| Version | Date | Proposed By | Approved By | Approved Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-04-04 | Name TBD / Role TBD | Name TBD / Role TBD | TBD | Initial version of document. |
| 1.0.1 | 2026-04-05 | Name TBD / Role TBD | Name TBD / Role TBD | TBD | Improved wording of primary mitigation statement. |
The master copy of this document is stored at FS-AI/FS-AI_ADS-DV_Documentation.
Always check you have the latest version, as printed copies, PDFs, downloads, or repository clones may be out of date.
This document sets out the FS-AI ADS-DV Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). It contains the method statement, the risk scoring method, and the risk assessment entries for general, static, dynamic, and transport activities associated with the ADS-DV.
This RAMS should be used in conjunction with the related documents listed below. Common terms and abbreviations used across the current ADS-DV documentation set are defined in the FS-AI ADS-DV Glossary. This RAMS summarises the hazards, controls, and working method at a RAMS level, while the detailed operating, transport, inspection, and technical requirements remain defined by the referenced documents and must still be followed directly. It remains subject to technical review, scoring review, and formal approval before issue and use for a specific operation of the ADS-DV.
Note: The primary purpose of this RAMS is to minimise the risk of injury to persons. A further effect is the minimisation of the risk of damage to the ADS-DV and to other property. It may therefore support the demonstration of risk controls when seeking favourable insurance terms. A thorough review of all relevant insurance cover, conditions, and exclusions is recommended before any operation commences.
Note: This RAMS does not replace any RAMS, permit, local rule, or other safety procedure(s) required by a 3rd party organisation, operating venue, or the ADS-DV Operator. It may instead be used as a complementary measure alongside those requirements.
Note: It is recommended that specific copy of this RAMS, together with any other documents required by a 3rd party organisation, operating venue, or the ADS-DV Operator, be archived before each ADS-DV operation as a permanent record of the controls in place during said operation.
- FS-AI ADS-DV User Manual
- FS-AI ADS-DV Operational Safety
- FS-AI ADS-DV Transportation Procedures
- FS-AI ADS-DV Inspection Schedule
- FS-AI ADS-DV Operations Logging and Record Keeping Protocol
- FS-AI ADS-DV Glossary
This RAMS defines the hazards, control measures, responsibilities, and working methods for the storage, handling, preparation, transport, and operation of the ADS-DV. It should be read alongside the current operator and safety documents and should be updated whenever the planned activities, operating environment, or safety assumptions change materially.
The sections below provide the current first-pass RAMS content for a generic, pre-planned ADS-DV operation. Additional sections and sub-sections should be inserted where required for the specific activity, venue, or operating constraint being assessed. This is the responsibility of the ADS-DV Operator.
This section summarises the intended working methods for the activities covered by the Risk Assessment below. Detailed execution remains defined by the User Manual, Operational Safety, Transportation Procedures, and other linked documents.
Before any activity begins, the ADS-DV, personnel, and operating environment should be prepared in a controlled sequence. This includes confirming the required equipment is present, inspecting the ADS-DV, establishing the correct operating area, and preparing the ADS-DV to the appropriate state for either Static Operation or Dynamic Operation.
| Step | Summary of Method | Primary Reference(s) | Key Controls / Confirmations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm that the intended activity, venue, and personnel are covered by the Risk Assessment below, and brief authorised personnel before access to the ADS-DV is permitted. | Operational Safety, Section 2, Operational Safety, Section 3 | Access controlled; only briefed personnel involved; unattended storage/security arrangements understood. |
| 2 | Confirm the required equipment, support items, and welfare provisions are available before preparation starts. | User Manual, Section 2, User Manual, Section 3, Operational Safety, Section 6, Transportation Procedures, Section 2 | RES available and charged; keys and MPP Dongle present; required chargers available; welfare and emergency arrangements in place where relevant. |
| 3 | Inspect the ADS-DV and any handling equipment before operation or movement. | User Manual, Section 4, Inspection Schedule, Operational Safety, Section 4 | ADS-DV checked for damage/anomaly; Quick Lift Jack and Skateboard Trolleys suitable; lifting only from approved points. |
| 4 | Establish the correct operating arrangement for the planned activity and prepare the ADS-DV accordingly. | User Manual, Section 5, Operational Safety, Section 5, Operational Safety, Section 6 | Static Operation uses a Hazardous Area and wheels off the ground; Dynamic Operation uses an approved Dynamic Operating Area, Safe Area, and Run Off Zone with ASR control. |
During operation, the ADS-DV is only run within the limits and control measures defined by the operational documents. This Method Statement identifies who is responsible, what pre-conditions must be satisfied, and which document controls the detailed steps for the type of operation being performed.
