Union Infrastructure, S.A. de C.V.

CONTRUCTION METHOD STATEMENT

SAFE APPLICATION OF WELDING ON ACCESS HATCH

PROJECT
Belmopan Roof Works

Project No. #760060081

BHC Belmopan
North Ring Road (Melhado Parade), PO Box 91
Belmopan, Belize

CLIENT
FCO Services
Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK19 7BH

Prepared by:
Union Infrastructure, S.A de C.V.
Juan Vazquez de Mella 481 – PISO 2
Col. Los Morales
Del. Miguel Hidalgo
C.P. 11510,
CDMX, Mexico

Tel: (+52 55) 5351 3581

Document Control
Document Name Construction Method Statement
Description SAFE APPLICATION OF WELDING ON ACCESS HATCH
Author David Rogers
Version V0.1-15/04/2023-Eng
Version History Date Revisions
V0.1 15/04/2023 First Draft

Construction Method Statement Acknowledgement

Construction Method Statement Union Infrastructure: 453/760060081

SAFE APPLICATION OF WELDING ON ACCESS HATCH

(BHC Belmopan Re-Roof Works/ Reference: 453/760060081)

The undersigned have read and concur with this Construction Method Statement:

_________________________________________________________ ________________________
Project Director Date
Union Infrastructure - David Rogers

_________________________________________________________ ________________________
Project Manager Date
Union Infrastructure – Fernando Valencia

_________________________________________________________ ________________________
H&H Supervisor Date
Union Infrastructure – Amelia Güitrón

_________________________________________________________ ________________________
Project Manager Date
FCDOS – Aisha Butt

________________________________________________________ ________________________
Building Surveyor Date
FCDOS – Andrew Fletcher

_________________________________________________________ ________________________
Structural Engineer Date
FCDOS – Aram Chtchyan

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Construction Method Statement Union Infrastructure: 453/760060081

1 INTRODUCTION & SCOPE................................................................................................................................................4

2 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.............................................................................................................................................4

3 PPE & COVID-19.............................................................................................................................................................. 5

4 SAFETY RULES FOR ALL ROOF WORKS.............................................................................................................................6

5 SCOPE OF WORKS........................................................................................................................................................... 6

5.1 GENRAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................................................................6

5.2 SEQUENCE OF WORK.............................................................................................................................................6

5.2.1 PROTECTING OFFICE WORKERS........................................................................................................................7

6 KEY HAZARDS, RISKS AND CONTROLS – RISK ASSESSMENT.............................................................................................7

7 ACCESS/EGRESS............................................................................................................................................................... 9

7.1 PERSONNEL........................................................................................................................................................... 9

7.2 DELIVERIES............................................................................................................................................................. 9

7.3 FERRYING MATERIALS TO WORKFACE (INCLUDING HOISTING MATERIAL)............................................................9

8 SPECIAL CONTROL MEASURES........................................................................................................................................9

8.1 CONTROL METHODS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, NON-SITE STAFF AND OTHER OPERATIVES.................................9

8.2 SECURITY............................................................................................................................................................... 9

8.2.1 FIRST AID.......................................................................................................................................................... 9

8.2.2 POLLUTION CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS...........................................................................................................9

8.2.3 FIRE PROCEDURE............................................................................................................................................10

8.3 RESOURCES..........................................................................................................................................................10

8.3.1 LEGISLATION...................................................................................................................................................10

8.3.2 REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................................10

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Construction Method Statement Union Infrastructure: 453/760060081

1 INTRODUCTION & SCOPE

This method statement has been prepared to cover the application of welding on the offices roof of the British
High Commission (BHC). This method statement covers the safe Welding application for lifting of roof access
hatch using 6013 electrodes and welding machine.

All works will be supervised and always monitored by a competent supervisor and to be carried out in accordance
with the risk assessments, construction phase environmental health & safety plan currently in pace as well as other
H&S management documents and industry best practices.

