METHOD STATEMENT

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1. Introduction
The particular scope of this Method Statement [M.S] is to provide the user with a solid,
general understanding of the safe standards of work that should be followed and employed
during the construction of:
CONCRETE COLUMNS WITH CARDBOARD FORMWORKS (HIGH<3.50M)
This Method Statement highlights and explains the various stages of construction, the
various materials and equipment to be used and how they are to be used when carrying out the
above activity, the staff involved and the Health and Safety Requirements. This document
combines the both the Technical and Health and Safety disciplines into one document to
provide a both detailed and well defined document which gives a clear analysis of risks
involved, and methods of risk reduction.

2. Parties Concerned and Addressees

Parties directly concerned by this M.S and their general duties are listed below

 Site Manager: is in control of the overall activity of the project including Health and
Safety requirements.
o Decides and appoints competent persons to carry out the different activities
within his organisation.
o Reviews at suitable intervals the competences of staff and supervision to
ensure that the activity is correctly managed and controlled.
o Decides of any modification within his organisation with Project
Management and decides of training requirements for members of his staff.
o Makes sure that enough resources (staff, training, and the like) are in place to
fulfil activity and associated responsibilities.
o Checks and approves the M.S.

 Civil Works Manager: is in direct charge of the civil works activity and its specific
Health and Safety requirements.
o Ensures that this Method Statement is drawn up at the start of the project.
o Checks the MS and decides of any amendment, is responsible for ensuring
that the MS is followed.
o Appoints the competent persons to carry out the civil works activity.
o Monitors and reviews appointments regularly, particularly in the event of
changing site conditions, complexity or workload.

 Site Health and Safety Manager: ensures that the H&S Regulation and the H&S
Company Policy is applied and followed on site. Also he will organise the Site
Health and Safety Management for the entire project activity.
o Assists the Site Manager and the Civil Work Manager in the management of
the Health and Safety aspect of the activity on site.
o Trains or organizes trainings with external bodies for members of staff who
may need additional training or refresh on activities involving Health and
Safety requirements or deep knowledge of the Health and Safety regulations.
o Checks and approves the MS.

 Project System Manager: reviews the MS under the Quality-Safety-Environmental

[QSE] aspect.
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 Civil Works Engineer: is in charge of the structural works and its H&S requirements.
o Prepares and amends the MS as necessary. Keeps a record of all relevant
documentation related to the aforementioned activity.
o Must assess concrete columns construction operations to provide such
planning, selection of materials and equipment, instruction and supervision as
is necessary for the tasks to be undertaken safely.
o Ensures that adequate examination, inspection and maintenance are carried
out and keeps records of examinations, inspections, tests of all cranes, lifting
accessories and equipment.
o Ensures that the certifications for all crane operators, slinger/signaller are
valid.
o Monitors, reviews, reassesses and revises the Method Statement and Risk
Assessment.

 Superintendent of Works: supervises either a section of the job or the overall job.
o Checks the MS and proposes of any amendment to site management.
o Makes sure that MS requirements are followed on site.
o Checks competences of supervisor staff, crane coordinator, crane drivers,
banksman, slingers / signallers and skilled workers.
o Assists the Site Engineer in the monitoring and checking of staff
certifications inspection records of equipment and plants.

 Site Supervisor: supervises a part of the activity, and also supervises the skilled and
trained workers involved in the activity.
o Reviews the MS with Civil Works engineer and implements the plan on site.
o Is competent, suitably trained and has sufficient experience to carry out these
duties.
o Is fully conversant with the duties of all persons involved in the operation.
o Gives clear, unambiguous instructions to all members of the team under his
control.
o Identifies any danger to the operation from changed circumstances on site.
o Stops operations if he considers them unsafe and reports any problems to the
Site Management.

 Banksman, slingers / signallers, who are responsible for the stages of the activity.
They must hold a current CITB Certificate of Training Achievement CPCS or similar
for slinging and signalling, and are responsible for attaching and detaching the load to
and from cranes and for use of the correct lifting accessories in accordance with the
Method Statement.
The slinger/signaller is also responsible for initiating and directing the safe movement
of the loads and the crane. They are required to wear items of high visibility clothing
that will uniquely identify them to the crane operator.

