Contents
Construction Site Safety
42. Part 2. Risk Assessments and
Introduction
There is now a statutory requirement for all
employers to undertake a risk assessment of
every task which is likely to be undertaken in the
course of their business.
Reference
The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999, Reg. 3
However, there has always been a requirement
to assess risk implicit in Section 2 of the Health
and Safety at Work Act 1974. By this employers
have a duty to provide for their employees:
• a safe place of work
• safe access and egress to and from that
place of work
• a safe system of work
• safe plant and equipment.
In order to fulfil these requirements, employers
need to identify hazards and assess risks to
employees’ health and safety.
Generally, all of the legislation detailed requires
employers to provide a safe and healthy
workplace, and ensure that all persons, whether
employees or not, are not put at risk.
Legislation also requires a planned and
systematic approach to health and safety issues
within which risks are assessed and controls put
into place.
There is no formal definition of a risk assessment
but in practice it can be said to be:
A careful and structured examination of a work
activity so as to identify what in the activity (the
hazards) could cause harm to people
(employees or others), and how those hazards
could be eliminated or adequately controlled.
© Construction Industry Training Board
Method Statements
The amount of effort or work put into a risk
assessment should be equal to the level of
hazard or risk. Simple work with low hazards only
needs simple assessments. In a small firm doing
basic or routine work in the industry, if a
manager is confident that they fully understand
all of the hazards involved with the work done,
then they are the right person to carry out the
risk assessments. They do not need to be a
qualified health and safety professional.
However, if there is new work or a new risk
where a manager is not totally confident that they
know all of the hazards and how they could be
avoided or controlled, then they will need to seek
competent advice (from the person appointed
under the Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations).
Legislation
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Noise at Work Regulations 1989
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations
1992
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations
1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992
The Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 1994
The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1996
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999
GE 700/42/2
May 2001
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References
HSE publications
C75 – A Guide to Managing Health and Safety in
Construction
HSG 65 – Successful Health and Safety
Management
HSG 150 – Health and Safety in Construction
HSG 151 – Protecting the Public – Your Next
Move
INDG 163 – Five steps to risk assessment
L21 – Management of Health and Safety at Work
Approved Code of Practice Revised 1999
L54 – Approved Code of Practice – Managing
Construction for Health and Safety
Legislative requirements
In addition to the above legislation, much of
which has been developed in response to
European Community Directives, all new
legislation is now on a risk-based approach to
health and safety at work. Employers need to
establish systems to identify hazards, assess
risks, develop control measures and monitor the
adequacy of such risk control systems.
Thus employers are required to:
• identify hazards within the work activity,
including the likelihood of hazardous
events
• assess health and safety risks arising
from the work activity, including the
consequences and probability of the
occurrence of events
• identify appropriate control measures to
eliminate or control the risk
• effectively monitor and review the control
measures established for the work
activity.
The Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 1999 require an employer to
carry out a suitable and sufficient risk
assessment of the health and safety risks for all
work activities carried out by a company or
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organisation, whether in an office, on a
construction project or a small refurbishment job,
etc. This assessment must cover not only
employees at work but also others who may be
affected by that work activity. This includes
young persons or persons with particular
disabilities, whether in the workplace or on site.
This duty is given to all employers irrespective of
the number of persons they employ but, where
five or more persons are employed, the
significant finding of the assessment must be in
writing.
The self-employed have a similar duty to
undertake risk assessments of the work they do
to identify the risks to health and safety to both
themselves and others who may be affected by
the work that they carry out.
As with safety policies, clients can, if they
choose, require written assessments where
fewer than five persons are employed.
Once the risk assessment is carried out, all
employers have to detail the controls necessary
to protect those at risk. It is most important to
ensure that all site personnel, managers,
supervisors and operatives are made aware of
the results of these assessments. If an
assessment shows that personal protective
equipment, access equipment or other specialist
work equipment is needed, it must be provided.
All persons who come under the areas covered
by the assessment must be adequately trained
to use such equipment and carry out the work
safely.
Apart from the health and safety of employees,
employers must take all reasonably practicable
steps to protect the occupiers of premises,
members of the public, and anyone else who
may be affected by the work activity.
As previously mentioned, there is no legal
definition of the terms used in risk assessments
or method statements, but they can be regarded
as being along the following lines.
A hazard is something with the potential to
cause harm.
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Examples are electricity, chemicals, asbestos,
working at height, working over water,
excavations, confined spaces, work where rats
may be present, power tools, manual handling,
falling materials, use of plant and vehicles.
A risk is the likelihood that the harm from the
hazard will be realised.
Examples are electric shock, injuries from falls,
injury or ill health caused by exposure to
chemicals, Weil’s disease from the urine of rats,
back injury from poor manual handling
techniques or not using mechanical handling,
being struck by falling materials or moving
vehicles.
For a risk assessment to be suitable and
sufficient it should:
• identify any significant risk arising from
the work activity
• be appropriate, given the nature of the
work (including high-risk work activities)
• identify and prioritise the control
measures required to protect the health
and safety of the employees.
Risk assessments, in order to meet the above
requirements, must take into account the size
and scope of the work activity. This includes the
nature and effects of the materials used, the
effects of the environment on the employees, the
plant and equipment used, and the involvement
of the person (height, weight, strength
capabilities) and other human factors.
Preventative and protective measures are
those taken to address the risks identified. They
must follow the following hierarchy of principles:
• Avoid the risk altogether
• Evaluate the risks that cannot be avoided
• Combat the source at risk
• Adapt work to the individual wherever
possible
• Adapt to technical progress
• Replace the dangerous with the non-
dangerous or less dangerous
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• Develop a coherent overall protection
policy which covers such items as
technology, working conditions and social
conditions
