Demolition or structural alterations and removals must be carefully planned and carried out in a manner that prevents danger. All persons involved from design to workers must be competent and aware of the risks and carry out the works after carefully assessing the risks and working to an agreed method statement. The main risks associated with demolition works are:- Falling materials Uncontrolled collapse Falls from height Noise and vibration Hazardous materials (Chemicals/asbestos) Existing connected services (failure to disconnect or adjacent services) Pedestrian or traffic management issues Fires Untrained workers. To…
Read MoreMass Fill Concrete Trench Foundations
This basic example method statement is suitable for building foundations for new house’s or other types of structures where mass fill concrete trench foundations are used. Reducing the Risk:- 1) Banksman Present during excavation and concrete pouring works. 2) No un-authorized persons allowed on site during concrete pours. 3) Warning signs. 4) PPE to be worn at all times. 5) Goggles and gloves MUST be worn during concreting operations. 6) Risk Assessments for Excavations and for Concrete Work to be carried out prior to the works commencing. The…
Read MoreDrainage Method Statement
This example Method statement shows the basic requirements for a method statement for installing drainage:- Objective: Installation, and connection of new drainage pipes to existing surface and foul manholes. Location: A site somewhere. Timescale: (Add Programmed start and end for this phase of works) Welfare and First Aid: Add details, you should mention toilets and drinking water, First Aiders and First Aid Box Reducing Risk: List the steps you will take to reduce the risks: Banksman Present during works No un-authorized persons allowed on site during excavations Area Inspected before…
Read MoreMethod Statement For Bricklaying
What should be included in a Method Statement for Bricklaying? The Task: To Complete Bricklaying work to the required line, level and elevations as per Architect & Design Drawings. Welfare and First Aid facilities such as:- (Main Contractor site cabins with WC and washing facilities, with Main Contractor first aid box/first aiders) Reducing Risk: 1. Use of Mechanical means where possible. 2. Use and continual use of PPE. 3. Good house keeping practices. 4. Continual inspection of plant and tools. Health, Safety and Environmental Assessments: Manual Handling Use of Cement…
Read MoreConstruction Site Risk Identification Checklist
Construction Site Risk Identification Checklist Factors to be taken into account:- Have all substances on site been assessed (COSHH) for safe use? Is the plant and machinery being used for any particular task suitable for the task? Is the plant and machinery suitable to the environmental conditions and terrain in which they are used? Are there any foreseeable abnormal situations which may arise, such as potential misuse of any materials or equipment and fluctuating operating conditions (e.g., during times of peak programmed works)? Is there potential for injury…
Read MoreWorking at Height
In recent years falls from height accounted for 48% of fatal injuries to workers in the UK The main areas where falls occurred were:- Falling From Height (Scaffolding and Scaffold Towers) Falls from mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS) Falls from Ladders Falls when working on roofs or other structures Falling through Fragile Roofs Tools/materials falling from MEWPS or scaffolding In many circumstances the work areas and scaffolding has not been inspected, handrails were loose, scaffold boards had been moved or removed and not reinstalled. When working in mobile elevating platforms…
Read MoreSmall Building Works
Small Builders are those who carry out domestic projects for private home owners or those that carry out small business projects such as refurbishment works. With Domestic projects the builder is solely responsible for health and safety on site and with small business projects the responsibility is shared between the builder and the client. In the UK the law does require builders to:- Manage Risks, plan and monitor the works to ensure the work is carried out safely. Inform and train the workers, tool box talks, risk reduction and assessment…
Read MoreCovid-19 Back to work
As more and more building sites open up and work resumes, We should still assess the risks and follow rules and guidance, depending where you are in the world there should be adequate information on safe working and risk assessment. Some basic items to assess……. Can your staff observe social distancing? (Data below from the UK Gov.co.uk) Reducing movement by discouraging non-essential trips within buildings and sites. For example, restricting access to some areas, encouraging use of telephones where permitted, and cleaning them between use. Reducing job rotation and equipment…
Read MoreDemolition Hazards
Hazards PLAN ahead to get the job done safely Proper planning is essential to ensure a demolition operation is conducted with no accidents or injuries. This includes, but is not limited to: An engineering survey completed by a competent person before any demolition work takes place. This should include the condition of the structure and the possibility of an unplanned collapse. Locating, securing, and/or relocating any nearby utilities. Fire prevention and evacuation plan. First Aid and Emergency Medical Services. An assessment of health hazards completed before any demolition work takes…
Read MoreManaging Non-Compliance
Managing Non Compliance Each company should have a non compliance policy and procedures system, Below is an example that covers the duties of line management and staff as well as contractors. Employees who fail to comply with the health and safety requirements of the company, or those who demonstrate consistently poor safety performance, shall be subject to disciplinary measures. Sufficient training, explanation and assistance shall be given to all employees to ensure they fully comprehend what is required of them. However, neither management nor the employees will tolerate unsafe behaviour…
Read MoreDemolition of Internal Load Bearing Walls
Basic Safe Work Method:- For Demolition of Internal Load Bearing Walls Ensure that all services to the area have been isolated by trained and certified persons. Access to the work area is to be restricted to demolition workers only, public to be warned of works. The works will be carried out in a logical sequence; soft strip will be carried out followed by installation of props. Propping to be inspected by Structural Engineer and approved prior to main demolition of walls. Use of cutting tools is to be carried out…
Read MoreAccident or Incident Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be investigated, This checklist is a useful tool to aid investigations. Checklist for accident or incident Investigations Investigate safety events using the standard checklist detailed below. Note: In the table below, the term ‘event’ will be used to indicate ‘accident, incident or near miss’. Personal What level of job training had been provided? How was competency assessed? What did the risk assessment identify in regard to areas of special need? What other factors may have impacted on work performance? Management Who was supervising…
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