How long are RAMS valid?

The date is only part of the check

Before using existing RAMS, compare the written plan with the work you actually face. Check the method, site conditions and safety measures, not just the date on the front.

A plan signed yesterday can need changing today. For example, the agreed access route may now be blocked. A future review date does not make that plan safe to follow.

Source: HSE: Review risk controls and update your assessment · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3

Review them when something important changes

Review the assessment if you have reason to think it is no longer valid, or there has been a significant change. Keep the method in step with the assessment.

• The job, location or access arrangements change.
• Different equipment, materials or work steps introduce new risks.
• The people, nearby work or site conditions affect the planned safety measures.
• A safety measure is not working, or workers raise a problem.
• An accident or near miss shows the plan needs another look.

Source: HSE: Review risk controls and update your assessment · HSE: Risk assessments and method statements

What about a client’s review date?

If a client says “RAMS must be dated within the last three months”, that is a submission rule for that project. It is not a general legal expiry date for all RAMS.

Check the client’s requirement and agree when they need an update. Also choose planned reviews that suit the work. Do not wait for the next date if the plan has already become unsuitable.

What to do when the job changes

Check the change before continuing with the affected work. If you cannot carry it out safely, stop that work until the plan and controls are sorted.

• Check which hazards, safety measures and work steps are affected.
• Update the assessment and method together, with competent input where needed.
• Record the revision, the date and what changed.
• Explain the changes to everyone affected and replace old copies in use.
• Send the revision for the client’s review if their process requires it.

A simple example

A decorating team agreed to keep a corridor clear for office staff. The next morning, a delivery fills that corridor.

The work date has not expired, but an important part of the plan has changed. Pause the affected work, agree a safe arrangement with the site contact, and update and brief the plan before restarting.

Can you reuse RAMS from last year?

Use them as a starting point, then check the new job, site, people and equipment. Changing the date and address alone is not a review.

Keep the version on site consistent with the version your team has been briefed on. A saved PDF is a record of a plan, not proof that today’s conditions are unchanged.