| Step | Summary of Method | Primary Reference(s) | Key Controls / Confirmations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete the appropriate ADS-DV preparation sequence before enabling operation. | User Manual, Section 5, User Manual, Section 6 | E-Stop Loop complete; LV Battery and Traction Battery acceptable; required system states confirmed; compute platform and GEMS DA3 Datalogger ready where required. |
| 2 | Conduct Static Operation or Dynamic Operation only under the correct supervision and area controls. | Operational Safety, Section 5, Operational Safety, Section 6 | ASR present at all times; RES strapped around the ASR's waist and kept on their person; no unauthorised personnel in controlled area; wheels raised for Static Operation; dynamic venue controls and run-off arrangements in place for Dynamic Operation. |
| 3 | Run the mission or test in accordance with the User Manual and software/safety limits, with immediate RES intervention if required. | User Manual, Section 6, Operational Safety, Section 6, Software Interface Specification | Mission selected and confirmed; RES strapped around the ASR's waist and under ASR control; Run Off Zone rule understood; Operational Limits applied if required; wireless-only links during Dynamic Operation. |
| 4 | Record the activity and respond to any anomaly, weather issue, or emergency in accordance with the approved procedure. | Operational Safety, Section 6, Operational Safety, Section 7, Operational Safety, Section 8, Operations Logging and Record Keeping Protocol | Dynamic log completed where required; wet-weather and RF restrictions observed; medical/emergency arrangements remain active. |
After operation, the ADS-DV is returned to a safe state before any unattended storage or transport movement takes place. The detailed shut-down, Brake Discharge, charging, movement, and securing procedures are not repeated in full here, but the sequence and controlling references are identified clearly.
| Step | Summary of Method | Primary Reference(s) | Key Controls / Confirmations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reset and shut down the ADS-DV after each mission or operating session, then prepare it for storage if it is not to be used again immediately. | User Manual, Section 6, User Manual, Section 7 | Mission ended safely; master switches returned to the correct state; GEMS DA3 Datalogger Memory Card removed if required; storage sequence followed before unattended periods. |
| 2 | Complete charging or battery-support actions only where required by the User Manual thresholds and procedures. | User Manual, Section 8, User Manual, Section 10 | Traction Battery threshold checked; RES battery support available; charging undertaken only by the defined procedure. |
| 3 | If the ADS-DV must be moved for transport, use the transport method hierarchy and only use on-wheel movement where explicitly required. | Transportation Procedures, Section 3, Transportation Procedures, Section 4, Operational Safety, Section 4 | Preparation for Storage complete first; Brake Discharge completed before powered-down on-wheel handling; Skateboard Trolleys used by default; ramps and own-wheel movement only where necessary. |
| 4 | Secure the ADS-DV and associated inventory for transport or unattended storage in accordance with the applicable document. | Transportation Procedures, Section 5, Operational Safety, Section 3 | Closed and locked carrier/trailer used; ADS-DV tied down on its own wheels; inventory secured separately; unattended storage area locked and access controlled. |
This section identifies the relevant hazards for the activity being planned, who may be affected, the control measures in place, and the resulting risk position before and after those controls are applied.
