If you run an exterior cleaning business in the UK — whether that is pressure washing, softwashing, roof cleaning, or gutter clearance — you will almost certainly have heard the term RAMS. But what exactly does it mean, and why does it matter so much to your business?
What Does RAMS Stand For?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is a combined document that outlines two things:
A Risk Assessment — identifying the hazards on a job, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and documenting the control measures you will put in place to reduce risk.
A Method Statement — a step-by-step description of how the work will be carried out safely, including the equipment to be used, the sequence of tasks, and the responsibilities of each person on site.
Together, these two documents form a single RAMS pack that demonstrates to clients, principal contractors, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that you have thought carefully about the risks involved in your work and have a clear, safe plan for carrying it out.
Why Are RAMS Required in Exterior Cleaning?
Exterior cleaning involves a range of significant hazards — working at height, handling hazardous chemicals, operating high-pressure equipment, and working in public spaces. These risks make RAMS not just good practice, but a legal requirement under several pieces of UK legislation:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 — places a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others affected by their work.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 — specifically requires employers and self-employed persons to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments.
- Work at Height Regulations 2005 — requires a risk assessment and method statement for any work carried out at height, including ladder work and roof access.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 — requires assessment of any hazardous substances used in the course of work, including cleaning chemicals and biocides.
What Should a RAMS Document Include?
A compliant RAMS document for an exterior cleaning job should typically cover the following sections:
Scope of Works
A clear description of the job — what surfaces are being cleaned, the location, and the methods to be used.
Hazard Identification
A list of all foreseeable hazards associated with the work, from chemical exposure to working at height.
Risk Scoring
Each hazard is scored for likelihood and severity to produce a risk rating, both before and after control measures.
Control Measures
The steps you will take to reduce each risk to an acceptable level — PPE, barriers, safe systems of work.
Method Statement
A step-by-step sequence of how the work will be carried out, including equipment, chemicals, and team responsibilities.
PPE Requirements
The specific personal protective equipment required for the job, matched to the hazards identified.
COSHH Data
Safety data for any hazardous substances used, including first aid measures and disposal procedures.
Emergency Procedures
What to do in the event of an accident, chemical spill, or other emergency on site.
Who Needs to See Your RAMS?
In practice, your RAMS will be requested by a range of parties before work can begin:
- Principal contractors on construction or refurbishment sites
- Facilities managers at commercial properties
- Local authorities and housing associations
- Insurance companies in the event of a claim
- The HSE in the event of an inspection or incident investigation
Increasingly, even domestic clients are requesting RAMS before allowing contractors to work on their properties — particularly for roof cleaning, softwashing, and any work involving chemicals or height.
How RAMS Creator Simplifies the Process
Producing a compliant RAMS document from scratch can take hours — especially if you are not familiar with the legal requirements. RAMS Creator was built specifically for exterior cleaning contractors to solve this problem.
The app guides you through a structured 9-step process, prompting you to enter the relevant information for each section of your RAMS. It includes pre-built hazard libraries relevant to exterior cleaning, COSHH data for common cleaning chemicals, and hazard pictograms — all of which are automatically compiled into a professional, branded PDF ready to share with clients.
For contractors working across multiple industries — from window cleaning to commercial facade maintenance — having a reliable, consistent process for producing RAMS is essential. It protects your workers, satisfies your legal obligations, and demonstrates professionalism to every client you work with.
Key Takeaway
RAMS are not just paperwork — they are a legal requirement and a practical tool for keeping your team safe. Every exterior cleaning contractor, regardless of size, should be producing a RAMS document for every job they undertake.
