This safe work method statement
uploaded by QHSE documents for the “Method Statement For Working at heights for scaffolding”
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Table of Contents
1. Scope of Work
2. Location of works
3. Description of Works
4. Plant and equipment
5. Related documentation and assessments
6. Location and protection of any services/facilities affected by ongoing work
7. Foreseeable adverse effects and their control
8. Safety precautions
9. Monitoring systems
10. Further information/observations
11. Attachments
1. Scope of Work
The supply of labor and materials to assemble and dismantle scaffolding, following current British Standards, relevant legislation, and Approved Code of Practices.
2. Location of works
2.1. Site Address- [Address for the project/site]
3. Description of Works
To supply, erect and dismantle the full scaffold and temporary roof to the above property, in conjunction with and strictly following supplied Engineer’s drawings. Fencing, pedestrian protection, and signage /lighting are to be supplied as necessary.
3.1. Preparation of the Work Area
- [YOUR COMPANY] Scaffolding will obtain authorization from the Client to commence work on-site and will confirm the work area. The Client will ensure that the area is ready for work by removing any obvious hazards and materials that may impede the safe work systems of our scaffolders and that safe access and egress to the place of work are maintained throughout.
- Localized parking may have to be restricted in some areas during this project.
- All employees will receive induction specifically related to the site hazards, rules, means of raising the alarm in the event of an emergency, and details of this RAMS.
3.2. Receiving and Taking Delivery of Materials
- Arrangements will be made to ensure that adequate time is allowed for the movement and set down of materials. Materials will be brought to the site by a suitable vehicle which will be parked in an area suitable for the delivery of materials and can be off-loaded by hand.
- Access and egress to the site will be via car parks and access roads
- Materials will not be stacked in any access and egress routes and will be taken directly to the work site. To reduce the risk of manual handling injuries there will be at least two operatives available to carry scaffold components to the work area.
- All Scaffolder Operatives have received instruction in safe manual handling techniques. Before delivery on site, all materials are visually checked to ensure they are fit for purpose.
3.3. Undertaking the Works
- The Scaffold Operatives will be led by Project Engineer [Name Here] and under the direct control of [ Scaffold Engineer/Competent Person]-(Contact Number Here).
- The scaffold will be designed and constructed to meet the Clients’ requirements and follow the methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds as contained within the relevant British Standards BS EN 12811.
- It will be the Client’s responsibility to provide a suitable firm and level base from which to erect the structure that will provide support for the intended load.
- The assembly procedure for the structure will follow the technical guidance contained within the current guidance as issued by NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation) TG20:13 and SG4:15.
3.4. Erection
- The scaffold team will consist of 2 or more operatives. Ground conditions will be inspected to ensure a sound, level base. Scaffolds will be erected as per plans provided, by CITB-trained operatives using current NASC legislation. Scaffolding / Handrail will be constructed using galvanized British Standard tubes and fittings. Handrails will be fixed to the main support beam using scaffolding steel fixing clamps to British Standard EN74-1. All boarded lifts will be guard railed & toe boards fitted. Ladders will be supplied for access to the scaffold.
- All operatives will arrive at the site wearing full PPE (Harness and Lanyard, Hard Hat, Hi-Vis Clothing, Steel Toe Capped Boots, Gloves, and Safety Glasses) All operatives are to report to the Site Manager, Inductions given, and Site Safety made aware to all operatives MS/RA/Scope of work to be explained to all operatives by the supervisor, questions answered and all operatives to sign MS/RA. Ground conditions are inspected to ensure a sound level base Working area between the lorry and the location of the scaffold is to be cordoned off and any obstructions or hazards are to be removed, to provide a safe working area for the movement of equipment.
Base Lift
- The lift will be positioned at the required height as agreed with Client/ [YOUR COMPANY]
- Erect the required number of standards on top of sole boards and base plates
- Ledgers can then be fixed using double couplings
- The process is to proceed along the length of the required scaffold
- Transoms are then fixed again using double couplings, ensuring support scaffold boards every 1.2m (maximum).