The initial Severity, Likelihood, and Risk columns represent the hazard before controls. The residual Severity, Likelihood, and Residual Risk columns represent the risk after the listed Controls are implemented.
Use the following generic scoring method unless a different approved scoring system is specified by e.g. a 3rd party. Risk score is calculated as:
Risk Score = Severity x Likelihood
| Level | Severity | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insignificant | No injury, negligible damage, and no meaningful operational impact. |
| 2 | Minor | Minor injury or minor damage, with limited operational disruption. |
| 3 | Moderate | Injury requiring treatment, moderate damage, or significant operational disruption. |
| 4 | Major | Serious injury, major damage, or major operational disruption. |
| 5 | Catastrophic | Fatality, life-changing injury, or catastrophic loss/damage. |
| Level | Likelihood | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rare | Highly unlikely to occur. |
| 2 | Unlikely | Could occur, but is not expected in normal circumstances. |
| 3 | Possible | Might occur in some circumstances. |
| 4 | Likely | Expected to occur in many circumstances. |
| 5 | Almost Certain | Expected to occur repeatedly or in most circumstances. |
| Likelihood \ Severity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 5 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Score | Rating | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | Low | Acceptable residual risk with routine or established controls in place. |
| 6-9 | Moderate | Additional controls should be considered and recorded. |
| 10-16 | High | Specific controls and active management are required before proceeding. |
| 17-25 | Very High | Activity is not to proceed until the risk is reduced. |
Note: A score of
5is considered an acceptable residual risk where the potential consequence remains severe but the likelihood has been reduced toRareby effective controls.
This sub-section covers generic hazards that may apply across setup, operation, close-down, welfare provision, and support activities at workshops, test venues, and transport locations.
| Index | Activity / Task | Hazard | Persons at Risk | Initial Severity | Initial Likelihood | Initial Risk | Controls | Residual Severity | Residual Likelihood | Residual Risk | Owner / Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Using temporary electrical and support equipment | Electric shock, burns, or fire from damaged mains equipment, chargers, extension leads, or sockets | Team members, venue staff, nearby personnel | 5 | 3 | 15 | Mains equipment PAT tested where applicable; visual inspection completed before use; damaged equipment removed from service; equipment used in accordance with manufacturer instructions; dry conditions and suitable supply arrangements maintained; cables routed to avoid damage. References: User Manual 8, User Manual 10, Transportation 2 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | Competent person: inspect before use | Mandatory before use |
| 2 | Using temporary electrical and support equipment | Trip hazard causing slips, trips, falls, or contact with equipment | Team members, venue staff, visitors, nearby personnel | 3 | 4 | 12 | Good housekeeping maintained; leads routed away from walkways where possible; crossings protected or otherwise controlled if unavoidable; cases, tools, barriers, and support items stored in designated areas; access and escape routes kept clear. References: Operational Safety 5, Operational Safety 6, Transportation 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 (Low) | All personnel: maintain housekeeping | Mandatory throughout activity |
| 3 | Carrying out site setup and support tasks | Fall from height or dropped items striking people below | Team members, venue staff, nearby personnel | 4 | 3 | 12 | Work at height avoided where reasonably practicable; suitable inspected steps, platform, or access equipment used where required; unstable surfaces and ADS-DV bodywork not used as access platforms; exclusion below maintained where appropriate; competent personnel only. References: Operational Safety 4, Transportation 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 (Low) | Competent person: assess before task | Mandatory where applicable |
| 4 | Carrying out site setup and support tasks | Strain, sprain, or crush injury from poor lifting technique or overloading individuals | Team members, venue staff | 3 | 4 | 12 | Loads assessed before lifting; team lift used where needed; handlers briefed; suitable gloves and safety shoes used where appropriate; handling route kept clear; mechanical aids used where available and suitable. References: Operational Safety 4, Transportation 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 (Low) | Person leading task: brief before lift | Mandatory where applicable |
| 5 | Maintaining general housekeeping and ground conditions | Slip, trip, or fall on loose items, wet surfaces, mud, gravel, or uneven ground | Team members, venue staff, visitors | 3 | 3 | 9 | Work areas kept tidy; hazards identified during setup and monitored during activity; unsuitable ground conditions avoided where possible; spillages dealt with promptly; lighting and route selection considered when moving equipment or personnel. References: Operational Safety 5, Operational Safety 6, Transportation 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 (Low) | All personnel: monitor area condition | Mandatory throughout activity |
This sub-section covers hazards associated with workshop checks, powered static testing, inspection, and other non-dynamic activities carried out around the ADS-DV.
