14/05/2007

GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest

USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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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 method of work that should be followed and employed
during the use of:
A 30T, 50T, 55T, 70T Mobile crane for unloading of equipment and material,
erection of formworks , and concrete pouring.

This Method Statement highlights and explains the various stages of the use of the above
mentioned mobile crane, the various materials and equipment to be used with it and how they
are to be used. It although defines 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 MS 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 M.S and decides of any amendment, is responsible for ensuring
that the M.S 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.

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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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 M.S.

 Project System Manager: Rab Gosbee, who will review the M.S under the Quality-
Safety-Environmental [QSE] aspect.

 Civil Works Engineer: is in charge of the structural works and its H&S requirements.
o Prepares and amends the G.M.S as necessary. Keeps a record of all relevant
documentation related to the aforementioned activity.
o Must assess Lifting operations to provide such planning, selection of cranes,
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 M.S and proposes of any amendment to site management.
o Makes sure that M.S requirements are followed on site.
o Checks competences of supervisor staff, crane coordinator, crane drivers,
banksmen, 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 M.S 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
(formworks, concrete skip…) to and from cranes and for use of the correct lifting
accessories in accordance with the Method Statement.

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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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 concrete pouring and vibration.

This G.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

4. Management of Resources

4.1 Plant, equipment and materials

Technical data for the mobile crane:

Refer to the Ainscough document at the end of this Method statement for a 30T mobile crane.

Location of the mobile crane:

Refer to the drawing at the end of this Method Statement.

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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Equipment :

COMPONENT SKILLED OPERATIVE REQUIRED

PROBY formworks Skilled workers / Foreman

Concrete skip Banks-man / Skilled labourer / Foreman

Mobile crane, chains and sling Mobile Crane driver only

Concrete skip Banks-man / Skilled labourer / Foreman

FULL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

All operatives

Slingers/ signaller-foreman
Lifting beams on chain for hollowcore
Skilled workers / Foreman
Push-pull Props

Materials:

DESIGNATION SKILLED OPERATIVE REQUIRED

Hollow core Planks Foreman / Skilled labourers Workforce :
Concrete
SKILLED to OPERATIVE
Design Mix Foreman / Skilled
COMPETENCE labourer
LEVEL COMPETENCE PERMIT
Specification REQUIRED REQUIRED
Steel reinforcements / mesh / loose Foreman /inSkilled
Experienced workinglabourers
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 / slinger / signaller to assembly/de-assembly of lifting Health and Safety Personnel and
be provided by Bouygues UK beans and all lifting signals. Foreman/Supervisor
License to be checked on arrival

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

Steel fixer and aware of specific reinforcing
requirements.
Experienced in concrete works
and is aware of method of pouring
Concrete pourer and checking concrete moisture
content.
Experienced in tower / mobile
Mobile crane driving. Should be
Crane driver provided by crane responsible for the correct
Competence is to be checked by
Supervisor.
Is to attend relevant tool-box talk.
Competence is to be checked by
Foreman/Supervisor
Tower/Mobile crane driving
license. Is to attend relevant tool-
box talk. Competence is to be

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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supplier Aincough operation of the crane in checked by Health and Safety

accordance with the Personnel and Superintendent
manufacturer’s instructions and
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.

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.

 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 Health & Safety Manager are obliged to keep copies
of these inspections and certificates ready for inspection.

[* 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]

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.

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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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.

 No excessive use of cranes horn to prevent noise disturbance to site workers and
neighbourhood.

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

 Site electrical supply from permanent power as far as possible rather than use of
generators (minimise noise disturbance, air and soil pollution)

 Workers should use radios not to shout on site.

 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

Main sequences of work:

Mobile crane installation and capacity

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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To be provided by Specialist Service provider (Ainscough) in accordance with information

provided by Bouygues UK:
 Type of lift to be carried out
 Maximum load
 Maximum distance between mobile crane and unloading area.
 Ground conditions
 Site access and egress

Mobile crane use:

The mobile will be used to:

1. Unload the metal shutters from the lorries

2. Unload mesh and rebar from the lorries
3. Erect the metal shutters
4. Pour concrete for pilecaps

 Assess load of the heaviest piece of equipment, material to be lifted.

 Define workplace and location of mobile crane
 Measure distance from mobile crane where load will have to be lifted/installed
 Choice of type of mobile crane to be assessed by specialist service provider
 Confirm suitability of workplace condition for mobile crane with specialist service
provider
 Use warning tape + pins on physical barrier to demarcate the mobile place working
area on site
 Provide tool box talk to everyone involved (i.e crane operators, banksman, foreman,
crane co-ordinator, Engineer in Charge); keep a record of TBT attendance record
sheet.
 Carry out test load and distance check as per Specialist provider report and/or BY-UY
method statement.

6. – Identification of Direct and Indirect Hazards

The following non-exhaustive list is of the main potential hazards identified within the before
mentioned activity. All of the potential hazards involved in this activity cannot be fully listed; All
hazards listed in the above mentioned related MS are still relevant. The hazards described below
are the one specific to the use of the mobile crane.

Mobile Crane operations

1. Incorrect use of crane or poor standard of lifting operation

2. High wind causing loss of control of the load
3. Wrong set up of the crane (unstable ground…)
4. Public safety during installation and dismantling of the mobile crane (safety at gate)
5. Interaction with other trades working at the same time.
Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane
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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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6. Interface with Network rail

7. Interaction with delivery access and bay area
8. Unauthorised people crossing the mobile crane workplace area

7. Activity Risk Assessment:

7.1 Level of Risk assessment:

severity
1 2 3 4 5

1 1 2 3 4 5
probability of occurrence

2 2 4 6 8 10

3 3 6 9 12 15

4 4 8 12 16 20

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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5 5 10 15 20 25

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

Legend for the level of Risk

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

Refer to Risk Assessment matrix.

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane

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GENERIC METHOD STATEMENT Waltham Forest
USE OF MOBILE CRANE Project

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8. Tool-Box Talk upon arrival:

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 :

- Crane lifting operations / Hoist and lift instructions and signals

- Duties and responsibilities of:
 Crane drivers
 Banksman, slinger/signaller
 Site supervisor
for the safe use of mobile cranes and lifting operations.
- Erection of metal shutters
- Correct selection of slings, chains, lifting beams to carry out a lift.

Generic Tool-box Talks applicable ;

- Manual Handling
- PPE

Check list to be completed before works start on site.

check points Y/N

tool-box talks done  
crane operator license checked  
check if the crane is the one expected  
check mobile crane certificate and maintenance
record  
check certificates for chains and lifting accessories/  

Method Statement –Use of Mobile crane