• Adopt measures that protect the greatest
number of individuals
• Give appropriate information, instructions
and training to employees
• Provide personal protective equipment.
Risk assessments
The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations require that every employer makes a
systematic assessment of all work tasks and
situations, and that they have written
assessments, if they employ more than five
people, that record anything significant that they
find.
A risk assessment is an examination of a work
process, or assessment carried out by a
competent person or on behalf of an employer,
which assesses the hazards inherent in an
operation and the risks to workers and all others
who may be affected by the work to be carried
out. It involves identifying the risks present in a
work operation, and evaluating those risks,
taking into account whatever precautions are
already in place.
The risk assessment may cover just one task, for
example cleaning the gutters on a semi-
detached house. Alternatively, it may be one
task in a more complicated job of work, for
example digging the foundations for a new, large
detached house.
If the work to be carried out is substantial,
difficult or complex, then it will not be possible to
carry out just one risk assessment for the whole
of the work. Each part of the work or operation
should be identified and a risk assessment
carried out.
A risk consists of the following elements:
• the work method being used
• the place where the work is being carried
out
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• the persons carrying out the work
(see diagram below)
METHOD
The system or method
of work being followed
RISK
PLACE PEOPLE
the actual the employees
workplace doing the work
In the construction industry more than in most
other industries, these elements are forever
changing and are rarely the same.
The purpose of a risk assessment is to enable
the employer, or self-employed person, to
determine what measures or precautions are
necessary to allow them to comply with the
duties imposed upon them by the Health and
Safety at Work Act 1974 and to properly carry
them out.
A risk assessment can be described as a guide
for the employer or self-employed person as to
the measures they have to take to fulfil their
statutory obligations.
The assessment, if carried out properly, should
identify hazards which are present either in the
work task, or the surrounding environment. Risks
can then be evaluated, taking into account any
precautions already being taken.
Risk assessments are not new, in fact every
employer has been carrying out such
assessments during the day-to-day course of
their business. They will have noticed any
changes in working practices, recognised
problems as they have occurred and will have
taken the necessary action to avoid an accident.
In fact, in a small and well-managed company
carrying out specialist works, everything that
needs to be done concerning the avoidance of
hazards and risks will already be done. What
may be outstanding is the proper recording of
the risk assessments.
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Risk assessments in practice
The process of practical risk assessment has no
fixed rules on how it should be undertaken, but
whatever the process or procedure is followed
they must take on board the principles laid out in
preventative and protective measures on page
42/2/2.
The process or procedure will also require risk
assessments to be made as a basis of
identifying hazardous operations. These will
depend to a large extent on the complexity of the
activity, the number of persons involved or
affected, the plant or equipment being used, and
the types and nature of the materials involved.
The environment where the work will be carried
out is also a factor which should be taken into
account.
The risk assessment process can be carried out
by considering the following five steps:
• Look for the hazards that cause harm
• Decide who might be harmed, how, why,
when and by what
• Evaluate the risks and decide whether the
existing controls and precautions are
adequate, or whether in fact more could
be done
• Record the findings
• Review your assessment and revise it if
necessary.
The basic procedure to be followed when making
a risk assessment needs to be very practical. It
should involve both management and employees
and should address the following:
• What is going to be done – including
plant, equipment, people, materials and in
what working environment
• How exactly is the activity to be carried
out
• Where is the work to be done
• How will this affect employees, plant,
equipment, other people and the
materials in the working environment.
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The above approach to the identification of all
relevant hazards associated with the work will
address:
• the likelihood of injury or harm arising to
employees and others who may be
affected by the work
• any other specific legal requirements
• all of the risks
• the necessary control measure to
eliminate or reduce health and safety
risks associated with the work hierarchy
of preventative and protective measures
• the information needed for those involved
or affected by the work.
Appendix A gives an example of a risk
assessment for the erection of roof trusses and
roof covering. It has been broken down into the
work activities that make up the whole of the
work that has to be done.
Appendix B is the risk assessment for re-roofing
a small block of flats.
Appendix C is the COSHH assessment that has
been carried out in respect of some of the
materials that will be used. (This would need to
be expanded to cover all of the hazardous
materials which are to be used in either of the
works.)
Appendix D is a noise assessment carried out in
respect of some of the tools to be used during
the work.
Method statements
A method statement is a statement prepared
within the company detailing exactly how a work
operation is to be carried out in a manner which
is safe and without risk to health.
A method statement is closely interlinked to risk
assessments and plays a fundamental part in the
management procedures of a company. It
provides the basic vehicle for the transmission of
information to those who will be doing the work
(i.e. employees).
First Page
To begin writing a method statement, put down
whatever work task you intend to carry out, then
how you are to get the job done.
With the knowledge that you have gained, based
on your experience of hazards, risks and the
work itself, you should know how to avoid
problems, accidents and ill health. This will
enable you to get the job done safely and
efficiently, knowing what you can and can’t do.
If you do the same sort of task often, this will be
quite easy, but if the job is more complicated or
new to you, it will require more thought.
Detail all the hazards that you think might be
present. Write down the risks associated with
those hazards and the consequences if those
hazards are realised and something goes wrong.
Then consider how to avoid things going wrong.
Think about:
• a safe system of work
• a safe place of work
• information, instruction, training and
supervision
• providing suitable and adequate
– work equipment
– personal protective equipment.
When you have taken all these things into
account you will be in a better position to write a
suitable method statement, such as the simple
one detailed below.
For routine and repetitive activities, work that has
been carried out many times before, and work
with low hazards and risks, then the method
statement may be the same one used time and
time again. This is sometimes called a generic
method statement. Where the work is new,
more complicated or unusual, then a specific
method statement will need to be produced. It
can then be used to ensure that the work is
carried out properly and in the proper order.
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The build-up to a simple method