| Index | Activity / Task | Hazard | Persons at Risk | Initial Severity | Initial Likelihood | Initial Risk | Controls | Residual Severity | Residual Likelihood | Residual Risk | Owner / Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preparing the ADS-DV for Static Operation | Crush injury or musculoskeletal injury during lifting / jacking | Technicians, handlers | 4 | 3 | 12 | Quick Lift Jack only; bodywork and suspension not used for lifting; ADS-DV mass acknowledged; single-person lift at each wheel not permitted; competent personnel used with clear communication, gloves, and safety shoes on level ground. References: Operational Safety 4, Transportation 4 | 4 | 2 | 8 (Moderate) | Competent person: brief handlers before lift | Mandatory for each lift |
| 2 | Preparing the ADS-DV for Static Operation | ADS-DV instability, roll-away, or tip from unsuitable support | ASR, technicians, nearby personnel | 4 | 3 | 12 | Stand requirements defined; Skateboard Trolleys only suitable on firm level surface; alternative stands required if roll-away risk exists; Quick Lift Jack not used for Static Operation; support condition and floor surface inspected before use. References: Operational Safety 4, Operational Safety 5 | 4 | 1 | 4 (Low) | Competent person: inspect before use | Mandatory before energising |
| 3 | Preparing the ADS-DV for Static Operation | Delay in emergency intervention because the RES is not immediately available to the ASR | ASR, technicians, nearby personnel | 5 | 3 | 15 | RES active; RES strapped securely around the ASR's waist and kept on their person at all times while the ADS-DV is active; RES not held in one hand or put down; Side Emergency Stop Switches "Out"; MPP Dongle present; Inertia Switch "Closed"; E-Stop Loop indicator "Green"; low RES battery indicated by LED / tone; operation not permitted unless all indications are correct. References: User Manual 5, User Manual 6, User Manual 9, Operational Safety 5 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | ASR: verify before energising | Mandatory before energising |
| 4 | Conducting Static Operation | Unexpected wheel rotation or vehicle movement causing contact injury | ASR, technicians, nearby personnel | 5 | 3 | 15 | Hazardous Area at least 5m; ADS-DV raised with wheels in the air; ASR present with RES; no general personnel inside Hazardous Area; boundary marking, stand stability, and RES readiness confirmed before energising. References: User Manual 5, Operational Safety 5 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | ASR: confirm before each static test | Mandatory before energising |
| 5 | Conducting Static Operation | Cable or wire contact with rotating / steering wheels | ASR, technicians | 3 | 3 | 9 | Cables and wires kept clear of rotating and steering wheels; test operation conducted remotely from outside Hazardous Area; all leads routed and secured before enabling operation. References: User Manual 5, Operational Safety 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 (Low) | ASR: confirm cable routing | Mandatory before energising |
| 6 | Conducting Static Operation | Stones or debris flung from tyres | ASR, technicians, nearby personnel | 3 | 3 | 9 | Hazardous Area maintained; no general personnel inside; tyre tread and surrounding area inspected and cleaned before test. References: User Manual 5, Operational Safety 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 (Low) | ASR: confirm before test | Mandatory before test |
This sub-section covers hazards associated with the Dynamic Operating Area, Safe Area, Run Off Zone, remote venues, weather exposure, and mission running.
