7.1 General

Risk assessments and method statements go hand in hand when ensuring all risks are managed on any project. A method statement can take information from a risk assessment and add further details for complex work, projects involving a number of high risk activities or work involving contactors to ensure a high level of communication.

7.2 Template Method statement

STFC provides a template method statement for general use​: (WORD | PD​F)

7.3 Areas for consideration in a safe system of work

These include:

• People
  • competency of contractors
  • the work activity being carried out
  • the duration and timing of the work
  • proximity of other people in the area
  • lone working
  • physical status of the workers such as pregnancy or vertigo sufferers
• Equipment
  • suitability of equipment for task including guarding
  • effect of equipment on people or environment (noise/vibration etc.)
  • the equipment to be used and its inspection and maintenance
  • control of possible falling objects or unstable equipment
• Materials
  • condition and stability of work surfaces such as fragile materials, slippery surfaces, hot, cold, sharp, heavy etc and
  • disposal of wastes including any radioactive materials:
    • How will they dispose of wastes (our skips or will they have their own contractor)
    • Who will transfer their waste (are they registered as a waste carrier with EA/NRW/SEPA)
    • Can they provide evidence of waste contractor, waste carriers licenses etc.
    • How do they manage hazardous waste
    • Will they segregate waste (general and recyclables)
• Environment
  • the location in relation to the presence of hazards such as open excavations, overhead services, radiation etc
  • the working environment with regard to weather, wind or lighting
  • safe and appropriate control of hazardous substances (e.g. dusts, chemicals, etc.)
  • safe means of access and egress
  • frequency of access
  • prevention of access by unauthorised persons and
  • separation of work from other people in the area

A typical method statement might contain the following:

• Description of the work
  • why is the work being carried out
  • the scope of the work, how long it will take etc.
  • the resources required to carry out the task
  • the sequence of operations necessary
  • controls required (e.g. PPE, LEV, atmosphere tests, etc.) and
  • completion criteria
• Location of the work
  • where on site the work is to be carried out
  • details of how the work might affect or be affected by other work in the area and how that will be controlled (e.g. warning signs, fencing etc.)
  • what preparation work needs to be carried out and
  • location of any signage
• Access/Egress
  • give details of any special access or egress requirements
  • Emergency procedures
  • details of fire and first aid procedures
  • how to deal with possible spills
  • reporting of incidents and near misses and
  • contact details of personnel involved

In assessing documentation from contractors, managers may need expert advice.

7.4 Related STFC SHE information

• STFC SHE Code 5, Incident Reporting and Investigation
• STFC SHE Code 6, Risk Management
• STFC SHE Code 13, CDM

7.5 References and further reading

​All STFC SHE documentation can be found on the STFC SHE Website

The STFC has also established free access to a source of HSE guidance and documentation as well as British Standards technical documents - Info4Education