METHOD STATEMENT DRAFT FOR CONSTRUCTION

Scope of Work/Project Proposal

Development of a [~185] MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, connected via electric cables to Transformers, Inverters, Substations, and any other required auxiliary equipment units. 

The proposed works on-site include the installation of:

1. Mechanical structure for mounting the solar PV modules
2. Inverter, transformer switchgear, SCADA, and other electrical and auxiliary equipment
3. Temporary roads, perimeter fencing, trenching for ducts & cables, foundations for inverter, transformer, substations, etc. cable installations and testing.

Planned Start Date

[ADD DATE HERE]

Estimated Duration:

[Write down the planned and scheduled date]

Location of Project

[Write down the Project Location Here]

NOTE: This Construction Method Statement is to be used in conjunction with the task-specific Risk Assessment and Method Statement and the Construction Phase Plan, which will be available during the pre-construction phase.

Site Induction

1. All personnel involved in the works will attend a site safety talk.
2. All personnel involved must adhere strictly to site rules as defined by Company Name in the induction.
3. All supervisors will be required to attend safety briefings and toolbox talks when site management deems it appropriate. These will allow the dynamic changes to the site to be communicated to the workforce and ensure that safe working is maintained.
4. A Permit to Work (PTW) system will be implemented for works deemed applicable (i.e. hot works). A PTW will be completed before any works commencing when applicable and signed off daily.

Site Setup

Perimeter Fencing:

To be installed by Company [Write down the Company Name Here]

Site offices, Welfare & Signage:

1. Company name will take delivery of all site offices, welfare, and storage from the supplier.
2. These will be located in the hard-standing area on site to be confirmed during the pre-start meeting (see site layout drawing for proposed locations).
3. All deliveries will be transported by the supplier. Hi-ab-equipped Lorries will be lifting the welfare units into the agreed locations as directed by the site manager.
4. Welfare Supplier to supply lifting plan for the delivery and placement of the welfare units.
5. The site signage board will be erected close to the site offices and appropriate signage will be cable tied to the perimeter fencing as deemed appropriate by the site manager.
6. Site signage will be positioned from the site entrance off the main road. 
7. The safety warnings Signs will highlight speed restrictions and associated hazards.
8. Barriers and cones will be used to contain traffic to designated areas

Working environment and restriction

• Exposure,
• Inclement weather.

Protection of Others

1. The plant will be present on-site for the duration of the work. Appropriate routes are to be defined at the start of the work.
2. Site signage, warning signs, and pedestrian barriers will be set up. “Construction warning” set up at site entrance. Warning signs are to be erected along with Netlon/Plastic mesh barrier at the tree protection area.
3. Site welfare facilities will be 20ft site offices, 20ft canteen, 20ft toilets (including separate ladies), and drying room (when required)

Emergency Procedures & General Health and Safety

1. Normal site procedures apply.
2. All operatives will be made aware of the site-specific fire evacuation procedures during the site induction.
3. Site safety briefings will be given to supervisors as the progress of the work detailing site-specific hazards that arise from the works.
4. DC voltages are more hazardous than AC voltages due to the nature of the shock, which causes contraction and can lead the victim of a shock to “hold” onto the conductor.
5. All persons overseeing the installation work will be experienced with, or have had specific training on, working with such systems.
6. A PTW (permit to work) system will be in place for the electrical side of the works.

Operatives / Competence

1. All personnel have Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), Construction Plant
2. Competence Scheme (CPCS) or relevant competency cards.
3. The Site Manager is Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or equivalent and 1st Aid qualified.
4. All electrical work will be undertaken by qualified electricians.

Materials handling and storage

Deliveries to Site:

1. The PV modules are delivered via shipping container packaged in cardboard on pallets and will need to be offloaded and stored using the forklift.
2. Metal purlin, piles, and other associated components for the mounting structure will be delivered in the articulated lorry and will need to be offloaded and stored using the forklift
3. Inverter-transformer containers, Substations, and Inverters will also be delivered via articulated lorry and require a crane lift
4. The GRP building will be delivered in flat-pack form and erected on-site using a hi-ab.
5. All other goods (ducting, cable, etc.) will be delivered to the site secured and removable via the tail lift or utilizing the on-site plant.
6. All deliveries will be pre-arranged in agreement with Site Management with sufficient notice. A qualified plant operator will offload deliveries into agreed storage positions.
7. Deliveries will be made promptly to avoid any delays in installation and to ensure that the storage provisions on-site are sufficient.
8. All deliveries are to be recorded and damaged goods are to be reported to the site manager immediately.