statement
Consider a job to externally paint some shops
which are three storeys high. This could be
carried out using four basic methods of access:
• ladders
• suspended cradles
• mobile towers
• tube and fitting scaffolding.
Which method is used depends on the type of
work, the location of work and the duration of
work. Therefore, a specific method statement
needs to be developed dealing with the type of
access decided upon after a risk assessment.
Painting the gutters of the office block could
combine two standard method statements:
• the means of access chosen
• the preparation of the surface and paint
application.
The initial risk assessments for the work on the
shops will have identified the hazards and the
control measures that are needed to remove or
adequately control the risks. The method
statements that are then developed will build on
the risk assessments by showing how the work
on the shops is actually to be done. Properly
implemented, the method statement will allow all
of the work to be done safety and without risks to
the public, the customer or anyone else.
Appendix E shows an example of the headings
which could be used in the development of a
method statement.
Appendix F shows a suggested method
statement for on-site carpentry work and the
erection of roof trusses.

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Construction Site Safety

42. Part 2. Appendix A
Risk assessment for erecting roof trusses and roof covering
Process Hazard Risk Level of risk Controls to be introduced in order to reduce risk
Working at People falling from height Serious injury, death High Use as a safe means of access and egress
height Edge protection or similar alternative must be provided to all
areas where a fall of 2 metres or more may occur, or where the
risk of injury from a fall is present

