When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and scaffolding teams carrying out system scaffold (kwikstage/cuplok) — 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
Scope of works
Erect proprietary system scaffold to the design/TG20.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-start: Obtain and review the scaffold design drawing, TG20:21 compliance sheet or bespoke engineer's design. Confirm scaffold supervisor and erectors hold valid CISRS cards at the appropriate grade. Brief all operatives on the RAMS, erection sequence, exclusion zones and emergency procedures.
- 2Site set-up: Establish and mark out the exclusion zone beneath and around the planned scaffold footprint using barriers and signage. Confirm proximity to overhead power lines, buried services and traffic routes. Set up welfare, first aid and emergency rescue resources.
- 3Foundation preparation: Assess ground conditions. Install timber sole boards of adequate size and base plates to all standard locations. Check that the ground can support the calculated scaffold loading. Set out the base lift in accordance with the design/erection sequence.
- 4Erect base lift: Assemble the first lift of standards, ledgers and transoms to the Kwikstage/Cuplok manufacturer's coupling torque and engagement requirements. Fit diagonal bracing per the design. Lay decking boards to the base working platform, ensuring correct span, overhang and anti-slip integrity.
- 5Install ties at first available opportunity: Fix façade ties, reveal ties or anchor ties to the supporting structure in accordance with the design tie pattern before advancing the erection height. Verify tie load capacity with a competent person where required.
- 6Advance subsequent lifts using collective protection: Use an advance guardrail system (AGS) or equivalent leading-edge device before each new lift is erected. Where AGS cannot be used, implement fall arrest (harness and anchor) for the specific operation only, with a pre-planned rescue arrangement in place.
- 7Install access: Erect internal ladder access through trap doors at each lift level, or external stair tower per design. Ensure all trap doors are kept closed when not in use. Confirm ladder angles, security and effective handhold above the stepping-off point.
- 8Complete the scaffold: Fit all toeboards (minimum 150 mm), intermediate guardrails and top guardrails (minimum 950 mm height) to all open edges and working platforms in accordance with the design. Install debris netting, brick guards and any loading bay protection as required.
- 9Inspection and handover: The appointed competent person (scaffold supervisor or above) carries out a formal inspection of the completed scaffold against the design. Complete the scaffold tag/handover certificate (SG4:21 or equivalent). Display the scaffold inspection tag at the point of access indicating safe or unsafe status.
- 10Ongoing monitoring: Re-inspect the scaffold at intervals not exceeding seven days, following any event likely to have affected its integrity (e.g. storm, impact, alteration) and record results. Communicate inspection outcomes to the principal contractor. Ensure no unauthorised alterations are made.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Fall from height during erection/dismantling
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use an advance guardrail system or Cuplok/Kwikstage-compatible leading-edge protection device to provide collective fall protection one lift ahead of the working level before the scaffolder advances.
- › Follow a documented erection sequence from the scaffold designer or TG20:21 compliant tie and lift sequence to ensure structural stability at every stage before a scaffolder commits weight to the structure.
- › Where collective protection cannot be achieved during a specific erection step, scaffolders must wear a full-body harness with short energy-absorbing lanyard connected to a suitable anchor point. Rescue plan must be in place.
Falling objects striking workers below
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Establish and enforce a clearly demarcated exclusion zone beneath the scaffold erection area using barrier tape, hoarding or barriers. Zone size to account for potential trajectory of falling components.
- › Fit toeboards (minimum 150 mm) and debris netting or brick guards to prevent inadvertent displacement of components from working platforms.
- › Pass components hand-to-hand or use a gin wheel/materials hoist for raising components. Do not throw components up or down.
- › All persons within the scaffold erection area, including ground workers, must wear a safety helmet.
Scaffold collapse due to structural failure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Ensure the scaffold is either a TG20:21 compliant standard configuration or designed by a competent scaffold designer. Design documentation must be on site before erection commences.
- › A competent person (holding CISRS card at appropriate grade) must inspect the scaffold at each stage and complete a handover certificate (SG4 or equivalent) before the scaffold is used by others.
- › Fit base plates to all standards and use sole boards of adequate size to spread load on any soft or variable ground. Confirm ground bearing capacity before erection.
Manual handling of scaffold components
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use a forklift, pallet truck, scaffold hoist or crane to deliver bundles of components as close as possible to the point of use, minimising the distance workers must carry components manually.
- › For components exceeding individual safe limits, implement a two-person lift with a designated coordinator. Conduct manual handling risk assessment and provide instruction on safe lifting technique.
- › Provide ergonomic gloves to aid grip and reduce vibration exposure from handling metal components. Back support belts are not a primary control but may be used as supplementary measure where assessed.
Slips and trips on scaffold platforms
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use proprietary system scaffold decking boards with integral anti-slip surfaces. Ensure boards are fully lapped, correctly located in hook ends and free from damage.
- › Maintain a clean and tidy scaffold platform throughout the shift. Remove debris, packing, fixings and redundant materials promptly. Inspect platform at start of each shift.
- › All operatives must wear safety boots with steel toecap and midsole and with slip-resistant soles rated for construction use.
Contact with overhead services
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Before erection commences in the vicinity of OHPLs, engage the DNO/network operator to confirm whether lines can be de-energised, isolated or permanently diverted. This is the preferred control.
- › Where isolation is not possible, erect goal-post barriers with height-restriction bars at the safe approach distance (minimum distances per HSE guidance/GS6) to prevent any scaffold component entering the danger zone.
- › Implement a written permit to work for any scaffold operations near OHPLs. Appoint a supervisor to enforce exclusion from the danger zone throughout the operation.
Scaffold boarding platform instability
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Ensure all decking boards are within the maximum permitted span for their thickness and type (50 mm boards: max 1.5 m span; 38 mm boards: max 1.2 m span). Overhang must be between 50 mm and four times board thickness.
- › Follow Kwikstage/Cuplok manufacturer's guidance for transom centres to ensure adequate board support for the intended loading class. Do not exceed manufacturer's bay loading.
Adverse weather — wind loading and lightning
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Define a maximum working wind speed threshold in the RAMS (typically Beaufort Force 6 / 25 mph for erection). Stop scaffold erection and dismantling when forecast or actual conditions exceed the threshold.
- › Supervisor to check Met Office forecast daily. Include weather stop/resume criteria in toolbox talk. Provide a clearly communicated escalation process for stopping work.
Proximity to public and site traffic
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Erect solid hoarding or temporary works fence to separate the scaffold erection zone from public areas. Install a catch fan or loading bay protection where scaffold overhangs a footway.
- › Implement a documented traffic management plan including one-way systems, banksmen, speed limits and designated pedestrian routes approved by the principal contractor and, where required, the local authority.
- › All scaffold operatives working in areas with vehicle movements must wear high-visibility vests or jackets (minimum Class 2) at all times.
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
- ✓ CISRS-carded scaffolders and a competent scaffold supervisor
- ✓ 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
- › Scaffold / mobile tower / MEWP as selected
- › Podium steps or ladders for short-duration tasks
- › Tool lanyards and tethers
- › Edge protection components
- › Inspection tags
Permits & legislation
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who should write a system scaffold (kwikstage/cuplok) 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 system scaffold (kwikstage/cuplok), 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 system scaffold (kwikstage/cuplok)?
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 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, 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 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.