RAMS & CPP for Kitchen Extensions

What compliance do you need?

Kitchen extensions are one of the most common domestic construction projects in the UK. Even though they're often straightforward, CDM 2015 still applies — and that means you need proper documentation.

Do you need a CPP?

Yes. CDM 2015 requires a Construction Phase Plan for all construction projects. On domestic jobs where there is only one contractor, you take on all CDM duties yourself. A CPP ensures you've thought through how the work will be managed safely.

Do you need RAMS?

It depends on the risk level, but RAMS are strongly recommended for kitchen extensions. Structural alterations, asbestos, and electrical work near water all carry significant risks. Many clients and principal contractors will expect RAMS before work starts.

Common hazards

• Asbestos in older properties (ceiling tiles, floor tiles, textured coatings)
• Structural alterations to load-bearing walls
• Electrical work near water sources
• Dust and debris from demolition
• Manual handling of heavy materials
• Working at height (if above ground level)
• Structural openings and RSJ installation — temporary propping required
• Noise and vibration affecting occupants in lived-in properties
• Slips and trips from construction debris in shared access areas

How The Site Book handles it

Describe your job — for example, "kitchen extension, 3-bed semi" — and The Site Book creates your RAMS, CPP, and site induction documents automatically. All hazards relevant to your job type are identified, with appropriate control measures included.

What a CPP for a kitchen extension covers

A CPP for a kitchen extension doesn't need to be complicated, but it does need to be specific to your job. A good plan covers: project description (what work is being done, the property type, expected duration), management structure (who's responsible for what — on a domestic job with one contractor, this is you), site rules (PPE requirements, working hours agreed with the homeowner, access arrangements, dust and noise control in a lived-in property), arrangements for managing the key risks (how you'll handle structural openings, electrical isolation, asbestos if the property is pre-1990, manual handling of steels), welfare facilities (on a domestic kitchen job, you'll typically use the homeowner's toilet and washing facilities by agreement — document this), and monitoring and review (how you'll check the plan is being followed as the job progresses).

Common compliance mistakes on kitchen jobs

The most common mistake is not having a CPP at all. Many builders assume CDM doesn't apply to domestic work — it does. The second most common mistake is using a generic template that hasn't been tailored to the job. A CPP that mentions "working at height on scaffolding" when you're doing a ground-floor kitchen extension doesn't meet the "suitable and sufficient" test. Other common issues: not considering asbestos in properties built before 1990 (ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and textured coatings like Artex can all contain asbestos), not assessing the need for electrical isolation when working near water supplies, and not planning dust control when the homeowner is living in the property during the works.

Do you need to notify the HSE?

Almost certainly not. A project is only notifiable if it will last longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers on site at any one time, or exceed 500 person-days of construction work. A typical kitchen extension with 2-3 workers over 4-6 weeks comes to roughly 40-90 person-days — well under either threshold. CDM 2015 still applies in full (you still need a CPP, you still need to manage risks), but you don't need to submit an F10 form. The only kitchen extension that might be notifiable is one that's part of a much larger renovation project.

What a CPP covers for a kitchen extension

A Construction Phase Plan for a kitchen extension is built around several key sections, each addressing a different aspect of how the job will be managed safely. The first section is the site description — this covers the property address, the type of property (terraced, semi-detached, detached), the scope of works (e.g. single-storey rear extension with structural opening to existing kitchen), and the expected duration of the project. This section sets the context for everything that follows.

The management arrangements section sets out who is responsible for what. On a domestic kitchen extension with one contractor, you are the contractor and you manage day-to-day safety on site. If you engage subcontractors, this section should explain how you will check their competence before they start work — for example, by reviewing their qualifications, insurance, and previous experience with similar jobs.

The arrangements for controlling significant risks section is the core of the CPP. For a kitchen extension, this typically covers: structural openings with temporary propping (how Acrow props will be installed, how long they stay in place, who is responsible for checking them), electrical isolation procedures (how circuits will be isolated before work begins near water supplies), an asbestos management plan (what surveys have been carried out, what materials are suspected or confirmed, what the plan is if asbestos is found), dust control in an occupied property (how you will prevent dust migrating to lived-in areas, what RPE will be used, whether water suppression or extraction is needed), and manual handling assessment for steels and lintels (RSJs and concrete lintels are heavy — how will they be moved into position safely).

The welfare facilities section is straightforward on domestic jobs. You will typically use the homeowner's facilities by agreement — toilet, washing facilities, a rest area, and access to drinking water. This arrangement should be documented in writing before work starts and recorded in the CPP. If the kitchen is being stripped out and there is no access to running water, you will need to make alternative arrangements.