NOTE: Minimum and maximum board overhangs will be observed (minimum 50mm and maximum 150mm)
- This can now be fully boarded and handrails to minimize the risk of falling in line with SG4:15 2nd and subsequent lifts.
- Ledgers are to be sized so joints are staggered and do not fall in the same bay. Ledgers are fixed to standards using right-angle couplers and level following the tolerances stated in TG20:13. Sleeve couplers will be used if joints in ledgers are required.
- 2nd and subsequent lifts are to be positioned at a height agreed upon with Client and [YOUR COMPANY]
- Fix 1st lift transoms to be fixed to the ledgers with putlog clips adjacent to the standards and to support the boards every 1.2m.
NOTE: Minimum and maximum board overhangs will be observed (minimum 50mm and maximum 150mm).
- This can now be fully boarded and handrails to minimize the risk of falling in line with SG4:15
- Scaffolders will use the advanced guardrail principle to install guardrails progressively from below using a step system to avoid the need to access unprotected lifts.
- Working away from the ladder position, scaffolders fix bottom guardrails progressively to the standards using right-angle couplers. The primary and main guardrails will be fixed/installed at a minimum height of 950 millimeters above the working platform. An intermediate guardrail is to be fixed to ensure no vertical gap greater than 450mm between guardrails
- Toe boards are to be fitted to all external elevations of the scaffold. Secured at a minimum of two positions using putlog clips to the standards.
- Ledger bracing to be fitted, using swivel couplers within 300mm of node point, to the end pairs of standards and at alternative pairs of standards
- Front bracing is to be fixed to the standard close to the ground, using swivel couplers within 300mm of the node point. A face brace shall be fitted as per TG20:13.
- Once the scaffold is completed and inspected, Scaff Tag is to be fitted, the Client informed and the Handover Certificate is to be issued, hard copy and emailed.
- Cordon between lorry and scaffold position to be cleared Where ladder beams are to be incorporated in the scaffold, this will be subject to a design check, with installation undertaken following supplied drawings, and under the supervision of an Advanced Scaffolder.
- For sheeted roofs upon beam works the ladder beam points above need to be adhered to, with operatives to use double lanyards
3.5. Dismantling
- The dismantling procedure is often the reverse of the Erection procedure (see above). Please Note that hazards may change. Risk Assessment must be checked if still valid and amended as necessary Should a different gang erect team dismantle the scaffold, Method Statement, and Risk Assessment is to be communicated and signed. All operatives will arrive at the site wearing full PPE (Harness and Lanyard, Hard Hat, Hi-Vis Clothing, Steel Toe Capped Boots, Gloves, and Safety Glasses) All operatives are to report to the Site Manager, Inductions given, and Site Safety made aware to all operatives MS/RA/Scope of work to be explained to all operatives by the supervisor, questions answered and all operatives to sign MS/RA. Ground conditions are inspected to ensure a sound level base Working area between the lorry and the location of the scaffold is to be cordoned off and any obstructions or hazards are to be removed, to provide a safe working area for the movement of equipment.
- Cordon off a safe working area around the lorry and scaffold and the area between the lorry and scaffold for movement of equipment, removing any obstructions or hazards (construction debris, trip hazards, etc.).
- Scaffold structure, including platforms to be examined for soundness and if necessary, components to be repaired or replaced.
- Scaffolders are to dismantle all lifts systematically lift by lift, using the advanced guardrail principle, following SG4:15.
- No equipment will be stored on the scaffold or thrown to the ground.
- Equipment is to be handed to the operative on the lift below until it reaches the ground to be walked to the lorry and stacked safely.
- Continue this sequence until the scaffold is dismantled fully.
- As the equipment is placed on lorry scaffold components will be inspected for damage and if necessary, mark for repair or disposal.