 Crane driver: is responsible for the correct operation of the cranes in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions and within the safe system of work.
The operator of the crane on company sites must be competent, and hold a current
CITB Certificate of Training Achievement (CPCS, formally CTA card) for operating
the appropriate category of crane, or similar.

 Skilled labourers, who are in charge of all main activities within concrete
construction, especially pouring and vibration.

Method Statement – Concrete columns construction with cardboard formworks

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This M.S has to be issued to all parties prior to the commencement of any works.
3. References to other documents
This current M.S contains reference to other Health and Safety documents which can be
consulted in order to gain more in-depth knowledge on the overall, direct and in-direct issues
covered within Site Health and Safety.

- BYUK Health and Safety Management Plan

- Project Health and Safety Plan
- Project Lifting Management Plan

There are also other documents that will replicate the information supplied in this M.S:

COTYMS BYG-MTH-020205

4. Management of Resources
4.1 Plant, equipment and materials

Below are tabulated lists of other equipments, materials and workforce involved in the
activity.

Equipments:

COMPONENT SKILLED OPERATIVE COMPONENT SKILLED OPERATIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED
Cardboard formworks Skilled labourer Vibrators for concrete Foreman / Skilled labourers
Standard small site Skilled labourer; provided with Compressor [If required] Foreman / Skilled labourer
tools / equipment site training on the use of small
power tools
Tower / Mobile crane, Crane driver, banksman / slinger / Electrical current Foreman / Skilled labourer
chains and sling signaller converter
Tower props, push pull Skilled or trained worker; Cleaning podium for Foreman / Skilled labourer
fixed on tower props provided with a Tool-box talk on concrete skip
the safe use of tower props
Concrete skip Banks-man / slinger / signaller,
Skilled labourer, Foreman
FULL PERSONAL All operatives Safety harness Foreman / Skilled labourers
PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT

Materials :

DESIGNATION TYPE SKILLED OPERATIVE REQUIRED

Concrete to Design Mix Material Foreman / Skilled labourer
Specification
Steel reinforcements Material Foreman / Skilled labourers

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Workforce :

SKILLED OPERATIVE COMPETENCE LEVEL COMPETENCE PERMIT

REQUIRED REQUIRED
Experienced in working on site, is Is to attend relevant tool-box talk.
aware of all main activities within
concrete construction; inc setting Competence is to be checked by
Skilled labourer out, placing shuttering, steel Supervisor.
reinforcement, pouring, vibration
etc.
Experienced in all types of lifting Is to attend relevant tool-box talk.
operations; inc slinging, Competence is to be checked by
Banks-man assembly/de-assembly of lifting Health and Safety Personnel and
beans and all lifting signals. superintendent

Experienced in concrete works Is to attend relevant tool-box talk.

Steel fixer and aware of specific reinforcing Competence is to be checked by
requirements. Supervisor.
Experienced in concrete works Is to attend relevant tool-box talk.
and is aware of method of pouring Competence is to be checked by
Concrete pourer and checking concrete moisture Supervisor
content.
Experienced in tower crane Tower/Mobile crane driving
driving. Should be responsible for license. Is to attend relevant tool-
the correct operation of the crane box talk. Competence is to be
Crane driver in accordance with the checked by Health and Safety
manufacturer’s instructions and Personnel and superintendent
within the safe system of work.
Should at any time only respond
to the signals from one
slinger/signaller who should be
clearly identified. In an emergency
a commonly recognized stop
signal may be given by any person
observing a situation leading to
danger and the crane operator
should respond to that signal.
Should have sufficient authority to
stop the lifting operation if they
consider it dangerous to proceed.
Experienced in wide range of Is to attend relevant tool-box talk.
Carpenter shutters and formworks. Competence is to be checked by
Supervisor.
Experienced in use of surveying Is to attend relevant tool-box talk.
Surveyor methods of equipment; Theodolite Competence is to be checked by
etc Civil Works Engineer.