Persons walking underneath the Injury from falling objects High Ensure that the working platform and surrounding area is
work area and debris adequately sheeted or suitable netting is in place and that
entrances to buildings and underneath roadways are protected
Erection of Falling from trusses whilst fixing Cuts, broken bones, serious High Safe working access to be provided whilst fixing trusses. To be
roof trusses injury, death adequate to prevent people falling 2 metres or more. Boards or
other platforms must be supplied for safe working within the
truss system. Consider use of safety nets
Roofing Falling through open joists and Cuts, broken bones, serious Medium Boards or other platforms must be supplied for safe working
roof spaces injury, death access across open joist work. Consider use of safety nets

Falling through weak spots in Cuts, broken bones, serious High Crawling boards must be used on fragile roofs. Glazed areas are
roof injury, death to be protected if persons can fall 2 metres or more through
material

Materials and debris falling from Head and upper body High ‘No go’ areas are to be designated under or around work areas
height to lower levels injuries, possible death
Wherever possible, rubbish chutes should be used to transfer
waste materials to ground level

People falling from height Serious injury, death High Edge protection or a similar alternative must be provided to all
areas where a fall of 2 metres or more may occur, or where the
risk of injury is present from a fall
Using hand Tripping over, cuts, broken Medium When not in use all hand tools must be stored under cover so as
tools bones, sprains to prevent deterioration and to avoid a tripping hazard

Tools left lying around on site Cuts to hands Medium Damaged tools must be mended or replaced
Using sharp tools All hand tools must be in good condition and checked regularly
Ensure that burred edges on cold chisels are cleaned off
Suitable gloves must be worn
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Process Hazard Risk Level of risk Controls to be introduced in order to reduce risk
Electrical Electrocution Burns, deaths High 110 volt electrical system conforming to BS 4343 must be used
power tools Only qualified electricians must install, maintain and repair
electrical supplies
Trailing electrical leads must be fixed in an overhead position or
alternatively suitably protected
All electrically operated tools must be used on a reduced
voltage of 110 volts system where practicable or used with RCD
and other associated protection
All electrically operated tools must conform with BS 2769 or the
equivalent
Ensure all electrical equipment is 110 volt, centre tapped to
earth and that it is regularly checked and serviced
Appropriate protective clothing must be worn
All portable electrical equipment must be tested, tagged and
inspected at regular intervals, the interval frequency depending
on use

Misuse Cuts, lacerations, serious Low Use chuck key to change attachments – do not improvise
injury
Fork-lifts Collapse through overloading Injury to head and upper High To be operated by trained competent operatives only
body, serious injury, death Machines should not be loaded in excess of their stated capacity

Falling load from fork-lift or other Broken bones, sprains, High Extra care should be taken where sloping surfaces are outside
means of mechanical lifting crushing, cuts and bruises the safe operating limits of a particular machine

Person being knocked over by Serious bodily harm High Unattached vehicles must have the engine switched off, the
either a fork-lift or a load it is gear in neutral and the handbrake on
carrying The fork-lift operator must exercise care when reversing,
particularly when no audible signal is fitted to the machine

Unauthorised passenger falling Serious injury, death High No passenger can be carried on any vehicle unless a proper seat
from vehicle and being run over has been provided
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Construction Site Safety

42. Part 2. Appendix B
Risk assessment for re-roofing a three-storey block of flats
Process Hazard Risk Level of risk Controls to be introduced in order to reduce risk
Safety of the Open excavation, scaffolding, Serious or fatal injury to High The whole site must be enclosed by a fence which must be at
public and insecure stacks of building persons especially children least 2 metres high and difficult to climb
security of the materials If unable to provide this security, then all excavations must be
site fenced or covered, all ladders removed and stacks of building
materials to be reduced to a safe level. Refer to HSE guidance
note ‘HSG 151 Protecting the public’
Working at People falling from height Serious injury, death High Use a safe means of access and egress
height Edge protection or similar alternative must be provided to all
areas where a fall of 2 metres or more may occur, or where the
risk of injury from a fall is present