Site Distribution of Goods:

1. Movement of materials will be by utilizing plants on site.
2. PV modules should remain in their packaging until they are installed onto the support structures.
3. All packaging will be removed and discarded daily from the work site.
4. The support structure work and PV modules will need to be manually handled.
5. Please refer to the manual handling assessment for this element of the work.

Storage:

1. PV modules, structures, and other electrical equipment will be protected from the elements and securely stored by the Company name.
2. Packaging should be kept dry to avoid collapse or compression of the packaging which might lead to damage to the equipment.
3. All other equipment (electrical, ducting, etc.) will be stored in a secure location (locked container) until ready to be installed, location subject to site agreement (see proposed Layout plan.

Waste:

1. Waste is to be transferred by a licensed carrier and sent to a licensed receiver. All transfer notes are to be stored and collated if applicable.
2. The company name will provide segregated skips for the duration of the works
3. The company name will aim to recycle as much waste as possible

Access:

1. All routes will be kept free of obstacles and trip hazards during the period of work.
2. Access to the site is to be via designated pedestrian and vehicle routes detailed on- the site plan.
3. This will inevitably change throughout the works and will be communicated to all site personnel via safety briefings with the site manager.
4. Methodology for works:

Working area – Site:

1. Site management will provide designated access and egress routes to and from the site.
2. The site is exposed to the elements. All personnel will be required to wear appropriate PPE to protect them from adverse weather conditions and encouraged to use sunscreen as required.
3. Works should cease in bad weather (persistent heavy rain, storm, high winds) as instructed by the site manager.

Working area – Inverter container/GRP housing:

1. Container/GRP housing to be installed on concrete legs/ concrete base
2. The respective subcontractor will deliver the unit to the site on a flatbed with a Hi- ab and erect the unit onto the foundation base. Aluminum matt may be required to be supplied as a working area.
3. Access into the housing will be required by respective equipment suppliers for their connection works and commissioning of the switchgear. Once commissioned access will be restricted.

Working area – Location for cutting metalwork:

1. All cutting is to be carried out at the agreed location. Site management to take steps to protect materials and other trades/personnel. Sub-contractor to provide a fire extinguisher which will be present during all cutting works. A Hot works permit is to be obtained each day as required.
2. Cutting is to be carried out on a firm surface and all cutting equipment is to be secure and stable.
3. PPE to be worn includes gloves, a face mask or approved safety goggles, ear protectors, and steel toe cap boots. (Applicable to a specific task)
4. All cutting equipment is to be properly maintained and PAT tested.
5. Instructions to be followed and guards to be used.

1st Operation – Site clearance

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• Marking the site set up an area for a temporary construction compound and storage area.
• Surveyor to mark out the site using different color flags, indicating different structures.

2nd Operation – Access track

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• Only competent person to operate machinery.
• Remove topsoil along the entire length of the proposed access track/road and stockpile for local spreading later.
• Now backfill the box with type No-3 and compact.
• Once the entire length has been compacted return to the beginning and place a 75mm type 1 cap on the track/road

The-3rd Operation–[Project/Building/Area Name] Edge of park connection substation:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• The Foundation is to be cast as per approved construction drawings and methodology.
• The building will be delivered in flat-pack form and erected on-site using a hi-ab as per the sub-contractor’s approved RAMS.
• Siemens are to install their switchgear as per their specific risk assessment and method statement.
• Ensure all civil works are completed for the area to carry out the installation, and clearance is obtained from respective authorities.
• Ensure the installation of the switchgear is carried out following manufacturers/Siemens guidelines.
• The switchgear is heavy and will require lifting onto rollers so that it can be “rolled” into the GRP building and in position. This will need particular attention and coordination.
• Proper care is to be taken to protect the unit from dust and moisture.
• Subcontractor to install the [Utility Company] incomer earth matt as per construction drawing.
• Further, this will be connected to the NG main earth matt by others.
• All work under permit.
• [Utility Company] to issue Company names the relevant work permits and Company name to be working under [Utility Company] safety rules.

The 4th Operation – Commissioning Utility Incomer

• Before energization, the electrical system is to be completed and tested following BS 7671 or equivalent and IEC 62446.
• [Utility Company] commissioning engineer will check the AC and DC test sheets before proceeding with commissioning as per their procedures.
• Ensure the Edge of Park connection substation is kept always locked and a sign for the key system is in place.
• No unauthorized entry

The 5th Operation – Foundations:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• The installer is to use a ready mix or precast concrete blocks where possible to eliminate the risk of personnel being exposed to cement dust.
• Operatives are not to handle wet concrete without the appropriate PPE worn
• All foundations are to be installed as per design and construction drawings.
• For offloading of precast concrete blocks please refer to the unloading
• Concrete blocks are to be lifted using the supplied snatch chains/link
• All limbs’ indexes etc. to be kept clear of concrete blocks when being placed.
• Finished structures to be approx. 450mm above ground level.