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4.2 General Safety Recommendations relating to Equipment, Material and Workforce

Lifting equipment and accessories

All lifting equipment and accessories [chains, slings, lifting beams and concrete skips are to be
thoroughly examined and inspected by a competent person* before use and at 6-monthly
intervals or immediately following any repairs or alterations to the lifting equipment.

[* A competent individual can be anyone who works with the equipment, has a competent
knowledge level of methods of assembling and de-assembling the equipment, and they must also
keep a written record of these inspections; Proof of training is also required]

 Weekly visual inspections of all components are to be made and documented by a

competent individual. [I.e. Use of colour coding checking system]
 The equipment supplier must provide a valid certificate of inspection and conformity.
 The Engineer in Charge and the H&S Manager are obliged to keep copies of these
inspections and certificates ready for inspection.

Small Power Tools and Electrical Equipment

 The use of small power tools and electrical equipment on site is a common
occurrence for skilled operatives. Those who are not skilled in the use of these tools
are to be trained by the use of Tool-box talks to improve and validate their level of
competency.

 There is to be a record kept of which individuals are capable of operating this

machinery, and also a record kept of when this equipment is removed from the
equipment store and who is responsible for its return in safe operating conditions.

 Tools which will be exposed to the external elements must have water tight industrial
type plugs and sockets must operate on an earth –leakage protection system

4.3 Work-force

 It is imperative that only competent, skilled individuals are placed in charge of

operations. Superintendent and H&S personal have to check the competence, and
suitability of workforce against the function, mission given.

 In addition, ensure that only those operatives who have received adequate training are
given the responsibility of using specific equipment to carry out complex tasks.

 Any relevant permits to work are to be submitted by operatives to the Superintendent,

who will give a copy to the H&S Manager and Engineer in Charge. A record of these
permits is to be kept for future reference.

Hazardous Chemicals and Substances

 The use of all Hazardous Chemicals and Substances is to be identified by a COSHH

Assessment. Copies of this assessment are to be reviewed and recorded by the Health
and Safety Manager and the Engineer in Charge.
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 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health has to be included in Toolbox talks

and the risk assessed to worker prior to start the activity.

4.4 Implications on QSE

The consideration of Quality, Safety and Environmental consequences of this activity is essential
in the overall deliverance of a ‘Safe and Efficient Method of Work’.
The following points listed are those that give examples of good practice that might contribute to
achieving this status.
As far as possible such initiatives have to be implemented, developed and even improved during
the project.

 The use of an electronic converter enables the reduction noise levels, electrical
consumption and subsequently, the size and weight of the machine required to
provide electricity. [For more details contact GIE: Bouygues Materiel]

 Employ the use of machines which minimise noise disturbance; i.e. the use of
soundproof compressors, generators, etc.

 Minimise the use of chemical based mould oil substance and prefer chemical free oils
as a safer option, for both operatives using the substance and also the surrounding
environment.

 Use reasonable means to protect the surrounding environment from harmful hazards
such as spillages and residual waste being left on the ground. [The use of a concrete
residual decanting tank, oil/fuel retention tank, ground sheets when filling and
emptying fuel of plant and machinery, bunded tanks, trip trays etc]

 Disposal of inert and non-inert waste using the correct methods and correct channels
of disposal and recycling components wherever possible

 When disposing of hazardous waste a record is to be kept of the segregation of waste

disposed of, the quantity and the person charged with its disposal.

 When disposing of hazardous waste, the person charged with its disposal is required
to supply transfer notes or consignment notes

 ALWAYS RESEARCHING WAYS TO SAFELY CONSERVE MATERIAL,

INCLUDING PURCHASING, AND REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF THE
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS ON OUR SURROUNDINGS

5. Description of the process

For the full breakdown of the construction process of,

CONCRETE COLUMNS WITH CARDBOARD FORMWORKS (HIGH<3.50M)
Refer directly to COTYMS BYG-MTH- 020205

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6. Identification of Direct and Indirect Hazards

The following non-exhaustive list is of the main potential hazards identified within the
aforementioned activity. All of the potential hazards involved in this activity cannot be fully
listed; instead the focus is placed on the major, more frequent hazards or those which can create
a high / medium level of risk. It remains the responsibility of competent and skilled
superintendents to assess the other risks to their workforce.

