When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and glazing teams carrying out window 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 fit-out & interiors 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 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
Remove and install windows including manual handling of glazed units at height.
Sequence of works
- 1PLANNING & SITE SETUP: Review drawings and survey the installation location. Identify overhead services, confirm unit weights and dimensions, complete a manual handling assessment, and obtain a lead paint survey result for pre-1980 buildings. Establish and barrier off the exclusion zone around the work area.
- 2ACCESS EQUIPMENT: Erect the chosen access platform (scaffold, tower, MEWP) under the supervision of a competent person. Complete a documented pre-use inspection. Brief all operatives on the access equipment, safe working load and emergency descent procedures.
- 3REMOVAL OF EXISTING WINDOW: Using appropriate dust extraction and RPE, carefully cut sealants and fixings securing the existing frame. Remove glazing beads and glazed units first using suction pads. Two operatives to handle glazed units at all times. Temporarily board the opening immediately after unit removal.
- 4FRAME REMOVAL AND OPENING PREPARATION: Remove the existing frame using hand tools or low-vibration power tools with dust extraction. Clean and prepare the opening, check for level/plumb/square. Inspect reveal for defects and treat any damp. Confirm opening dimensions match new frame.
- 5NEW FRAME INSTALLATION: Position and fix the new window frame into the prepared opening using appropriate fixings and packers. Check frame is level, plumb and square throughout. Ensure a banksman controls the exclusion zone during any lifting of frames at height.
- 6GLAZED UNIT INSTALLATION: Transfer glazed units to the point of installation using mechanical handling aids (glazing trolley, vacuum lifter) wherever possible. At height, position units using suction pads with two operatives as a minimum. Fit glazing packers, insert units and secure with glazing beads.
- 7SEALING AND FINISHING: Apply appropriate sealant / mastic to internal and external perimeters. Remove protective film from units. Inspect the completed installation for glazing defects, damage, level and operation of opening lights.
- 8CLEAN-UP AND WASTE DISPOSAL: Collect all glass offcuts and packaging progressively. Place broken glass in a designated labelled container. Clear all waste from the working area. Remove temporary boarding from any previously protected openings.
- 9FINAL CHECKS AND HANDOVER: Carry out a final check of the installation against specification, confirm all fixings are secure, sealant is complete and opening vents operate correctly. Remove access equipment and barriers. Brief the client or occupant on any curing or restriction period for sealants.
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
- › Redesign installation sequence or use extended fixing tools to reduce the need to work at height where practicable.
- › Use a suitable working platform such as independent scaffold, mobile elevated work platform (MEWP), or proprietary tower scaffold with guardrails, mid-rails and toe-boards before work begins at height.
- › All access equipment must be erected or inspected by a competent person. A documented pre-use check must be completed each shift. Operatives must be trained in safe use of the specific equipment.
- › Where collective protection is not reasonably practicable (e.g. MEWP basket work), a full body harness with short lanyard attached to a rated anchor point must be worn.
Dropped glazed unit or tool from height
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Establish and barrier off a sufficient exclusion zone directly beneath and around the work area. Use physical barriers (Heras fencing or barriers) and signage. A banksman must monitor the exclusion zone whilst glazed units are being handled at height.
- › All hand tools must be secured with wrist lanyards or stored in tool bags when working at height. Fixings must be stored in pouches and not left loose on platforms.
- › All persons within the work area and exclusion zone vicinity must wear a hard hat to EN 397.
Manual handling injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Plan strip-out sequence to minimise carry distances and drops. Use team lifts (two or more persons) for large or heavy items. Break down materials into manageable loads before bagging.
- › Use sack trucks, pallet trucks, or mini-hoists to move bulk bags and materials to the work area rather than manual carrying.
- › Wear EN 388 rated cut-resistant gloves when manually handling glass panes and window frames to prevent lacerations.
Laceration from glass breakage
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Always carry glazed units on edge using purpose-made suction pads or glazing handles. Never carry panes flat. Inspect units for pre-existing cracks before installation.
- › Broken glass must be collected using a brush and pan — never bare hands — wrapped in cardboard or similar, labelled and disposed of in a designated glass waste container.
- › Wear EN 388 cut-resistant gloves and EN 166 safety glasses or face shield when handling or cutting glass.
Contact with overhead services
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Before erecting access equipment, identify all overhead power lines using site drawings and visual survey. Request diversion or de-energisation of lines from the DNO where they are within the work zone.
- › Where overhead lines cannot be diverted, erect physical goal-post barriers and marker bunting to prevent access equipment, materials or operatives from approaching within safe clearance distances.
- › Conduct a specific site induction and toolbox talk covering the location of identified overhead services and safe approach distances before work commences.
Slips, trips and falls at ground level
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Maintain a clear working area throughout the task. Remove packaging, off-cuts and waste to a designated skip or waste area progressively. Do not allow debris to accumulate.
- › Erect physical barriers or hoarding to prevent members of the public from entering the working area and encountering trip hazards or falling materials.
- › All operatives to wear steel toe-capped, penetration-resistant safety boots to EN ISO 20345 S1P or higher.
Public harm from works
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Physically segregate the work area from occupied parts of the building and public footpaths using hoarding, barriers or temporary fencing with signage. Maintain at all times during works.
- › When a window opening is left unglazed (e.g. overnight or during removal phase), fit temporary boarding or polythene sheeting to the opening to prevent access, weather ingress and cold exposure to occupants.
- › Inform building occupants and neighbours of the work programme, expected noise, dust and temporary disruption in advance. Confirm emergency access routes remain clear at all times.
Noise and vibration from power tools
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where possible, use battery-powered or brushless tools with lower vibration ratings instead of percussive tools. Select the correct bit/blade to minimise working time.
- › Assess daily HAV exposure against the Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² A(8). Use job rotation to restrict individual exposure time and record daily exposure points.
- › 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.
Dust exposure during frame removal
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Attach H-class or M-class dust extraction to all cutting and grinding tools. Use wet methods where practicable to suppress dust at source.
- › On properties built before 1980, commission a lead paint survey before frame removal. If lead paint is confirmed, implement a specific lead paint removal method statement and notify the relevant parties.
- › Wear a correctly face-fit tested FFP3 disposable mask or half-mask with P3 filter during dusty operations. FFP2 is the minimum for general masonry dust where silica is not confirmed.
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
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
- ✓ RPE (FFP3 or as risk-assessed) with face-fit
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
- › Track/stud and board-lifting aids
- › Cutting station with on-tool (M-class) extraction
- › Laser level and access podiums
- › Glass suckers / manual-handling aids
- › Dust sheeting and segregation screens
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ Dust control (on-tool extraction) for cutting board and tiles
- ✓ Manual-handling controls for boards, glass and units
- ✓ Coordination with M&E and other trades sharing the area
- ✓ 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 window 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 window 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 window installation?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the main ones, alongside Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). 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.