RAMS for Locksmiths
Generate compliant risk assessments for commercial and residential lock and access work in under 2 minutes. Lone working, PUWER, manual handling, and COSHH controls cited automatically.
Built with UK health & safety regulations in mind
Locksmithing is a trade that most people associate with an emergency call-out rather than a major risk event. The reality is that locksmiths face a consistent set of occupational hazards: working alone in unfamiliar properties, using power tools and hand tools to defeat locking mechanisms, installing access control hardware, and working on commercial premises where they may be required to submit formal RAMS as a condition of access.
Commercial locksmith contracts are increasingly managed through facilities management companies and building managers who require risk assessments before any work is carried out. Security installations, master key system projects, and access control upgrades on large commercial sites are subject to CDM 2015 where they form part of a construction or major refurbishment project. Lone working controls, manual handling, PUWER compliance for power tools, and COSHH considerations for lubricants and chemical substances all apply to locksmith operations.
swiftRMS generates locksmith RAMS in under 2 minutes. Specify the task, the working environment, and any specific hazards. The output is a professional PDF that covers the real risk profile of locksmith work, with the relevant legislation cited correctly.
What Locksmiths RAMS Must Include
Compliant risk assessments for locksmiths work must cover these specific areas
Lone working controls
Most locksmith work is carried out by a single operative working alone in a residential or commercial property. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require that lone working risk is specifically assessed and controlled. RAMS must document check-in procedures, communication devices, and the response plan if contact is lost.
Power tool risk assessment under PUWER
Angle grinders, drills, reciprocating saws, and disc cutters used to defeat locking mechanisms are powerful tools that must be covered under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. RAMS must confirm tools are inspected before use, used by a competent person, and that appropriate PPE (eye protection, hearing protection) is specified.
Working in occupied premises
Locksmiths frequently work in occupied residential or commercial properties. RAMS must address the presence of building occupants, dust and noise controls for neighbours, and the general duty of care to the public.
Manual handling
Access control panels, door closers, heavy commercial locks, and safe deposit hardware can be heavy and awkward. Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, RAMS must assess the manual handling requirement and specify any required lifting aids.
COSHH assessment for lubricants and chemicals
Lock lubricants, penetrating oils, and solvent-based cleaners fall under COSHH Regulations 2002 where they present an inhalation or skin exposure risk.
Verification of authorisation
Locksmiths must ensure they are acting on the authority of the property owner or an authorised representative before defeating any lock mechanism. RAMS should document the verification procedure to protect against legal challenge under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 or claims of facilitating unlawful entry.
Common Locksmiths Tasks That Require RAMS
Generate RAMS for any of these tasks in minutes, not hours
Emergency lock-out response (residential)
Working alone, using power tools to defeat locks, and working in close proximity to a distressed member of the public. Lone working controls and customer communication are primary considerations.
Commercial lock change and master key system installation
Often requires site induction, submission of RAMS, and working alongside other trades. PUWER applies to all tools used.
Access control system installation (electronic)
Electrical work (low voltage), cable routing, surface mounting of readers and panels. WAHR 2005 may apply if work is above head height. EaWR 1989 applies to mains connection of control panels.
Safe installation and opening
Heavy equipment: safes can weigh hundreds of kilograms. Manual handling regulations apply. Drilling into safes requires significant power tool use and metal swarf management.
Door furniture and closer installation
Commercial door closers, hydraulic floor springs, and panic hardware. Manual handling for heavy commercial doors. COSHH for lubricants.
High-security lock installation on commercial premises
Working in a security-sensitive environment. Verification of authorisation and key management records are critical. GDPR may apply where key holder data is maintained.
Master key system design and implementation
Complex project with multiple stakeholders. RAMS must cover the physical installation risks and the key management and access policy implementation.
UK Legislation for Locksmiths Risk Assessments
Every RAMS automatically cites the relevant UK legislation and industry standards
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Requires risk assessment for all work activities, with specific reference to lone working and violence at work where relevant.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Applies to all power and hand tools used by locksmiths in defeating, installing, and maintaining lock mechanisms.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Applies to safe handling, heavy commercial lock hardware, and access control equipment.
COSHH Regulations 2002
Applies to lubricants, penetrating oils, solvent cleaners, and any chemical substances used or applied during locksmith work.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The overarching duty of care for self-employed and employed locksmiths working at customer premises.
Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR)
Applies where locks, access control readers, or camera mounts are installed at height.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EaWR)
Applies where locksmith work involves connection to or work near electrical systems, particularly for electronic access control.
How swiftRMS Generates Locksmiths RAMS
swiftRMS generates locksmith RAMS by asking about the specific task, the working environment (residential, commercial, industrial), the tools to be used, and any specific hazards such as working at height or in occupied premises.
The output covers lone working controls with check-in procedures, PUWER requirements for power tools, manual handling assessment, COSHH controls for lubricants, and the verification of authority procedure. The method statement documents the work sequence from arrival at site through to completion and property handover.
The PDF is formatted for professional use: suitable for submission to facilities management companies or commercial clients who require RAMS before granting site access. Generate the RAMS for each contract type, or use it as the standard RAMS for your regular job types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Self-employed persons have the same legal obligation to assess the risks of their work as employers. For domestic call-outs, the RAMS may be a standing document covering your standard activities. For commercial work, clients will expect a site-specific RAMS. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, there is no exemption for small or self-employed businesses.
A locksmith must have written or documented authority from the property owner, tenant, or authorised representative before defeating any locking mechanism. Working without this authority risks prosecution under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Your RAMS should include the authorisation verification procedure as a mandatory pre-work step.
Low-voltage access control wiring (typically 12V DC) does not require a qualified electrician. Connection to mains supply (for power supplies and control panel power) should be carried out by a qualified electrician. Where locksmiths carry out mains connections, EaWR 1989 competency requirements apply.
Most lock lubricants and penetrating oils are low-hazard when used as directed. However, aerosol lubricants and solvent-based penetrants carry inhalation risk in confined spaces, and some contain substances with workplace exposure limits in EH40. Read the SDS for each product, note the WEL if stated, and specify the ventilation and PPE requirements in your RAMS.
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