Persons walking underneath the
work area
All scaffolding Collapse through overloading
Injury from falling objects
and debris
Injury to head and upper
body, serious injury, death
High Ensure that the working platform and surrounding area is
adequately sheeted or suitable netting is in place and that
entrances to building and underneath roadways are protected
High Scaffolds must only be erected, dismantled or altered by a
competent person
Scaffolds must not be overloaded. Refer to handover certificate
for maximum imposed loading

Adequate controls and supervision must be established

Appropriate PPE must be worn
All equipment to be correctly hoisted or lowered. Equipment
must not be thrown from the scaffold
No go area to be designated at the base of the scaffold during
erection or dismantling
Materials on scaffold must not be stacked higher than the toe-
board unless brick guards or similar barriers are in place
The minimum width of a working platform is 600 mm and must
be kept clear for access along the scaffold
All scaffold and working platforms must be inspected by a
competent person prior to use and then every seven days. All
inspections must be recorded in the scaffold inspection register

People falling from height Serious injury, death High Safety harnesses must be worn where necessary
Guard-rails and toe-boards are required to all working platforms
where a person may fall 2 metres or more and must not be
removed by unqualified personnel
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Process Hazard
All scaffolding Planks or boards collapsing
(cont’d)
Scaffold collapsing
Fork-lifts Collapse through overloading
Operating a Person being knocked over by a
mobile crane moving vehicle
Unstable ground causing
machine to tip over and trap
driver or other workers
All crane Crane collapse through disrepair
operations or poor maintenance
High wind causing loss of
control of the load, injury to the
workforce and damage to
buildings
Incorrect use of crane or poor
operating standards
Loads falling from insecure
slinging
Materials falling from slings of
supplying crane used to erect
tower
Risk
Head injuries, body injuries,
possible death
Head injuries, upper body
injuries, possible death
Injury to head and upper
body, serious injury, death
Broken bones, sprains,
crushing, cuts and bruises
Serious bodily injury
Serious injury, death
Serious injury, death
Serious bodily harm
Serious bodily injuries,
crushing, death
Serious bodily injury
Serious bodily injury,
crushing, death
Severe injuries, crushing,
death
Serious bodily injury,
crushing, death
First Page
Level of risk Controls to be introduced in order to reduce risk
High All scaffolding materials must be checked for suitability and
should conform to the appropriate British Standard
High
High To be operated by trained competent operatives only
Machines must not be loaded in excess of their stated capacity
High Extra care must be taken where sloping surfaces are outside
the safe operating limits of a particular machine
High Unattended vehicles must have the engine switched off, the
gear in neutral and the handbrake on
The fork-lift operator must exercise care when reversing,
particularly when no audible signal is fitted to the machine
High No passenger can be carried on any vehicle unless a seat has
been provided
Low Precautions must be taken to prevent injury to operatives and
members of the public
Medium To be operated by trained, competent operatives only
Machines must not be loaded in excess of their stated capacity
The correct type of crane for the work must be used
Check the safe load indicator and the load radius indicator
Check that all tests have been carried out and that certificates
are available
Check that the operator is licensed to operate the appropriate
type of crane
Ensure that outriggers are in the correct position
High Check the correct inspection form has been completed weekly
by the operator
High Certificated training is mandatory – stop work if high winds prevail
High Certificated training is mandatory for operators of any type of
hoist or crane
High Only competent, authorised, trained slingers and signallers are
allowed to give signals to crane drivers and to sling the
materials, thereby providing safe hoisting
High The slinger or signaller must always be in attendance. No hoisting
may take place without them
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Construction Site Safety

42. Part 2. Appendix C
COSHH Assessment

Trade name: Tanalised Timber

COSHH product number: 0083 Keyword: TIMBER
Supplier: Hicksons Timber Products Ltd Process: Preserved Timber

