RAMS, CPP & Site Documents for Plumbers

Built for Plumbers

Real work, real hazards. Here are examples of what The Site Book creates RAMS for:

CDM 2015 Compliance for Plumbers

CDM 2015 applies to all plumbing installation and repair work on construction sites, from domestic bathroom installations to large-scale commercial pipework. Plumbers working on new-builds, extensions, or commercial refits are undertaking construction work as defined by CDM Regulation 2 and must comply with contractor duties under Regulation 15. Key risks requiring specific RAMS coverage include hot work near combustibles during soldering, Legionella in stored water systems on commercial projects, and scalding hazards from unvented cylinders operating at mains pressure. Building Regulations Part G (sanitation, hot water, and water efficiency) creates additional compliance requirements for system design, thermostatic mixing valve installation, and discharge pipe sizing. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 govern cross-contamination prevention through backflow devices and approved materials. Every plumbing RAMS should address the specific hazards of the installation environment alongside these regulatory requirements.

Common Hazards We Cover

These are the real risks plumbers face on site every day. Your RAMS will address each one with specific control measures.

• Scalding from hot water systems — pressurised systems, unvented cylinders, and heating circuits
• Soldering and brazing near combustible materials — fire risk from blowtorches on timber frames and insulation
• Manual handling of heavy items — cast iron baths, radiators, cylinders, and long lengths of copper pipe
• Working in confined spaces — under floors, in ceiling voids, and in plant rooms
• Legionella risk when working on stored water systems, particularly in commercial settings
• Asbestos exposure — old pipe lagging, boiler flue seals, and tank insulation in pre-2000 buildings

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need RAMS as a plumber?

Yes. If you work on commercial sites or under a principal contractor, you will need RAMS for every job. Even on domestic work, RAMS are expected by many clients and are best practice under CDM 2015. Plumbing work involves real hazards — hot work near combustibles, scalding risks, manual handling — and your RAMS should address these specifically.

How long does it take to create RAMS for plumbing work?

Under 5 minutes with The Site Book. Describe the job — for example, 'boiler replacement in a 3-bed semi with an external flue' — and the AI creates RAMS covering hot work, gas safety references, manual handling, and all relevant control measures.

Does The Site Book cover Water Regulations and Building Regs Part G?

The Site Book covers the health and safety aspects of plumbing work under CDM 2015. It references relevant standards like the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Building Regulations Part G where they affect safe working practices, such as unvented hot water system safety and Legionella prevention. It does not replace your plumbing certifications or Building Control notifications.

Do plumbers need a Construction Phase Plan?

A Construction Phase Plan is required under CDM 2015 Regulation 12 whenever there is more than one contractor on a project, or for domestic clients where you are the only contractor managing the work. If you are fitting a bathroom as part of a larger house extension with other trades on site, the principal contractor produces the CPP — but you must cooperate by providing your RAMS and method statements. On standalone domestic plumbing projects, you take on contractor duties under Regulation 15 and should have proportionate planning documentation.

What Legionella requirements should plumbers address in RAMS?

The Approved Code of Practice L8 (Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems) and HSG274 technical guidance require risk assessment of all hot and cold water systems. Your RAMS should cover dead legs in pipework that allow water stagnation, temperature monitoring at sentinel points, flushing regimes for new installations before handover, and the risk of standing water in tanks. For commercial installations, you should document the system design to demonstrate Legionella risk has been considered from the outset — including pipe sizing to prevent low flow and insulation to maintain temperature differentials.

Can The Site Book help with gas work RAMS?

Yes — The Site Book covers gas-related hazards that fall within plumbing scope, such as gas pipework modifications during boiler replacements, flue installation risks, and carbon monoxide exposure during testing. However, it does not replace your Gas Safe registration or gas certification requirements. Gas-specific competence, notifications, and safety certificates are separate from CDM compliance. The Site Book ensures your RAMS address the construction site safety aspects of gas-related plumbing work.

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