The identification and classification of hazards listed below makes easier the assessment of
risks in section 7:

6.1 General and Physical Site Layout, Storage Hazards

Storage area for Equipment and Material
- Bad surface conditions, uneven ground slab causing instability of formworks, and
poor security.
Weather conditions
- High speed wind
- Rain, frost and subsequent ground freeze, which can cause slippery ground
conditions

6.2 Chemical and Substance Hazards

- Cement based products, Concrete and cement in powder / liquid form posing
health risk through inhalation or contact with skin
- Petrol or diesel spillages from the compressor, generators causing flammable risk
and contamination of the soil.

6.3 Machinery and Equipment Hazards

- Use of crane which is incapable of lifting required loads
- Use of inadequate or unsafe lifting equipment (i.e. chains, slings)
- Use of inadequate or unsafe small tools and equipment (i.e. small power tools and
larger site equipment; compressors, power converters etc)
- Unsafe / untrained usage of power tools by operatives
- Incorrect erection of tower props and push pull props

6.4 Work Activity Hazards

Storage of equipment and installation at workplace

- Exposed, unprotected reinforcement, starter bars at workplace
- Incorrect installation of the tower props and associated fixing anchors causing
instability of the platform.

Crane operations
- Incorrect use of crane or poor standard of operation
- Overloading of crane and lifting equipment
- Poor lifting instructions
- High wind causing loss of control of the load, injury to workforce and damage to
building

Installation of steel reinforcements

- Risk of lacerations to operatives from cut and exposed reinforcement steel

Working at height from formwork platform or from safety platforms

- Fall of objects from height onto operatives walking underneath the platforms
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- Leave the handrails open

Concrete pouring
- Concrete splashing causing injury to operatives.
- Vibration of concrete causing ‘Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome’.

6.5 Interfaces with other trades and sub-contractors & public safety
- Security of the site, storage areas and current areas of work; obstruction of these
areas is a hazard to all operatives
- Crane lifting materials over other working areas

6.6 Waste and Environmental Risks

- Leakage of any hazardous materials causing ground / water table contamination
- Air and dust pollution from petrol/diesel powered machinery (I.e. compressors,
generators )
- Noise pollution from compressors, vibrators

7. Activity Risk Assessment :

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7.1 Level of Risk assessment:

severity
  1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
probability of occurrence 1
2 4 6 8 10
2
3 6 9 12 15
3
4 8 12 16 20
4
5 10 15 20 25
5

"low" risk
"Medium" Risk
"High" Risk

7.2 Risk assessment for lifting operations and use of tower crane:

Refer to Risk Assessment matrix

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8. Example of relevant Tool-Box Talks to be carried out :

Use of regular Tool-Box Talks to clearly explain to the operatives the operational procedure
and the safest method of working are to be held regularly by either the Engineer in Charge,
Superintendent of Works, or the H&S Manager.

Each Tool-Box Talk should last between 15 min – 30 min, and should follow the typical
content.

- Purpose of the Tool-Box Talk

- Description of the work activity to be carried out
- H&S Risk Assessment
- Questions, observations and comments from the attendees.

Specific Tool-Box Talks in relation to the aforementioned activity :

- Use of cardboard formworks, good practice for cardboard formworks installation and
removal.
- How to check the correct installation of safety platforms and their good stability
- Concrete pouring and vibration
- Correct erection, use and dismantle of tower props and push pull props
- Use of Hazardous Chemicals and Substances
- Working at height from tower props

Generic Tool-box Talks applicable ;

- Crane lifting operations / Hoist and lift instructions and signals

- Manual Handling
- Safe use of ladders / step ladders / assembly and de-assembly of Step ladders, Mobile
Towers and Working Platforms
- PPE

Each Tool-Box Talk includes a list of people who have attended training sessions and they are
asked to verify their understanding of the content, to agree to update these methods on site
when necessary and endorse their compliance to this method of work with their signature.

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Method Statement – Concrete columns construction with cardboard formworks