Physical format Hazard

Solid Respirable dust
Dust Harmful
Irritant

Constituents Known standard

Inhalable dust during fabrication 10 mg/m³ 8hr TWA
Respirable dust during fabrication 5 mg/m³ 8hr TWA

Effect
Harmful to the lungs by inhalation. Skin irritant from chemicals used for preservation

Action
Timber should be handled in dry conditions only
Ensure fabrication is carried out in area with adequate ventilation
Wash hands before meals and after work with a recognised hand cleaner, or soap and water

Protective clothing
Wear protective gloves

First aid
Remove splinters immediately. If irritation persists seek medical advice
Wash skin with a recognised hand cleaner and then with soap and water

Disposal
Consign to licensed site or specialist contractor

Fire
Use water, foam or dry powder extinguisher

Storage advice
Keep away from heat and sources of ignition
Keep away from foodstuffs
Keep in a secure well-ventilated dry area

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Trade name: Softwood/Hardwood

COSHH product number: 0844 Keyword: TIMBER
Supplier: Natural Product Process: Construction

Physical format Hazard

Solid Respirable dust
Harmful
Irritant

Constituents Known standard

Dust during fabrication 10 mg/m³ inhalable dust
Dust during fabrication 5 mg/m³ respirable dust

Effect
Irritant to respiratory system
Irritant in contact with eyes and skin

Action
Avoid contact with skin and eyes
Ensure fabrication is carried out in area with adequate ventilation
Forced ventilation is required in confined spaces
Wash hands before meals and after work with a recognised hand cleaner, or soap and water

Protective clothing
Dust mask and eye protection is required in areas of inadequate ventilation

First aid
Reduce irritation by rinsing skin with water before washing with recognised hand cleaner/soap/water
Wash from eyes immediately and seek medical attention if irritation persists
If dust is inhaled, remove to fresh air and seek medical advice

Disposal
Transport to site accepting builders’ waste

Fire
Use foam, dry powder, CO2 or halon extinguisher
If CO2 or halon extinguisher is used in a confined space, breathing apparatus is required

Spillages
Use water, foam or dry powder extinguisher

Storage advice
Keep in a secure, dry, well-ventilated area
Keep away from heat and sources of ignition
Keep away from foodstuffs

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Construction Site Safety

42. Part 2. Appendix D
Noise Assessment

Type of Name of machine dB (A) Ear protection

machine max. at
source

Drills Hammer drill – 110 Ear protectors must be worn

unknown make Identify area with appropriate warning signs
Identify machine with warning signs

AEG PH26 – 85 Ear protection recommended and should be

Heavy duty hammer available on site if requested by operatives

Ordinary drill – 79 No action necessary

unknown make
Saws Clipper 18" portable 102 Ear protectors must be worn
bench saw Identify area with appropriate warning signs
Identify machine with warning signs

Stihl saw 12" petrol 102 Ear protectors must be worn

Identify area with appropriate warning signs
Identify machine with warning signs

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Construction Site Safety

42. Part 2. Appendix E
Health and safety method statement

Method statements should be written clearly to enable those doing the work to understand fully the
details of the job, and the health and safety requirements. A method statement should contain the
following details:

Project .......................................................................................................................................................

Contractor .................................................................................................................................................

Method type ...............................................................................................................................................

Description of work Describe what is to be done

Sequence of operations Write down the order in which the work is to
be done
Supervisors Define who they are and their duties
Controls and monitoring For what and by whom?
Plant inspection and operator training By whom, when and at what intervals?
Disconnection of services Who is responsible?
Occupational health assessments By whom, when and at what intervals?
Safety of the public and occupiers How, with what and by whom?
Environmental controls For what, when and by whom?
First aid and PPE When, how and why?
Emergency procedures How and by whom?

If works are of a very minor nature then a standard method may apply, but if any site-specific hazards
exist they must be included. If some of the above topics are not relevant to a project or method then do
not include them, e.g. no plant or equipment to be used on site.

Introduction
This is an example of a more detailed, generic method statement, but one which can be used time after
time for repetitive work. You may use this example, should you so wish, taking the parts you need
according to your individual circumstances.

