When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and electrical teams carrying out solar pv 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 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 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 roof/ground-mounted PV arrays and DC/AC connections.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-work planning: complete a site-specific risk assessment and method statement; carry out a roof condition survey to identify fragile surfaces, rooflights and structural adequacy; confirm weather forecast and set stop-work triggers.
- 2Erect collective edge protection (scaffold or proprietary edge guard system) and provide a safe means of access to the roof before any operative works at height.
- 3Establish and mark a ground-level exclusion zone beneath the working area; brief all site personnel including any public interface controls.
- 4Transport mounting rails, fixings and panels to roof level using mechanical lifting aids (hoist, conveyor or MEWP); do not carry panels up ladders manually.
- 5Fix mounting rails and support structure to the roof in accordance with the structural engineer's specification and manufacturer's installation guide; verify torque values on all roof penetrations and fixings.
- 6Install PV panels onto mounting rails using two-person team lifts; secure all panel-frame clips before moving to the next row; immediately manage and route DC cables into appropriate conduit or cable tray.
- 7Cover all panels with opaque sheeting prior to DC wiring; install and torque all MC4 connectors using the correct manufacturer-specified crimping tool; test conductor continuity and insulation resistance before removing covers.
- 8Install DC isolators, string fusing and inverter in accordance with the system design; carry out dead AC isolation and lock-off of supply before making any inverter AC output or grid-connection terminations.
- 9Commission the system: prove AC isolation with a GS38-compliant voltage indicator immediately before energisation; confirm all protection settings, carry out functional test of all isolators and verify system output with the inverter display.
- 10Clear all tools, materials and waste from the roof; remove exclusion zone once roof is clear; complete installation records, test certificates and handover documentation to the client.
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
- › Install guardrails, toe boards and mid-rails at all open edges before operatives begin work at height; remove only when the works are complete.
- › Assess whether any pre-assembly or prefabrication can be completed at ground level to reduce time at height.
- › Provide a suitable fixed or tower scaffold stairway or ladder system for roof access; inspect and tag before use.
- › Where collective protection is not reasonably practicable, operatives must wear a full-body harness connected to a suitably rated anchor point or horizontal lifeline.
Fragile roof surface
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › A competent person must survey the roof before work commences to identify and mark all fragile areas and rooflights.
- › Provide and use crawl boards or proprietary roof ladders to distribute load across structural members when traversing the roof.
- › Cover or physically barrier all identified fragile surfaces (e.g., rooflights) with rigid covers or prominent warning notices before access.
DC electric shock from live PV array
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where operatively practicable, perform final DC cable connections and terminations in low-light conditions or cover panels with opaque sheeting to minimise generated voltage.
- › Use only Category III or Category IV rated insulated hand tools and insulated cable connectors rated for the system DC voltage when making or breaking DC connections.
- › Implement a documented safe isolation and permit-to-work procedure. Only competent electricians authorised under the permit may make live DC connections. Confirm isolation with an approved voltage indicator.
- › Operatives making DC connections must wear voltage-rated insulating gloves (minimum Class 0, 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC rated) and arc-flash-rated face shields.
AC electric shock from grid connection
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Isolate and lock off the incoming supply at the consumer unit or distribution board before making any AC connections. Use lock-off devices and fit 'Do Not Switch On' warning notices.
- › All AC grid-connection work must be carried out by a suitably qualified and registered electrician (e.g., MCS-registered and Part P competent).
- › Use a GS38-compliant voltage indicator to prove isolation before any AC connections are made. Test-before-touch procedure must be followed.
Manual handling of PV panels and equipment
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use a roof-mounted conveyor, gin wheel, MEWP or roof hoist to transport panels and heavy equipment to roof level, eliminating manual carrying up ladders.
- › Conduct a suitable and sufficient manual handling risk assessment. Panels must be two-person lifted at all times. Operatives must be briefed on correct technique and have a clear, unobstructed route.
- › Wear cut-resistant gloves (EN 388) when handling panel frames and rails to prevent lacerations from sharp aluminium edges.
Slips and trips on roof surface
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Maintain a tidy working area; immediately remove packaging, off-cuts and cable drums from the roof surface. Use cable management routes to prevent trailing cables.
- › All operatives working on roofs must wear safety footwear with high-grip, slip-resistant soles appropriate for roof surfaces (e.g., rubber-soled boots).
Electrical fire from PV system fault
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Ensure all DC string fusing, DC isolators and surge protection devices are correctly sized and installed per the system design and manufacturer's specification.
- › All MC4 or compatible DC connectors must be installed with the correct crimping tool and checked for continuity and insulation resistance before energisation.
- › Provide a CO2 fire extinguisher at inverter/plant room level and a second unit accessible at roof level or adjacent to the access point.
Adverse weather at height
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Monitor weather forecasts daily. Establish documented wind-speed stop-work criteria (typically >25 mph for roof work) and suspend all roof activities in rain, ice, lightning risk, or when conditions impair safe working.
- › Where programme requires work in changeable conditions, erect scaffolding fans or temporary weather protection sheeting over the working area to maintain a safe working environment.
Dropped objects striking persons below
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Establish and maintain a clearly signed and physically barriered exclusion zone at ground level beneath all roof work. Zone must extend beyond the potential drop zone.
- › All hand tools used at roof level must be attached to operatives or the structure via rated tool lanyards. Store loose fixings in closed pouches or buckets.
- › Any person required to enter or pass through the vicinity of overhead work must wear a safety helmet.
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
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 solar pv 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 solar pv 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 solar pv installation?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 are the main ones, alongside Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3. 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.