2 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

All accidents, including near misses, are to be reported to Union Infrastructures Health & Safety Supervisor, Ing.
Amelia Güitrón. An entry of the incident is to be recorded in both incident books. If an injury renders an operative
unable to make an entry in the incident book, this should be completed by a witness or someone who is able to
enter the account of the incident.

Injured personnel should, where possible, report to the first aid facility for treatment. Where emergency first aid
treatment or the emergency services are required then Union Infrastructure and the FCDO must be informed
immediately to enable them to initiate the necessary action.

All RIDDOR category accidents will be investigated by Union Infrastructure and a copy of the report will be
submitted to the FCDO together with a copy of the accident report. Any accident that results in the injured person
needing hospital treatment or is absent the following day must be reported immediately to Union Infrastructure
and the FCDO.

Nearest Accident & Emergency Hospital

Belmopan Medical Center (24/7) Tel: (+501) 822-3179
66VF+GH, Haulover Creek Street
Belmopan Location: Link to map
Belize

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Construction Method Statement Union Infrastructure: 453/760060081

3 PPE & COVID-19

1. All workers and supervisors involved in this process will be subject to the current mandatory PPE
protocol on site.
2. The workers will observe the existing COVID-19 site wide health & safety protocol to maintain safe
distances between workers, mandatory stop and clean every 2hrs and frequent disinfection of all hand
held tools, at a minimum between tasks and prior to the use of the same tool by another worker.
3. The following PPE equipment will be provided to all workers involved in activities subject to this
Method Statement.
a. Hard hat (EN397)
b. Safety Glasses (EN166)
c. Personal Fall Arrest (EN361/354/355)
d. Hi-vis (EN471 class2)
e. Gloves (EN420/388)
f. Safety Boots (EN344/345)
g. NO SHORTS TO BE WORN ON SITE
h. Welding Helmet (EN/166/2001)
i. Welding Gloves (EN166/2001)
j. IGNIFUGE CANVAS (BS5867-2)

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Construction Method Statement Union Infrastructure: 453/760060081

4 SAFETY RULES FOR ALL ROOF WORKS

1. All operatives must:

a. Be fit for work
b. Understand the Risk Assessment/Method Statement (RAMS) briefing and:
c. Plan their work
d. Brief their teammates (or receive a briefing) before they start work
e. Wear Full PPE
f. Keep other building workers away (fix barriers and warning signs)
g. Protect visitors/workers (and others) from falling material (e.g. erect fans)
h. Keep their work area free of combustible and flammable objects and/or substances.
i. Stop work if anything changes, and contact their Supervisor/Site Manager
j. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous conditions, to their Supervisor and
Site Manager, immediately.
k. Work to the RAMS (Risk Assessment/Method Statement).
l. Fire extinguisher always on site.

5 SCOPE OF WORKS
1. Agree exclusion/segregation, storage & movement of materials with the Principal Contractor before
works commence.
2. Check area to establish any hazards to operators (others working in the area).
3. Ensure FCDO workers don’t get disturbed and clear the area prior works begins.
4. Access equipment will be securely stored at the end of each shift to prevent unauthorised use.
5. Exclusion zones will be established in the area to protect people from any risk of any kind.
6. No materials will be left on site after working shift.
7. Only authorised personnel will be allowed access to the work area.
8. Appropriate signage will be suitably displayed around the work aera.
9. PPE to be worn at all times on site.
10. All workers to undertake site induction prior to commencing work.
11. Fire extinguisher on site during the works
12. Permanent H&S supervision
13. The paper copy of the permit will be kept in a prominent location in the control room while the permit is
active.

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14. The employees working under the permit are responsible to follow the precautions listed on the permit
and ask questions to clarify any misunderstandings.
15. Hot work can only be permitted when the area is free of combustible and or flammable materials and
atmospheric monitoring is within acceptable ranges. If this cannot be accomplished the hot work must be
relocated outside the electrically classified or process area to a designated work area. i. Eliminate ignition
sources by selecting alternative work methods, equipment or moving the location of the hot work to a
non-hazardous location ii. Implement safeguards and controls (examples - fire blankets, enclosures and
wetting or cleaning surfaces

5.1 GENRAL INFORMATION

This Site-Specific Risk Assessment/Method Statement (RAMS) describes the Safe System of Work to be used for
operations.
Prior to works commencing, Union Infrastructure will induct all operatives and the foreman will brief all
operatives on the RAMS.