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Construction Site Safety

42. Part 2. Appendix F
Method statement for site carpentry
All employees and self-employed labour will comply with this method statement and with the
requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant health and safety
legislation; together with any specific site rules and, where applicable, the requirements from the
principal contractor’s safety policy and construction phase health and safety plan.
1. Description of work
Construction of roof using prefabricated trussed rafter units and loose timber, also joist and floor laying.
For non-standard materials, providing the method of work is significantly changed, an appendix will be
added to this method statement.
2. Access
Access will be from a putlog scaffold. The scaffold will be provided by the main contractor and will be
checked by the carpentry supervisor, prior to use. It will be at a height such that safe access for erection
of trussed rafters and other roofing members may be gained.
2.1. Roof construction (sequence of operations)
(a) Preformed trussed rafter construction.
Depending on site conditions, either safety nets, safety decking or air mats will be used as fall arrest
equipment. Such fall arrest equipment will only be installed by competent sub-contractors. It must be in
place before any work placing roof trusses is undertaken.
If such fall arrest equipment cannot be put in place, then employees will wear safety harness at all times
while placing roof trusses. Such safety harness must, at all times, be attached to a secure point above
head height.
The preformed trussed rafter units will be delivered to site and unloaded by a telescopic forklift. They will
be stored so that any transit strapping can be removed safely without risk of the trusses falling over.
Trussed rafter units may be stacked in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations with supports
at all node points. Such stacks shall not exceed 2 metres in height from ground level.
Prior to the trussed rafter units being raised and placed, and after a suitable period being allowed for
curing of mortar to internal structural block-work, timber wall plates shall be bedded level and firm on
cement mortar and affixed securely in position by means of galvanised metal vertical restraint straps and
other such fixings as shall be specified. Wall plates, if joined in their running lengths, shall be jointed by
standard half-lapped joints and skew nailed or screwed securely.
Trussed rafter units will be lifted to roof level by crane or mechanical handler wherever possible, either
singly or in groups, provided that there is sufficient space to store the trussed rafter units without
overloading the walls or scaffold and that they can be restrained from moving prior to installation. Where
mechanical means of raising is not possible (owing to inaccessibility for a crane, forklift or similar) then
sufficient operatives will move the trussed rafter units into position.
The trussed rafter units will be positioned on the wall plate and fixed using correct gauge and type truss
clips. Skew nailing shall not be an approved method of fixing. Temporary bracing will be used to ensure
stability whilst permanent bracing is installed. Such bracing to include ridge boards, binders, lateral,
diagonal and wind bracings as shall be designed for the roof structure inclusive of all necessary lateral,
gable and other galvanised metal restraint straps.

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If gable ends are to be built up, the end pairs of trussed rafter units shall be correctly positioned and
firmly fixed with all temporary bracing necessary to prevent slip or overturning. Scaffoldings and access
equipment shall be altered as is necessary and, paying full regard to following works and gable ends,
shall be built up or fabricated and clad as per the approved building design. Such building work and
cladding shall form an appendix to this method statement if applicable.
Trestles and boards or other platform will be positioned under the trussed rafter units or boards placed
over the bottom chord of the trussed rafter unit if the node points are found to be of a suitable and
sufficient strength and guaranteed as such by the trussed rafter unit manufacturers. In any event, no
operatives or persons shall be at risk of falling whilst any bracing is being positioned.
Care will be taken at all times to ensure that materials or tools do not fall from the working level. The site
supervisor will liaise with the principal contractor to restrict access to the area below during this work.
(b) Cut in-situ roofing
Where possible, timber for this area of the roof construction will be handled by mechanical means
particularly for sections in excess of 25 kg.
If there is any associated supporting steel work in the construction, a mechanical method of handling will
be used for loads in excess of 25 kg. For any fabricated steel work, liaison will take place with the steel
fabricator and details of installation will be given as an appendix to this method statement.
This area of roof will be formed by measuring and cutting individual timber members to suit. Where
possible, all cutting will be carried out at ground level using either powered or hand tools. If it is
necessary to cut material at roof level, care will be taken to ensure safe access at all times, that the
piece being worked on is secure and that any offcuts cannot fall from this level. Power tools will be
110 volts or lower.
Wall plates shall be affixed as described in Section 2.1(a) of this method statement.
Areas of common rafters pitched to ridge boards shall be erected first to obtain structural stability if the
roof design allows this. The rafters to be tied together by means of traditional purlins, ceiling joists and
collars if applicable. Bolts and dog washers shall be used in preference to nailing whenever possible.
Rafter feet shall be affixed using correct galvanised or stainless steel shoes; skew nailing shall not be an
approved fixing method.
Thereafter, hip, valley boards and jack rafters and all other timber members shall be affixed to form the
main structure. All timbers will be fixed as soon as possible after positioning and temporary bracing will
be used as required to ensure the stability of the structure throughout. Access to fix temporary or
permanent bracing will be achieved using a safe means of access as detailed in Section 2.1(a) of this
method statement.
In the cases of more complex roof structures, such as multi-pitched, king and queen post, hammer
beam, turreted or domed construction, a more detailed and in-depth specific method statement shall be
prepared.
Care will be taken by all parties to avoid shock loading or overloading of structure, scaffold or similar
work platforms.