- Check and Clear the site of scaffold debris.
- Remove cordoned barriers and place them on the lorry.
- Inform the Site Manager that the job has been completed. The email will be sent to the state scaffold completed
3.6. Fall prevention
- All those involved in the works will wear and use fall arrest equipment and be appropriately trained in its use, inspection, and maintenance following current guidance issued by NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation) of which a copy is available upon request.
- [YOUR COMPANY] will coordinate their activities with those of other contractors to ensure that non-authorized persons are prevented from entering the work area until scaffolding work is completed.
- This will be confirmed by the issuing of a handover certificate (when jobs require it), otherwise, the placing of a “scaff-tag” on the scaffold to certify that it is complete and safe to use is mandatory. Thereafter, an inspection by a competent person will be required every 7 days, after any alterations or after any event likely to have affected the integrity of the scaffold.
- Any scaffolding not being handed over or taken out of service will have the scaff-tag updated to show a “Scaffold Incomplete” notice erected and ladders removed or barred.
- When required, operatives are trained in the safe usage of Scissor Lift and Self-Propelled. The dismantling procedure will be the reverse of the erecting process, taking into consideration any modifications to the initial construction.
3.7. Rescue Plan
- This job entails the use of short rope lanyards as supplied to operatives. In the event of a fall, the lanyard will prevent the scaffolder from falling too far. This will allow him to rescue himself with assistance from his work team.
- Once rescued the operative will be assessed by a trained first aider or member of the emergency services. The incident will be reported to the site manager immediately and recorded in the [YOUR COMPANY] accident book.
- A full investigation will be carried out as to why the incident occurred by JPS. The harness and lanyard be fully inspected and a new one provided.
- NEVER work alone, and always make sure other gang members are close by, within verbal communication and Visual distance.
- If a worker falls while wearing a safety harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard & is unconscious, he MUST be rescued within an average of 5 minutes.
- In case of any casualty Rescue by ladder or boarded lift (Scissor lift if readily available)
- Details of site address/how high casualty has fallen, and condition of casualty will need to be communicated to emergency services by dialing [911/999, etc.]
- Assign a team member to direct traffic/set up barriers to give clear access to emergency services
- Protect and safeguard accident scene carefully/install barriers to prevent further injury
- If not rescued within such a short time, he might sustain fatal health effects due to suspension trauma.
- Make sure an unconscious suspended victim has no other injuries in the head or back due to the pendulum effect.
- If the victim is conscious and alert ask him to keep moving his legs and body as if cycling, which will prevent blood from building up and becoming stagnant in lower limbs.
WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND THAT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE THE FIRST TO ADMINISTER CARE TO OUR OPERATIVES ALTHOUGH IN CERTAIN CASES FULLY TRAINED FIRST AIDERS WILL NEED TO ACT
4. Plant and equipment
Minimum requirements for scaffolding work equipment:
- Scaffold tubes – galvanized for protection from the elements.
- Scaffold boards.
- Scaffold fittings.
- Loading bays – provided with brick guards, or similar protection, to the perimeter with clear signage as to the safe working loads.
- Brick guards – compete with no signs of rupture
- Debris netting (where installed) – in good state of repair with no holes, tears, or splits.
- Temporary Edge Protection Systems.
- Suitable (non-domestic) ladders.
- Safety Nets.
- Gin wheels and ropes – tested, certified, and inspected before use and attached to the scaffold following the design criteria and an exclusion zone established at the base of this operation.
- All plant, machinery tools, and equipment will comply with any relevant British, or other, Standards.
5. Related documentation and assessments
- All works will be undertaken by Construction Industry Scaffolders’ Record Scheme Card (CISRS) holders.
- Operatives will receive a pre-start “toolbox talk” to discuss this method statement/risk assessment and to ensure that they are familiar with the method of work and hazards specific to this document and site.
- Site Induction (done through this MS/RA).
