When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and carpentry teams carrying out staircase 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 trades & finishing hazards for this task, with the controls a reviewer expects to see.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 8 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 9-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 timber staircases with work-at-height and manual-handling risk.
Sequence of works
- 1SURVEY AND PLANNING: Before delivery, survey the stairwell opening, verify dimensions match the manufactured staircase, confirm structural support positions, and produce a written lift and installation sequence identifying all height and handling risks.
- 2SITE PREPARATION: Clear and broom-sweep the stairwell and adjacent floor areas. Install temporary edge protection (guardrails and toe boards) around all open stairwell edges and upper-floor openings. Erect exclusion zone barriers at the base of the stairwell.
- 3COMPONENT STAGING: Offload and stage staircase components (strings, treads, risers, newel posts, handrails) in the designated material storage area using mechanical aids or team lifts as required. Carry out pre-use inspection of all power tools.
- 4LOWER NEWEL POST AND STRING INSTALLATION: Fix bottom newel post and wall string to the lower floor structure in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Confirm plumb and alignment before proceeding. Attach tool lanyards to all tools used above ground-floor level.
- 5TREAD AND RISER INSTALLATION: Install risers and treads sequentially from bottom to top of flight. Immediately fit temporary non-slip protection to each tread as it is installed before stepping on it. Extract dust using on-tool LEV when trimming components.
- 6UPPER NEWEL POST AND LANDING HANDRAIL: Install upper newel post from a stable working platform (proprietary stair access unit or tower scaffold). Fix handrail and balusters to manufacturer's specification, ensuring guarding is continuous before removing any temporary edge protection at the upper level.
- 7PERMANENT GUARDING CHECK: Verify that completed balustrade and handrail assembly meets the design specification and is capable of withstanding required loading. Do not remove temporary collective edge protection until permanent guarding is confirmed as fully installed and structurally sound.
- 8FINAL FIT AND CHECKING: Complete all trim, nosing and finishing cuts with dust extraction in use. Check all fixings are secure. Inspect for protruding fixings or sharp edges. Clear all offcuts and debris from stairwell area.
- 9HANDOVER AND PROTECTION: Fit permanent tread protection boards or carpet protection. Remove all temporary barriers, signage and access equipment. Confirm staircase is safe for use by other trades and record completion in the site diary.
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
- › Install temporary edge protection (double guardrail and toe board or proprietary system) around all open stairwell edges before work begins. Remove only when permanent structure provides equivalent protection.
- › Use a proprietary temporary stair access unit or mobile access platform to provide safe working height when fitting upper-level components, rather than standing on unguarded strings.
- › Produce a short written sequence of operations confirming how each phase of installation is conducted safely. Inspect edge protection and temporary platforms before each shift.
- › Where residual fall risk cannot be fully controlled by collective measures, operatives must wear a correctly fitted safety harness attached to an anchor rated to EN 795, with fall distance calculated to prevent ground contact.
Fall through unprotected stairwell opening
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Where the staircase is not being actively installed, cover the stairwell void with load-rated, clearly marked boards fixed in place and capable of supporting 2 kN/m² minimum.
- › Erect physical barriers and 'Danger — Stairwell Opening' signage to prevent unauthorised access to the stairwell area during installation.
Manual handling injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Use sack trucks, pallet trucks, or mini-hoists to move bulk bags and materials to the work area rather than manual carrying.
- › Specify staircase delivered in manageable sub-assemblies (individual treads, strings, newel posts) rather than as one pre-assembled unit where site access or weight makes single-lift unsafe.
- › Conduct a manual handling risk assessment for each heavy component. Use minimum two-person team lifts with a nominated coordinator. Brief operatives on route, rest positions and communication signals.
- › Wear cut-resistant gloves to protect from splinters and sharp fixings, and steel-toecap/midsole boots to protect feet from dropped components.
Slips, trips and falls at same level
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Keep the work area tidy throughout the task. Route drain hoses directly to a suitable drain or bucket; secure cables and hoses against the wall or floor using clips or tape.
- › Once treads are installed, fix temporary non-slip protection boards to prevent slipping on smooth timber surfaces during ongoing fitting works.
Wood dust inhalation
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Where engineering controls cannot adequately suppress dust, wear a FFP3-rated disposable or half-mask respirator. RPE is the last line of defence and must be fit-tested.
- › Source staircases pre-cut to final dimensions by the manufacturer, eliminating or significantly reducing the need for on-site cutting and the associated dust generation.
- › All power saws, routers and sanders used on-site must be fitted with on-tool dust extraction connected to an H-class vacuum unit or dust suppression system achieving minimum 90% dust capture.
- › Complete a COSHH assessment for wood dust exposure. Ensure natural or forced ventilation in the work area. Limit duration of exposure for individuals. Post no-eating/drinking signs in dusty zones.
Struck by falling components
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Establish a clearly defined exclusion zone at the base of the stairwell and on lower floors beneath the installation area. Use physical barriers and operatives to prevent access during overhead work.
- › Attach all hand tools used at height to tool lanyards. Keep loose fixings in closed pouches or tool belts. Do not leave components resting unsecured on strings or treads.
- › All personnel in the stairwell area and on adjacent floors below the working level must wear a safety helmet throughout the installation phase.
Contact with power tools
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Inspect all power tools before use: check blade guards are functional, PAT test labels current, cables undamaged. Remove from service any defective tool and tag out of use.
- › Only operatives who have received training and/or hold relevant competency evidence (e.g. CSCS card) for the specific power tools used should operate them. Tool use must be supervised for less experienced workers.
- › Wear anti-vibration/cut-resistant gloves when handling blades and safety glasses or goggles rated to EN 166 during all cutting and nailing operations.
Noise and vibration from power tools
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Provide EN 352 rated ear defenders or plugs where noise exceeds 85 dB(A). Note: anti-vibration gloves have limited effectiveness for HAV reduction and must not substitute for exposure reduction.
- › Select power tools with manufacturer-declared lower vibration emissions where technically equivalent. Prefer battery-operated tools which typically have reduced vibration and noise compared to mains equivalents.
- › Calculate daily HAV and noise exposure using HSE ready-reckoner. Rotate operatives to keep individual exposure below the Exposure Action Value (2.5 m/s² for HAV; 80 dB(A) LEPd for noise). Record exposures.
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 (FFP3 or as risk-assessed) with face-fit
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
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 staircase 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 staircase 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 staircase 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 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. 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.