| Index | Activity / Task | Hazard | Persons at Risk | Initial Severity | Initial Likelihood | Initial Risk | Controls | Residual Severity | Residual Likelihood | Residual Risk | Owner / Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preparing the Dynamic Operating Area and venue | Personnel welfare issue or delayed response to medical emergency | ASR, helper, event staff, observers | 4 | 2 | 8 | Covered area recommended; weather protection recommended; drinking water and food recommended for prolonged operations; remote-site welfare planning required; medical / emergency plan required; means of summoning assistance and communicating the exact site location confirmed before operation begins. References: Operational Safety 6 | 4 | 1 | 4 (Low) | ADS-DV Operator: confirm site welfare plan | Mandatory before operation |
| 2 | Preparing the Dynamic Operating Area and venue | RES interference or spurious activation | ASR, helper, general personnel | 1 | 2 | 2 | Airport informed if used as Dynamic Operating Area; approval required; operations ceased if incorrect behaviour or spurious RES activation is observed; airport operation treated as site-specific approval only. References: Operational Safety 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 (Low) | ADS-DV Operator / ASR: confirm before site use | Site-specific approval |
| 3 | Preparing the Dynamic Operating Area and venue | Water ingress, reduced safety margin, or equipment damage in wet conditions | ASR, helper, ADS-DV equipment | 4 | 3 | 12 | No active rain; no standing water or puddles; ADS-DV dried if wet; InCarPC inspected; no ice or snow operation permitted; operation suspended until conditions are compliant and car cover used if required. References: Operational Safety 7 | 4 | 1 | 4 (Low) | ASR: monitor weather conditions | Mandatory during operation |
| 4 | Controlling access and supervision during Dynamic Operation | Person struck because the Dynamic Operating Area or Safe Area is not properly controlled | General personnel, team members, ASR, helper | 5 | 4 | 20 | Safe Area separated by structural barrier; access controlled; only one helper permitted "over the wall" in addition to the ASR; ASR dedicated to mission selection and RES only; personnel briefed on access limits and boundaries actively supervised. References: Operational Safety 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | ADS-DV Operator / ASR: control access | Mandatory during operation |
| 5 | Controlling access and supervision during Dynamic Operation | Delay in emergency intervention because the RES is not immediately available to the ASR | ASR, helper, general personnel, bystanders | 5 | 3 | 15 | ASR present at all times; RES active; RES strapped securely around the ASR's waist and kept on their person at all times while the ADS-DV is active; RES not held in one hand or put down; ASR responsible only for mission selection and the RES while the ADS-DV is active. References: User Manual 6, Operational Safety 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | ASR: verify before each run | Mandatory before each run |
| 6 | Transitioning the ADS-DV for Dynamic Operation | Crush or handling injury during transition between trolleys and wheels | ASR, helper | 4 | 3 | 12 | ADS-DV remains on Skateboard Trolleys except during actual dynamic test; Quick Lift Jack used for lift / lower; only one helper permitted outside the Safe Area for this task; lift / lower carried out on suitable ground with clear communication. References: Operational Safety 4, Operational Safety 6 | 4 | 2 | 8 (Moderate) | ASR: control lift / lower task | Mandatory for each run |
| 7 | Conducting Dynamic Operation | Unexpected ADS-DV behaviour due to incorrect system state or invalid external control | ASR, helper, general personnel | 5 | 3 | 15 | Preparation for Operation and Autonomous Operation procedures followed; required system status checks completed; GEMS DA3 Datalogger Memory Card inserted and logging; software interface requirements defined; ASR observes ADS-DV at all times with the RES strapped around the waist and kept on their person; Mission selection and required states confirmed before run. References: User Manual 5, User Manual 6, Software Interface Specification, Operational Safety 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | ASR: verify before Mission | Mandatory before each Mission |
| 8 | Conducting Dynamic Operation | ADS-DV leaves the intended path or enters the Run Off Zone | ASR, helper, general personnel, bystanders | 5 | 3 | 15 | IMechE-approved Dynamic Operating Area; minimum area defined; 10m Run Off Zone required; ASR present with RES strapped around the waist and kept on their person; immediate RES activation required if ADS-DV enters the Run Off Zone; area dimensions, markings, and ASR briefing confirmed before each run. References: Operational Safety 6, User Manual 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | ADS-DV Operator / ASR: confirm before run | Mandatory before each run |
This sub-section covers hazards associated with preparing the ADS-DV for transport movement, moving it on Skateboard Trolleys or its own wheels, and securing it for carriage or unattended storage.
