Do I Need RAMS for Domestic Work?
When is a RAMS required for domestic construction projects? A clear guide to CDM 2015 requirements for small builders, sole traders, and domestic clients.
4 min read
The Short Answer
You don't legally need a RAMS for small domestic work under CDM 2015, but you should still do a risk assessment. Here's why.
What CDM 2015 Says
For domestic clients (a homeowner having work done on their own home), CDM 2015 doesn't apply. That means:
- No F10 notification required
- No Principal Designer or Principal Contractor appointments
- No formal Construction Phase Plan needed
But — and this is important — the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 still applies. You still have a duty to protect yourself, your workers, and anyone affected by your work.
When You Should Write a RAMS
Even if it's not legally required, a RAMS is good practice for:
- Working at height — scaffolding, ladders, roof work
- Structural work — removing walls, underpinning, loft conversions
- Excavations — foundations, drainage, services
- Hot works — welding, cutting, lead roofing
- Confined spaces — manholes, tanks, loft spaces with poor access
- Asbestos risk — any pre-2000 building
If something goes wrong and you haven't assessed the risks, you could be prosecuted under HASAWA or found liable in a civil claim.
What About Insurance?
Many public liability and employer's liability insurers want to see evidence of risk assessments. Some won't pay out if you can't prove you assessed the risks before starting work.
The Practical Answer
For a simple bathroom refit or kitchen installation with no structural work, a one-page risk assessment is probably enough. For anything involving scaffolding, excavations, or structural changes, write a proper RAMS.
It takes 10 minutes and could save your business.
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