5.2 SEQUENCE OF WORK

The area of work must be free of combustible and or flammable materials and atmospheric monitoring is within
acceptable ranges. A supervisor will be on site during the perform of works to validate If this cannot be
accomplished the hot work must be relocated outside the electrically classified or process area to a designated
work area.

1. Preparation and setting out of elements: The steel frame around the perimeter of the access hatch shall be
prepared with Four corner brackets shall be fitted for support. Mechanical cleaning shall be carried out in order to
eliminate discontinuities in the welding application area (joint area 1/8”).
2. Stitching for fitting of welded joints: In order to achieve a correct fitting of the different welded joints
(alignment, framing and fixing) it will be necessary to carry out a provisional fixing by means of welding points,
these being sections of welding applied between the two or more elements.
3. Checking of the fitting: after the fitting of the different joints, checks (dimensional inspection) shall be
carried out in order to ensure correct framing and assembly.
4. Welding application: Once the correct fitting of the different structural elements has been checked, the
welding application will begin using the SMAW system (direct arc) with 7018 welding of 1/8 "ø, in accordance
with the parameters established in the AWS-D1-1-2015 standard.
5. Final cleaning of the welded joint: To finish the process of "Welding application" it will be necessary as
a last step, to perform a thorough mechanical cleaning in the area of the welded joint, as well as in the area
affected by the application, thus finishing the process of welding application and leaving the area ready for
inspection.

All film’s rolls and any other materials to be inspected prior to install to ensure free from defects, Any defective
material reported to site management/supervisor.
All windows to be perfectly clean before the film installation. If there are any shutters, blinds, fly screens etc
installed internally obscuring the glazing pane to receive the new window film, they shall be carefully removed
before works can commence and re-installed once the film has been correctly applied.
In the case of pre-existing window films to the interior glazing, these will be carefully removed
using a blade and/scraper as required to ensure all film and residue are removed from the glazing.

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Liquid soap, Windex (or similar) or alcohol will be used to clean off any residue from the removed
window film.
The window glazing will be cleaned using Liquid soap, Windex (or similar) or alcohol to remove
stubborn marks and stains and will be dried using a squeegee and kitchen towel to leave clean and
dry. The window glazing will be inspected by a UNION supervisor for quality control purposes
prior to authorizing the application of the window film.
In the event that fixed blinds or fly screens cannot be removed or there is a risk of damage to the
window frame or item - these windows or window sections will be left and reviewed with POST
before proceeding - in the event that the obstruction cannot be removed UNION will set aside the
pre-cut film for installation at a future date by POST.
Each window to receive a prior measurement before the ASF is then marked and cut to size ensuring correct
placement.
Union Infrastructure operatives will receive all relevant training in manual handling and operation of any tools
required for film installation to windows. All Union Infrastructure personnel to be involved in this described
works activity have now received additional training for social distancing and the use of PPE to prevent infection
during/post COVID-19 pandemic.

5.2.1 PROTECTING OFFICE WORKERS

Before work begins, the site manager/foreman will ensure that the work area is free and clear of obstructions and
cordoned off if required. Note: the proposed works will be applied internal window glazing and access with be
required to the internal office spaced or habitable spaced of the residences. In this regard its not deemed necessary
or practical to “cordon -ff these work zones, however care will be taken to ensure the workers are able to
undertake their works without endangering the occupants of any of the buildings and a prior access schedule will
be provided to POST for approval before the programmed activities begin.
On completion of all works, any barriers, signs and protection will be removed leaving the area free, clear and
clean.

6 KEY HAZARDS, RISKS AND CONTROLS – RISK ASSESSMENT

Working at Height  Union Infrastructure will ensure that all operatives work to less than
1.80 meters using only stairs.

