Risk Assessments and Method Statement Process
There is now an expectation on property managers to consider CDM regulations set out by HSE when instructing contractors. So Dwellant is compatible with the recent changes we are introducing a new feature into the work order, quotation and contract process.
To make it easier to check the contractors you appoint have the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience and, where relevant the capability to carry out work safely and without risk we have added in the option to state the potential risks involved in carrying out a job. By stating the RAMS requirements, the contractor will be made aware of the risks and be asked to provide documentation as proof that they have considered and taken reasonable actions to prevent risks.
The documentation will be required based on your judgement or if a monetary value is exceeded. This value will be determined for your company.
These options will apply to:
- Work Orders
- Quotations
When are RAMS required?
You should require your contractors to provide RAMS documentation wherever you are concerned about specific risks.
Your company will choose work cost/value over which RAMS documentation is required.
Under this limit you can optionally select that RAMS is required. Over this value – there are some very limited opt outs. (Supply Only, Inspection Only, & Emergencies)
Over this value, the RAMS documents will also be approved by the Health & Safety Manager for your organisation.
Changes to Work Order and Quotation Processes
As well as new options added to work instructions you will also find a new RAMS tab that will list the documents received from contractors. These will require approval from a property manager and or the Health and Safety Manager depending on the monetary limit.
Approving RAMS
Once the contractors submit their RAMS documents you will receive an email & link that will take you to the RAMS tab shown above. You must:
- Click the view link against each of the documents
- Once you have viewed the document, an Approve button will appear – so click and approve the document.
- You must approve all the documents a contractor has supplied in order that the instruction to proceed will be sent.
Please note: Next to each document it will say (Standard) or (Custom) – this indicates if the contractor has used their standard document or custom document written for the specific works.
Also if you are not satisfied with particular documents use the Contact Contractor button – to send them a message with what is wrong. They will then be able to upload a revised document.
How does this change for Contractors receiving Work Orders and Quotations?
When Contractors receive Work Orders and Quotations they will be told not to start the work until:
- They have submitted their RAMS documents 2. The RAMS documents have been approved
Simple tools have been added for contractors that allow them:
Library - To build up a library of their regularly used standard documents. That they can select for each of their work instructions
Drag & Drop – for custom RAMS jobs they can just drag and drop tailored RAMS documents onto the Work Order or Quotation page.
Making these New RAMS processes work for you
Please follow these guidelines to make the most of the new RAMS processes.
- When asking contractors for RAMS documents – please give them clear descriptions of the additional risks involved. Take pictures, and write up what risks they need to consider.
- When contractors provide their RAMS documents – please review and approve them quickly. This will automatically send an email asking them to start the work.
- Involve your H&S manager – ensure they understand the works, and for more expensive projects take the time to brief them on the works.