RAMS for Electricians, CPPs & Site Documents

Built for Electricians

Real work, real hazards. Pick the job closest to yours to start a free job pack with the scope already filled in:

CDM 2015 Compliance for Electricians

CDM 2015 applies to all electrical construction work, including domestic installations, commercial rewires, and industrial maintenance. Electricians may hold the duty of contractor under Regulation 15, or principal contractor under Regulation 13 if they are managing a project with multiple trades. Notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations adds a separate compliance layer for domestic installations, but this does not replace CDM duties — both apply simultaneously. Risk assessments must specifically cover electrical isolation procedures, arc flash hazards during live testing, cable routing through occupied spaces, and coordination with other services. BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) sets the technical standard for safe installation, while the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 impose a legal duty to maintain all electrical systems to prevent danger. Every electrical RAMS should reference both standards and detail the safe system of work for isolation, testing, and energisation.

Common Hazards We Cover

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

• Electric shock and arc flash during live testing and fault finding
• Cable routing through walls and floors — risk of striking hidden services (gas, water, existing cables)
• Working in confined spaces such as risers, ceiling voids, and plant rooms
• Asbestos exposure in older buildings — consumer unit backboards, cable trunking routes, ceiling tiles
• Working at height for containment runs, ceiling fixtures, and external installations
• Manual handling of cable drums, distribution boards, and heavy switchgear

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need RAMS as an electrician?

Yes, particularly on commercial sites and when working under a principal contractor. CDM 2015 requires risk assessments for all construction work, and most principal contractors will not let you on site without trade-specific RAMS. Even on domestic work, RAMS demonstrate that you have thought through the risks — especially important for notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations.

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

With The Site Book, you can generate a site-specific RAMS first draft in under five minutes, ready for competent-person review. Describe the job — for example, 'consumer unit upgrade in a 1970s semi' — and the draft covers electrical isolation, live testing, asbestos risk in older properties and relevant control measures for you to check and adapt.

Does The Site Book cover BS 7671 and Part P requirements?

The Site Book covers the health and safety aspects of electrical work under CDM 2015, including references to BS 7671 safe isolation procedures and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. It does not replace your electrical certification (EICRs, minor works certificates) — those are separate compliance documents. What it does is ensure your RAMS and CPP properly address electrical hazards and reference the correct standards.

What should electricians include in a Construction Phase Plan?

Your CPP should cover management arrangements for the electrical installation, emergency procedures for electrical incidents including arc flash and electric shock, coordination requirements with other trades working in the same zones, and isolation procedures for phased work in occupied buildings. Under CDM 2015 Regulation 12, the CPP must be proportionate to the risks — for complex electrical projects, this means detailed sequencing of isolation, testing, and energisation stages.

Do I need COSHH assessments for electrical work?

Yes, for specific substances. PVC cement used for conduit joining, cable lubricant for pulling through containment, lead solder on older installations, and cleaning solvents for switchgear all require COSHH assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. The Site Book generates COSHH assessments that cover exposure routes, control measures, and PPE requirements for these substances.

What CDM duties apply to electrical contractors?

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 15, contractors must plan, manage, and monitor their own work to ensure it is carried out safely. This means providing adequate supervision, ensuring workers have the right competence and training (including 18th Edition certification), not starting work unless welfare facilities are available, and cooperating with the principal contractor on site rules and coordination. If you are the only contractor on a domestic project, you automatically take on additional duties under Regulation 15(8).

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