5.1 General
STFC must ensure that safe systems of work are provided for all tasks. Generally this involves an analysis of the task and associated hazards, a risk assessment and, where the risks are significant, a method statement which indicates how the work is to be organised and hazards controlled to minimise the risks.
Areas for consideration in a safe system of work should 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 and
- 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 and
- 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.
Template Method statement
STFC provides a template method statement which contractors can use (WORD (Word document - 67kB - link opens in a new window) |
PDF (PDF - 1268kB - link opens in a new window))
5.2 Related STFC SHE information
5.3 References and further reading
| Health and Safety Executive | Managing contractors – a guide for employers |
| Health and Safety Executive | Use of Contractors – a Joint Responsibility (INDG368) |
| Health and Safety Commission | Management of health and safety at work (Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999) Approved code of practice and guidance. L21 |
| Health and Safety Commission | Safe use of work equipment (Provision and Commission Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L22 |
| Health and Safety Executive | Personal protective equipment at work (Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992) Guidance on regulations L25 |
