Category: Safety & quality
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A method statement explains the steps for a specific activity: plant, labour, sequence, inspection points and safety measures, and is approved by the consultant before work.
Why it matters on a project
It gives the whole team one understanding of how the work is done and exposes problems on paper before site.
Common mistake
Writing a generic statement that does not name the project's actual plant, people and specifications.
Frequently asked questions
How is a method statement different from a risk assessment?
The method statement explains how the work is done; the risk assessment sets out what could cause harm and how it is controlled. They usually go together.
Does every activity need its own statement?
Main and high-risk activities do; simple repeated tasks can share one.
Related terms
- Risk assessmentIdentifying hazards in each activity, estimating likelihood and severity and setting controls before work starts.
- Quality control planThe list of inspections, tests and hold points for each activity and who approves them.
- Inspection request (IR)A formal request from the contractor to the consultant to inspect work before the next stage.
- Permit to workWritten authorisation for hazardous work (hot work, work at height, confined spaces) under set conditions.
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