| Index | Activity / Task | Hazard | Persons at Risk | Initial Severity | Initial Likelihood | Initial Risk | Controls | Residual Severity | Residual Likelihood | Residual Risk | Owner / Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preparing the ADS-DV for transport movement | Crush or manual handling injury | Safety Supervisor, Vehicle Handlers | 4 | 3 | 12 | Quick Lift Jack only; 300kg ADS-DV acknowledged; minimum three personnel; Safety Supervisor role defined; gloves and safety shoes recommended; handlers briefed and route / surface confirmed before lift. References: Operational Safety 4, Transportation 4 | 4 | 2 | 8 (Moderate) | Safety Supervisor: brief before lift | Mandatory for each move |
| 2 | Preparing the ADS-DV for transport movement | Roll-away on slope or ramp | Vehicle Handlers, Safety Supervisor, nearby personnel | 5 | 3 | 15 | Preparation for Storage completed first; Brake Discharge completed; Safety Supervisor watches movement; slopes greater than 10% avoided; push uphill not pull; winch required for steeper ramps; movement stopped if route or slope is not acceptable. References: User Manual 7, Transportation 3, Transportation 4 | 5 | 1 | 5 (Low) | Safety Supervisor: assess route before move | Mandatory before movement |
| 3 | Transporting and securing the ADS-DV | Water ingress or damage from unsuitable transport method | ADS-DV equipment, transport crew | 3 | 3 | 9 | Covered and locked car carrier or closed trailer only; open trailer not permitted; car cover only for temporary rain protection; transport vehicle type and weather protection confirmed before loading. References: Transportation 5, Operational Safety 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 (Low) | Safety Supervisor: confirm before departure | Mandatory before departure |
| 4 | Transporting and securing the ADS-DV | ADS-DV or loose inventory shifting during transport | Transport crew, ADS-DV equipment | 4 | 3 | 12 | Minimum four straps to wheels; no straps to suspension or bodywork; ADS-DV on its own wheels not Skateboard Trolleys; inventory secured separately; Skateboard Trolleys secured if carried; tie-downs checked before departure and on arrival. References: Transportation 5 | 4 | 1 | 4 (Low) | Safety Supervisor: verify tie-downs | Mandatory before departure |
| 5 | Leaving the ADS-DV unattended during transport or at venue | Unauthorised access or tampering | Uninvolved persons, ADS-DV equipment | 3 | 3 | 9 | Covered carrier or trailer locked; unattended storage area locked; authorised personnel only; ADS-DV not left in an insecure environment. References: User Manual 7, Operational Safety 3, Transportation 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 (Low) | ADS-DV Operator / Safety Supervisor: secure before leaving site | Mandatory when unattended |
Note: The highest residual risk identified in this RAMS is the manual handling involved in placing the ADS-DV on and off the Skateboard Trolleys, or otherwise transitioning it between the trolleys and its wheels, which retains a residual score of
8 (Moderate).
Note: For any uncontrolled or runaway ADS-DV movement during Dynamic Operation, the primary mitigation is immediate activation of the Emergency Braking System (EBS) by the ASR using the RES, bringing the ADS-DV to an immediate halt. This is backed up by the fail-safe engineering of the RES + EBS which defaults to the Safe State of Brakes "On" and Traction System "Off" upon any relevant fault within the ADS-DV itself.