Method Statement

What is a Method Statement?

A work method statement, sometimes called a "safe system of work", is a document that details the way a work task or process is to be completed. The method statement should outline the hazards involved and include a step by step guide on how to do the job safely. The method statement must also detail which control measures have been introduced to ensure the safety of anyone who is affected by the task or process.

Method Statements are frequently requested as part of a tender process which allows the company to gain an insight into your organisation and the way it operates. They allow your company to demonstrate how it can provide goods and services in a safe and high quality manner. For this reason Method Statements become another brochure for your company and it is necessary to have well presented documentation to gain a competitive advantage over your competition.

Writing a Method Statement may seem like a daunting task, but this article will guide you through the process and enable you to approach Method Statements with confidence.

How do I write a Method Statement?

The first task is to carry out a Risk Assessment, for details of how to do this please click Here. A Risk Assessment will highlight the significant hazards and control measures required to prevent injury or ill health whilst carrying out the task and will provide details to add to your method statement document.

You will also hear many people refer to risk assessments and method statements as RAMS.

If you hear health and safety professionals referring to ‘RAMS Health and Safety’ they are referring to your businesses risk assessments and method statements.

The first section of your method statement document is the header information and should be used to provide information to your staff or prospective clients, this section might include;

http://www.hsdirect.co.uk/free-info/method-statement.html

The contents of a method statement will vary with the work process being described however, they may contain:

• Details of the organisation in control of the activity.
• Details of the individual responsible for the activity.
• A description of the activity.
• A description of how the work will be managed.
• The location of the activity, its boundaries, means of access and how it is segregated from other activities.
• Plant and equipment required.
• The procedure for changing the proposed method of work if necessary.
• A step by step description of the activities to be undertaken.
• Precautions necessary to protect workers, and other people that could be affected, includingpersonal protective equipment and ventilation requirements.
• Training procedures.
• The need for specially-trained operators for certain activities.
• Emergency procedures, including the location of emergency equipment.
• The handling and storage of materials and pollution prevention procedures.
• Temporary works designs.
• The method for safeguarding existing structures.

Together, risk assessments and method statements are sometimes described as 'RAMS'. RAMS may be required by third parties to demonstrate that health and safety has been properly considered and that the requirements of the CDM regulations have been satisfied. For example, a contractor may require submission of RAMS form sub-contractors, a landlord may require submission of RAMS from tenants proposing to carry out works to a property, or a client may require submission of RAMS from contractors operating on their premises.

http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Method_statement_for_construction