unit 105-6 Method Statements

​​Unit 105: Protecting health, safety and the environment when working in the construction and build environment sector

​​Method Statement

Multiple Choice

What is a Method Statement used for

• To schedule meetings with clients
• To design a new software program
• To create a budget for a project
• To outline the safe system of work for a particular task or activity

​What is Method Statement ?

​The method statement is always ‘Site Specific’. It is used to control the operation and to ensure that all concerned are aware of the hazards associated with the work.

It identifies the safety precautions that should be taken.​

Construction method statements are used on site. ​

Method statements must be written by a competent person familiar with the work processes. Method statements should also contain information concerning the order and method of construction with reference to work procedures.

​Method statements

​Contractors are often asked by their clients to produce a method statement, either as part of their Health and Safety documentation or, for larger projects, under the CDM Regulations.

A method statement is a document detailing how a particular task or activity will be carried out. It is a step-by-step process of how a task is to be carried out.

A method statement is a method of control that is used after a risk assessment of an operation has been carried out. A method statement should detail:

• the possible dangers/risks associated with your particular part of the project

• the methods of control to be established.

It should show how the work will be managed safely.

​​Method statements

​ A method statement is:

• a written safe system of work

• or series of safe systems of work.


Method statements are agreed between:

• a client and principal contractor

• a principal contractor and contractor.

​​​Method statements

​They are produced where work with a foreseeable high hazard content is to be undertaken.

A method statement should specify:

• the activities to be undertaken on a stage-by-stage basis

• all the precautions necessary to protect site operators

the client's employees and members of the public who could be affected by site activities.

Method statements may be produced and agreed between: ​ 

a client and principal contractor for a range of high-risk activities prior to starting work.

Multiple Choice

What are method statements used for ?

• To outline specific steps or procedures
• To write a novel
• To perform a magic trick
• To make coffee

​What goes into a method statement?

​There is no standard format for a method statement. Consider the following aspects:

• working systems to be used

• arrangements for access, e.g. to roofs

• methods for safeguarding existing structures

• structural stability precautions, e.g. temporary shoring arrangements

• arrangements for protecting the safety of members of the public

• plant and equipment to be used

Multiple Choice

What goes into a method statement ?

• Recipes for cooking
• List of favorite movies
• Weather forecast for the week
• Description of work, materials and equipment, sequence of work, safety precautions

​health protection arrangements, such as the use of local exhaust ventilation and respiratory protection, where hazardous dusts and fumes could be created.

Method statements in certain cases may:​

 

·        identify training needs for those carrying out the work ​

 

·        identify the use of competent persons ​

 

·        mention specially-trained operators for certain activities.

​What goes into a method statement?

​Obligations

​One of the obligations for all employers (contractors) is to prepare a document of what they would be doing on the construction site:


• methodology and technology of the work (Methodology of Work Execution).




Then the employer (the H&S expert) will identify potential hazards and prepare a Risk Assessment and Method Statement as the logical outcome of the risk assessment process.

​Method Statement

​Now Produce a Method statement for the following