The 6th Operation – Fencing:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• Dig outpost holes by hand using hand-digging tools and a 110 Volt breaker if necessary.
• Mix concrete with a petrol mixer and/or by hand.
• Set posts in concrete in an upright position.
• Fit vertical steel palisades to rails with snap-off security bolt fixings.
• Hang gates to gate posts and level. Fit drop bolt receiver pies into the surface.

The 7th Operation – Lifting Placing Sub Station, Inverters, and inverter-transformer station containers:

• All lifting operations must be scheduled, well planned, monitored by competent supervision, and carried out by competent people. This does not mean an Appointed Person must be present during all lifting operations.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• Site manager to check all lifting certs and paperwork before lifts commence.
• Make sure that the crane/lorry has the accurate and correct capacity and reach for the required lift.
• The use of a spreader bar is to be utilized where necessary to prevent damage to equipment.
• Access into and out of the site must be suitable for a crane, lorry, lorry, and drawbar trailer, or an articulated vehicle. Removal or moving of parked cars outside of sites that prevent access or egress must be dealt with by the site manager.
• The work area must be free from obstruction and have adequate hard-standing and sufficient strength to withstand crane/lorry loader stabilizer forces.
• The work area must be free from underground services, overhead obstructions, excavations, manhole covers, and backfilled areas. Note: crane and Lorries will not drive or set up on grassy or muddy areas.
• It is the Principal Contractor’s responsibility to provide information on the ground-bearing pressure capability.
• The set-down area when delivering must be of adequate strength to accommodate the load.
• Unauthorized personnel, including the public, must be restricted from access to the lift area, with the provision of physical barriers where necessary.
• Min 800 millimeters x 800 millimeters crane pads to be used on top of the trackway or as per RAMS.
• The site is to have a qualified first aider on-site throughout the task.

The 8th Operation – CCTV

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• Operatives working at height will require a permit.
• Operatives using ladders must be of the relevant standard and in good condition and entered into the ladder register.
• Make sure that the work on a ladder must be short time and not more than 30 minutes
• Only competent personnel to work on CCTV systems and electricals.

The 9th Operation – Electrical works and trenching

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn as per the method statement
• All electrical works are to be conducted by well-trained and competent electricians
• All trenching and electrical work is to be undertaken with a valid permit system.
• The work area is to be CAT scanned for underground cables and services before any trenching commences.
• All ‘open’ excavations with the potential to cause a fall from a height will be fenced off.
• Trench inspections are to be carried out and documented properly.
• All electrical trenches are to be to the correct depth.
• Only use mechanical excavators to within 0.5m of identified buried utilities. (Greater distance may be required according to type and size of service)
• Excavated materials are to be separated and stored at least 1m away from the edge of the excavation/trench.
• The need for shuttering must be made by undertaking a specific risk assessment regardless of the depth of the excavation.
• The atmosphere in deep excavations should be monitored for the ingress of gasses
• Sand will be used to protect the cables in all directly laid trenches.
• All electrical installation work should be carried out following BS7671
• Electrical Installation Wiring Regulations using a ‘no live working’ policy.
• All components of the electrical system will have identification and warning labels installed according to appropriate standards and design.
• Identify the correct electrical cable before proceeding with work. Check cable phasing appropriately.
• Before terminating a cable, ensure a visual inspection is carried out to identify any damage or fault.
• Terminate using the correct termination kit supplied accordingly.
• Cables are to be installed with the aid of cable spoolers or duct rod systems.
• No AC cable is to run in the same duct as a DC cable.
• All sharp edges are to be protected
• Make sure that all of the electrical connections are to be torqued to the correct setting and marked accordingly.
• All isolating equipment should remain in the off position until the system is complete and ready for full testing and commissioning.
• All works to be undertaken under site-specific method statement and Risk

Assessment.

Should you have any questions with regard to the safety of the work you are carrying out STOP and seek advice from your supervisor?

Plant List:

• The plant that will be used for the works:
• Ton excavator
• Cable avoidance tool and signal generator
• Telehandler
• Dumper
• Skid steer
• Cable trailer
• Cable winch
• Crane
• Hi-Ab

General:

• Personnel have a responsibility to conduct work safely and must adhere to their
• MSRA and all correct working procedures.
• All-access equipment/plant used is certified, numbered, inspected, logged, and maintained as per the manufacturer’s requirements.

De-Mobilization of Site:

• All areas of work will be left in a clean and presentable condition daily.
• Make sure that all items including materials and equipment are stored safely on site.

DOWNLOAD THE FILE

METHOD STATEMENT DRAFT FOR CONSTRUCTION