Falling material  The risk of falling material MUST be managed daily to protect
visitors, contractors and operatives from injury, by erection of
suitable measures, where necessary
 All work areas to be cordoned off with barriers and warning signs.

Slips and trips  Floors are generally in good condition. UNION will check daily for
obstructions prior to works starting each day.
 Provide of good lighting throughout.

Sharpening tools  All contractor jobs involving work at height to be discussed by fitter,
contractor and other relevant staff and a safe system of work agreed
before job begins.
 Access equipment (e.g., ladders) kept in fitter’s workshop and
inspected before use and stored safely after use.
 Fitter trained to use ladders safely.

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This is a summary of the major hazards and the control risks involved in the project; for full details of the
hazards and risk control measures please refer to the detailed project Risk Assessment.

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7 ACCESS/EGRESS

7.1 PERSONNEL
1. Prior to works commencing, Union Infrastructure will induct all operatives to the site.
2. Union Infrastructure will notify the BHC in advance to confirm the performance of work and if
necessary, vacate the office in which the installation of the protective film will take place.
3. Union Infrastructure will be notified BHC before brief all operatives to bring copies of their certificates
to the site inductions (and copies of all relevant certification can be emailed to the client during office
hours).
4. All equipment will be securely stored at the end of each shift to prevent unauthorised use.

7.2 DELIVERIES
1. All materials required for the completion of the proposed works covered by this method statement are on
site and no further deliveries will be deemed necessary.
Note: In the case addition materials are required, they will be delivered to site and inspected for worthiness before
accepting the delivery on site and before use. Should any defective items be found, they will not be accepted, and
replacement(s) will be arranged.

7.3 FERRYING MATERIALS TO WORKFACE (INCLUDING HOISTING MATERIAL)

1. Operatives will tale precise onside measures of each window glazing section to be protected and will cut
the rolls of ASF in the site area. No cutting off materials will take place inside the offices or residence.
2. Material will then be ferried to the workplace in cut sections.
3. As required operatives will use small portable step ladders to achieve the required safe working height
for each installation.
4. Union Infrastructure will brief operatives on various toolbox talks, including.

8 SPECIAL CONTROL MEASURES

8.1 CONTROL METHODS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, NON-SITE STAFF AND OTHER
OPERATIVES

Union Infrastructure understands there is an inherent danger in working near the public/with visitors, other site
operatives and/or non-site staff and these dangers are reflected in detailed project Risk Assessment.

8.2 SECURITY

1. All operatives will follow POST security protocols.

2. Union Infrastructure will be ultimately responsible for security/protection of all existing windows and
furniture at the offices and residences where the ASF will be installed.
3. Foreman to brief all operatives to report unauthorised visitors to the site agent immediately.

8.2.1 FIRST AID

1. First Aid facilities are located at the main site offices provided by the main contractor.

8.2.2 POLLUTION CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

1. Union Infrastructure will use the minimum of well-serviced plant; Union Infrastructure’s health & safety
supervisor will brief all personnel to report any incidents to the site management team and their contracts
supervisor immediately.
2. Union Infrastructure will brief workers to keep noise to a minimum always.

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8.2.3 FIRE PROCEDURE

1. Union Infrastructure must immediately raise the alarm. The health & safety supervisor will brief
operatives to use the onsite fire extinguishers if they notice a small fire (but only if they have been
trained).
2. If the fire appears too large to safely handle, they will be briefed to raise the alarm and to call for
assistance – they are not to put themselves in any danger.
3. After raising the alarm, they will then go to the nearest muster point.
4. The foreman (and/or his designated deputy) will keep a register of operatives on site. In the event of a
fire alarm, they will take a roll call of all site personnel at the muster point and pass this information on to
POST´s site management team.

8.3 RESOURCES

8.3.1 LEGISLATION

1. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974;).

2. The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015
3. The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999;
4. The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998;
5. The Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998; 7) The Personal Protective Equipment at
Work Regulations 1992; 8) COSHH Regulations 2002
6. Local legislation will also apply.

8.3.2 REFERENCES

1. 3M - Lámina de Seguridad y Protección ULTRA Prestige PR S70

-END-

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