The emergency procedures section covers what happens if someone is injured on site. It should include the location of the nearest A&E department, the location of the first aid kit, and who is responsible for calling for help. On a single-contractor job, this is you — but if you are working alone, consider what happens if you are the one who is injured. Make sure someone knows you are on site.

Finally, the monitoring and review section explains how you will check the plan is being followed as the job progresses. This includes regular checks that control measures are in place (e.g. props are still secure, dust sheets are in position) and a commitment to update the CPP if the scope of work changes — for example, if you discover asbestos that wasn't anticipated, or if additional structural work is needed.

Common hazards on kitchen extension sites

Structural openings are one of the most significant hazards on a kitchen extension. Removing a load-bearing wall to create an open-plan layout requires careful planning. The existing structure must be temporarily supported — typically with Acrow props and strongboys — while the new steel beam (RSJ) or concrete lintel is installed. If temporary propping is inadequate or removed too early, there is a real risk of partial or total collapse. The structural engineer's design should specify the propping arrangement, and the sequence of work must be followed precisely.

Asbestos is a serious concern in older properties. Buildings constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a variety of locations: ceiling tiles, floor tiles (especially 9-inch vinyl tiles, which are a strong indicator), textured coatings such as Artex, pipe lagging, and boiler flues. Before any intrusive work begins, a refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey is recommended. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, there is a duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises, and on domestic projects the contractor has a duty to ensure work does not expose workers or occupants to asbestos fibres. If ACMs are found or suspected, work must stop and a licensed asbestos removal contractor may be needed.

Electrical work near water is an inherent risk in kitchen extensions. Kitchens combine water supplies, waste pipes, and electrical circuits in close proximity. Before any work starts, circuits must be isolated and confirmed dead. Any new electrical work in a kitchen is likely to be notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, which means it must either be carried out by a registered competent person (e.g. a Part P registered electrician) or inspected and certified by Building Control.

Dust from demolition and construction work is a significant hazard, particularly on a lived-in property. Cutting blocks, bricks, and concrete generates silica dust, which is a serious health risk with long-term exposure. Plaster dust, while less hazardous, still causes respiratory irritation. On a kitchen extension where the homeowner is living in the property, dust control is critical. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be worn when cutting or demolishing. Dust suppression measures — water suppression when cutting, on-tool extraction, and sheeting off the work area from the rest of the house — should be planned and documented in the CPP.

Manual handling of heavy materials is common on kitchen extensions. Steel beams (RSJs) can weigh anywhere from 50kg to well over 100kg depending on the span and section size. Concrete lintels and bags of cement are also heavy. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where possible, assess any handling that cannot be avoided, and reduce the risk of injury as far as reasonably practicable. On a kitchen extension, this often means using mechanical aids (e.g. a crane or telehandler for steels) or ensuring enough people are available to lift safely.

Working at height applies even on ground-floor extensions. Step ladders, platform steps, and even hop-ups all count as working at height under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The key principle is to avoid working at height where possible, and where it cannot be avoided, to use the most suitable equipment. Platform steps are generally preferable to step ladders for short-duration work because they provide a larger, more stable platform.

Service strikes — hitting gas pipes, electric cables, or water pipes buried in walls and floors — are a common and potentially fatal hazard. Before drilling, cutting, or chasing into any wall or floor, a cable avoidance tool (CAT scanner) should be used to detect buried services. HSE guidance document HSG47 provides detailed advice on avoiding danger from underground services. On a kitchen extension, services are often concentrated in a small area, making the risk of a strike higher than on many other types of project.

What if I have subbies on site?

When you engage subcontractors on a kitchen extension — an electrician, a plumber, a structural engineer's recommended steelwork contractor — you may become the principal contractor under CDM 2015. If there are two or more contractors working on a domestic project, the contractor in control of the construction phase becomes the principal contractor (PC). On a domestic job, this happens by default — there is no formal appointment process as there would be on a commercial project.

Taking on the PC role means additional duties. You must ensure all contractors on site have provided suitable risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for their work. You are responsible for coordinating the work of different contractors to prevent conflicts — for example, ensuring the electrician is not working in an area where structural demolition is taking place. You must ensure all workers receive a site induction covering the CPP, site rules, and emergency procedures. You are also responsible for managing welfare facilities on site.

Even if you don't formally appoint yourself as principal contractor, the duties fall on you by default on a domestic project. The practical steps are straightforward: get RAMS from each subcontractor before they start work on site, brief them on the CPP and make sure they understand the site rules (working hours, access arrangements, dust control measures, PPE requirements), and keep a record of who is on site and when. If a subcontractor's work creates a risk that affects other workers or the homeowner, it is your responsibility to manage that risk.