RAMS for Scaffolders
Generate compliant risk assessments for scaffolding operations built around NASC standards in under 2 minutes. TG20:21, SG4:15, WAHR 2005, and CDM 2015 cited automatically.
Built with UK health & safety regulations in mind
Scaffolding is one of the most heavily regulated trades in UK construction, and with good reason. Falls from scaffolding remain a leading cause of fatal injuries on construction sites. The NASC, HSE, and principal contractors all require scaffolding contractors to produce detailed, task-specific RAMS before any lift is erected or dismantled. A generic risk assessment that mentions "working at height" without referencing TG20:21 or SG4:15 will not pass inspection from any competent site manager.
The challenge for scaffolding contractors is that every lift is different. A simple independent tied scaffold on a straightforward residential project carries different hazards to a birdcage scaffold inside an operating factory, a cantilever system over a public highway, or a system scaffold on a heritage building. Writing compliant RAMS for each lift, each variation, and each site condition is genuinely time-consuming when done manually.
swiftRMS generates scaffolder RAMS in under 2 minutes. You input the scaffold type, site conditions, and task specifics. The output is a RAMS that cites TG20:21, SG4:15, WAHR 2005, and CDM 2015 correctly, with a risk register and method statement ready for the principal contractor. Download the PDF and proceed.
What Scaffolders RAMS Must Include
Compliant risk assessments for scaffolders work must cover these specific areas
Scaffold design basis and loading
Under TG20:21, scaffolds must be designed in accordance with NASC guidance or by a qualified design engineer where site conditions fall outside TG20 parameters. Your RAMS must state which design standard applies and the scaffold's loading class.
Erection and dismantling sequence
SG4:15 (Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations) requires a documented erection and dismantling sequence. This is not optional: inspectors will ask for it, and principal contractors expect to see it in the RAMS.
Inspection regime
WAHR 2005 Schedule 7 requires scaffolds to be inspected by a competent person before first use, after adverse weather, and at intervals not exceeding 7 days. Your RAMS must document the inspection requirement and who is responsible.
Advanced guard rails and collective fall prevention
SG4:15 promotes the use of advanced guard rails (AGRs) to provide collective protection during erection and dismantling. RAMS must describe how collective fall prevention is maintained throughout the operation.
Tube and fitting specifications
Materials must conform to BS EN 12811 (structural scaffold) and BS EN 39 (steel scaffold tubes). Boards must meet BS 2482. Your RAMS should reference these where applicable.
Traffic management and public protection
Where scaffolding is erected adjacent to or over a public highway, traffic management requirements under Chapter 8 and New Roads and Street Works Act apply. Fan and board protection, lighting, and signing requirements must be addressed.
Common Scaffolders Tasks That Require RAMS
Generate RAMS for any of these tasks in minutes, not hours
Independent tied scaffold (residential or commercial)
Most common scaffold type. RAMS must cover tie patterns to BS EN 12811, fan protection if over public access, and loading class for the intended use.
Birdcage scaffold
Used for internal ceiling work. Risks include overloading, inadequate base plates, and working near overhead electrical services. PUWER applies to equipment used in erection.
Cantilever and truss-out scaffold
Falls outside standard TG20:21 parameters in most configurations, requiring engineer sign-off. RAMS must reference the design brief and designer's instructions.
Staircase and access towers
Temporary staircase systems must comply with WAHR 2005 and TG20:21. RAMS must cover the erection sequence and inspection frequency.
Suspended scaffolding
Rope access or hanging scaffold systems. Highly specialist: RAMS must cite WAHR 2005 Regulation 8, rescue plans, and IRATA or PASMA competency requirements.
Scaffold on scaffolding (system scaffold)
Used on large industrial or heritage projects. RAMS must cover interface between scaffold layers, base load calculations, and anchor point design.
Scaffold over railways or highways
Specific risk controls required: Network Rail or Highways England requirements, possession permits, and track protection officers where applicable. RAMS must reflect these additional controls.
UK Legislation for Scaffolders Risk Assessments
Every RAMS automatically cites the relevant UK legislation and industry standards
Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR)
The primary legislation for all scaffolding operations. Regulation 6 requires that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out. Schedule 7 specifies scaffold inspection requirements. WAHR is non-negotiable in any scaffolding RAMS.
TG20:21 (NASC Technical Guidance)
The NASC's comprehensive guide to scaffolding in compliance with BS EN 12811. Not statutory but industry-standard and expected by all principal contractors and the HSE. Your RAMS must reference TG20:21 as the design basis where applicable.
SG4:15 (NASC Safety Guidance)
Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations. Documents the erection and dismantling sequences, advanced guard rail systems, and minimum collective fall prevention standards.
CDM Regulations 2015
Scaffolding is construction work under CDM. On notifiable projects, scaffolding contractors must cooperate with the Principal Contractor and provide information for the Construction Phase Plan.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Applies to gin wheels, scaffold hoists, and power tools used during erection.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Scaffold tube, boards, and system scaffold components are heavy. RAMS must cover manual handling risk and use of mechanical aids.
How swiftRMS Generates Scaffolders RAMS
swiftRMS is built on the understanding that scaffolding RAMS cannot be generic. The tool asks you to specify the scaffold type (independent, birdcage, cantilever, suspended), the site environment (residential, commercial, industrial, over highway), base conditions, and intended loading.
Based on your inputs, swiftRMS generates a RAMS that references TG20:21 and SG4:15 by name, cites the correct WAHR 2005 regulations, and includes a risk register with scaffolding-specific hazards: falls from height, scaffold collapse, falling materials, and traffic interface.
The method statement section covers erection sequence, inspection intervals, and collective fall prevention measures. The PDF is formatted for professional use and can be submitted to a principal contractor, included in a pre-qualification questionnaire, or stored as part of your NASC-required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, where the lift types differ significantly. A single project might include an independent scaffold on the front elevation, a birdcage scaffold inside, and a temporary access stair. Each should have its own RAMS because the hazards, erection sequences, and controls differ.
TG20:21 covers scaffold design: tube sizes, tie patterns, loading classes, and compliance with BS EN 12811. SG4:15 covers safe erection and dismantling: preventing falls during the process of building and striking the scaffold. Both should be referenced in scaffolding RAMS.
WAHR 2005 Schedule 7 requires scaffolds to be inspected: before first use, after any event likely to have affected stability (including adverse weather), and at intervals not exceeding 7 days. Your RAMS should state this requirement and name the responsible competent person.
swiftRMS generates the base RAMS for the scaffolding operation. Specific requirements from Network Rail (e.g. COSS, protection officers) should be added as additional controls. The swiftRMS output gives you the compliant foundation to build on.
Generate Your First Scaffolders RAMS Free
No credit card required. Generate a compliant, legislation-cited RAMS in under 2 minutes and download the PDF immediately.