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2.2. Floor construction

Floor joists and boarding will be handled by mechanical means where possible, particularly for sections
in excess of 25 kg.
A safe means of access will be used, as detailed previously. If ladders are used they will be positioned
and secured prior to use.
Floor joists will be positioned either directly onto the load-bearing wall or in proprietary joist hangers. In
either case, care will be taken to ensure that the joist or hanger is secure and cannot be dislodged
accidentally. Temporary bracing shall be affixed to ensure stability and to prevent joists slipping or
overturning.
Intermediate bracing, trimming, noggins or herringbone strutting will be fixed from below where
practicable. If it is necessary to work from above, an adequately boarded platform or other similar means
of access will be used to avoid the risk of falling through the joists. Alternatively, harnesses will be worn,
attached to a secure anchorage.
Floor boards or decking will be manhandled into position and secured using the requisite fixings. Work
will commence nearest the access point and progress away from this position so that operatives work
from a firm base. Edge protection or harnesses will be provided around the access points where
required and also to any voids in the floor, and in any case where there is a risk of falling 2 m or more.
Care will be taken to avoid overloading the floor and to prevent materials falling from the work area.

3. Supervision, controls and monitoring

All work will be directly controlled by the on-site trade supervisor, who will ensure that the safe means of
working as given by this method statement is complied with and that all work platforms are inspected
prior to use.
The supervisor will liaise with the principal contractor concerning any overlapping issues with the
principal contractor or other sub-contractors.

4. Operator training and plant

All operatives will be required to comply with the requirements of any site induction training given by this
company, the principal contractor or their employer.
All operatives employed by or sub-contracted to this company will be experienced and trained in the
work that they are undertaking. Experienced operatives will supervise any trainees. Further training will
be provided if it is found to be required.
Only trained operators will use cartridge-operated tools if required, and they will be responsible for safe
storage of the equipment and cartridges. Plant and machinery will be operated only by those competent
and adequately trained in its use.
Power tools will be checked at regular intervals and a visual inspection carried out before use. Power
tools will be 110 volts or less and shall be subject to portable appliance testing at agreed intervals.

5. Safety of third parties

All employees and sub-contractors will be made aware during site induction of any risks their work can
impose on others in the vicinity. Work will only be undertaken so as to minimise these risks or when
adequate protection is in place. The site supervisor will liaise with the principal contractor to ensure
protection against falling materials is adequate.

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6. Environmental controls
Every effort will be made to keep noise, dust and waste levels to a minimum, and to ensure that they do
not cause a hazard or become a nuisance to others. Working areas will be tidied regularly and waste
removed to skips provided.

7. Personal protective equipment, first aid and emergency procedures

i) All employees and sub-contractors will wear protective footwear and safety helmets at all
times whilst on site.
Other PPE such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection and
protective clothing will be issued and used as required.
ii) All operatives will be made aware of first aid and emergency procedures at the site induction on
their first arrival. This information will be provided by the principal contractor.

8. Non-standard activities
Should any work be non-standard, either in regard to the materials used or the type of activity to be
carried out, an appendix will be added to this method statement. This will include necessary risk and
COSHH assessments and changes to the method statement. It will ensure that the work is carried out
safely in accordance with any construction phase health and safety plan or any site rules.

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