated. Open windows and doors and use forced-air ventilation where natural ventilation is insufficient.
- › Provide and wear a minimum FFP2 (FFP3 for hardwood) disposable mask or half-face respirator when dust extraction does not adequately control exposure.
Hand-arm vibration (power tools)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Specify and procure power tools with low vibration emission values. Use tool manufacturer vibration data to compare options.
- › Rotate operatives between vibrating and non-vibrating tasks to keep daily vibration exposure below the EAV (2.5 m/s²). Maintain exposure records.
- › Provide anti-vibration gloves to operatives where residual vibration exposure cannot be adequately controlled by other means.
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).
- › Where practicable, use hand tools or battery-powered tools selected for lower noise output instead of mains-powered equivalents.
- › Erect barriers and warning notices to exclude non-essential workers from the immediate work area during high-noise activities such as nail-gun fixing or sawing.
Laceration from hand and power tools
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Secure workpieces in a vice or with clamps before cutting or chiselling to free both hands and prevent slipping.
- › Ensure all circular saws are fitted with functioning blade guards, riving knives and anti-kickback pawls. Inspect before each use.
- › Ensure operatives are trained and competent in the safe use of each power tool. Establish a safe system of work including pre-use checks and blade-change procedures.
- › Wear cut-resistant gloves (minimum EN388 Level C blade cut) for hand-tool operations and material handling with sharp edges.
Slips, trips and falls on same level
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Maintain a clear work area throughout the task. Remove off-cuts, packaging and debris regularly into designated waste receptacles. Do not allow build-up of sawdust on walkways.
- › Route extension leads and airline hoses overhead or use cable protectors to keep walkways clear and prevent trip hazards.
- › Wear safety boots with slip-resistant soles and toe protection on site at all times.
Working at height — steps and ladders
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Use long-reach fixing tools or adjust working methods so that tasks can be completed from ground level where practicable.
- › Use a platform step ladder or podium step (preferred over a leaning ladder) to provide a stable working platform with a hand rail where tasks require both hands to be free.
- › Inspect stepladders and podium steps before each use. Check for damage, stability and that all locking devices are engaged. Do not use defective equipment.
Contact with concealed services
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Inspect the ceiling void before removal using a torch or inspection camera to identify and mark the location of all cables and pipework. Agree a safe sequence that avoids or carefully manages each service.
- › Restrict fixing positions to recognised 'safe zones' (e.g. within 150 mm of corners or room edges, within defined cable routes) in accordance with site drawings and IET guidance.
- › Use insulated-handle screwdrivers and ensure all mains-powered tools are protected by a 30 mA RCD at point of supply.
COSHH — adhesives, solvents and wood treatments
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Specify water-based or low-VOC adhesives, finishes and treatments in preference to solvent-based products where performance requirements allow.
- › Obtain and review Safety Data Sheets for all products. Complete a COSHH assessment identifying exposure routes and required controls before use.
- › Ensure adequate ventilation when applying adhesives, stains or finishes. Open windows, doors and use forced ventilation where natural airflow is insufficient.
- › Wear nitrile or neoprene gloves and safety glasses when handling or applying adhesives, solvents or wood treatments.
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 (FFP3 or as risk-assessed) with face-fit
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
- ✓ Insulated gloves where live work is unavoidable
- ✓ RPE per the COSHH assessment
- ✓ Chemical-resistant gloves
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
- › Hand and power tools appropriate to the trade
- › 110V or battery power supplies
- › Dust extraction for cutting and sanding
- › Mixing equipment with splash protection
- › Access steps or podiums
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ Dust controls for cutting and sanding
- ✓ Coordination with other trades in the same area
- ✓ COSHH for adhesives, paints and solvents
- ✓ 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 second-fix carpentry 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 second-fix carpentry, 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 second-fix carpentry?
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are the main ones, alongside PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, Work at Height Regulations 2005, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. 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.