Mobile Tower Scaffold (PASMA) RAMS

Scope of works

This RAMS covers mobile tower scaffold carried out by access operatives on a UK construction or maintenance site. It sets out the method, the principal hazards and the control measures to be applied. Site-specific details (address, client, access, dates and supervisor) are completed for each job before the document is issued for principal-contractor review.

Sequence of works

1Confirm access equipment is the right type for the task and ground conditions
2Inspect platform/scaffold/MEWP and record pre-use checks
3Establish exclusion zone and edge protection before work begins
4Carry out the work, maintaining three points of contact / safe platform discipline
5Lower materials under control; clear and inspect the area on completion

Hazards, risk rating & controls

Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.

Fall from height (edge, opening or access equipment)

Initial20→Residual8

Who’s at risk: Operatives

› Avoid work at height where reasonably practicable; otherwise use a safe work platform
› Edge protection / guardrails to open edges and openings
› Access equipment inspected before use and at statutory intervals
› Collective protection prioritised over personal fall-arrest

Falling objects / tools striking persons below

Initial12→Residual4

Who’s at risk: Operatives, Public, Other trades

› Exclusion zone below the work; toe-boards and brick guards fitted
› Tools tethered; materials not stored at open edges
› Banksman/signage where the public could be affected

Manual handling of materials and equipment

Initial9→Residual3

Who’s at risk: Operatives

› Mechanical handling/aids used where reasonably practicable
› Loads assessed; team lifts for awkward or heavy items
› Operatives briefed on safe lifting technique

Slips, trips and falls on the level

Initial6→Residual2

Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades

› Work area kept clear; good housekeeping enforced
› Cables and hoses routed away from walkways
› Spillages cleaned immediately; adequate lighting maintained

PPE

✓ Hard hat
✓ Safety boots
✓ Hi-vis
✓ Gloves
✓ Fall-arrest harness where collective protection is not reasonably practicable

Competence

✓ Working at height awareness
✓ PASMA / IPAF / CISRS as appropriate to the equipment
✓ Harness and rescue training where fall-arrest is used

Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.

Permits & legislation

Permit to work where required by the principal contractor

Work at Height Regulations 2005CDM 2015PUWER 1998LOLER 1998 (for MEWPs)

This is a draft, not a finished RAMS. The content above is a starting point generated from recognised hazards and controls for this task. A competent person must review it and confirm it is suitable and sufficient for the specific site before use. It is not legal advice or a guarantee of acceptance.