- [YOUR COMPANY] Scaffolding Health and Safety Policy or West End Group H&S Policy
- Documentation and British Standards* for plant, equipment, machinery and equipment see Section 4
- On-site monitoring checks for ongoing works.
- Site Rules (where applicable).
- Training certificates*
- Handover certification after work to confirm Clients’ satisfaction.
* Copies available upon request.
6. Location and protection of any services/facilities affected by ongoing work
- Work will not be carried out less than 15m away from an overhead power line conductor/pylon or 9m away from a pole without the power being isolated or diverted, if applicable.
- The Client will ensure that any other electrical, gas, underground services or other similar hazards are made safe, e.g., isolated, and their location communicated to relevant personnel.
7. Foreseeable adverse effects and their control
- Adverse weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow, ice, wind, lightning, etc. will be carefully monitored and work may cease if deemed by the Supervisor that the weather conditions will put workers at risk.
- The Client must immediately report any incidents, particularly any which may affect the integrity of the structure, to [YOUR COMPANY].
- The Client will cause or permit anything to be attached to the structure without written permission from [YOUR COMPANY].
- The Client will not cause or permit any excavation so close to the structure that will affect its integrity, without written permission from [YOUR COMPANY].
- During the assembly of the structure, it may be necessary to protect other site personnel from any associated hazards by using barriers to exclude personnel from the areas concerned.
- ANY injury to operatives or other persons is to be reported to the site supervisor and, where appropriate, initial first aid administered from the first aid kit provided.
- All accidents will be fully investigated.
- Operatives are informed to implement good personal hygiene procedures. All non-essential personnel is excluded from the work area.
8. Safety precautions
[YOUR COMPANY] employees are not permitted to smoke on site.
The minimum PPE to be always worn, by scaffold operatives, whilst working on site is:
- YES- Safety helmet – BS EN 397
- YES – Safety footwear – With toe cap protection and mid sole EN 20345
- NO – Eye protection – EN 166
- YES- Hi-Viz vest – EN 20471
- YES – Gloves (EN388 Cat 2)
- YES – Suitable fall arrest harness – EN 361
- YES – Suitable fall arrest lanyard – EN 354
- All Scaffolders will adhere to the “Scaffolder’s Safe Zone”, following the guidance issued by NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation).
- A communicated rescue plan will be in force in the unlikely event of a Scaffolder falling and being suspended in a fall arrest system.
- The Client is to make the Asbestos Register (where applicable) available for scrutiny.
- As soon as it is practicable to do so, suitable signs will be erected in prominent positions informing site personnel of the condition of the structure, e.g., “Incomplete Scaffold – Do Not Access”, “Scaff-tags”
- Welfare and First Aid facilities are to be provided by the Client.
- Any specific height access, e.g., to lift materials and equipment by crane, is to be provided by the Client in conjunction with [YOUR COMPANY].
- Noise is to be kept to a minimum limit.
- A hazard spotting procedure is used, allowing an identified hazard to be remedied through discussion with the site supervisor.
- All operatives engaged in the task will be experienced and fully trained in their respective duties. The site fire emergency procedures will be practiced and adopted and or controlled by the Client.
9. Monitoring systems
- [YOUR COMPANY] will prepare and implement a plan of regular monitoring and inspection of health and safety arrangements to ensure a safe working environment.
- Employees will check that equipment, including any personal protective equipment supplied, is suitable and safe before use.
- Regular supervision will be undertaken by the site supervisor with records maintained.
10. Further information/observations
- All operatives are to acknowledge confirmation that they understand the Method Statement, and associated Risk Assessment and that they are fully trained.
- A safe and clean working area shall be always maintained.
- At the close of work, all areas are inspected to ensure that they are left in a safe condition. Any waste will be removed and disposed of following relevant waste legislation.
11. Attachments
11.1. Risk Assessment
11.2. Permit To Work at Height