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Steel Designers' Manual - 6th Edition (2003)
972 Erection
33.2 The method statement
It is now customary for the steelwork specialist to provide an erection method statement
for the site work. The purpose of this is to set out a safe system of work for
the delivery, erection and completion of the intended structure, thereby allowing
the design team the opportunity to appraise this plan and make any appropriate
observations or changes.
The erection method statement will set out procedures for delivery and
assembly including the phasing of the erection, bolting, welding, and methods of
erection and safety of the steelwork package. Guidance note GS28 Parts 1 & 2, 2
produced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), contains full details of the
contents of a method statement. The main items described include:
(1) Arrangements for scheme management, including co-ordination and
responsibility allocation of supervisory personnel at all levels
(2) Delivery and off-loading of the steelwork and other materials, including lifting
methods and weights of each load.
(3) Erection sequences, notification of the scheduled starting position or positions
if phased construction is required.
(4) Methods of ensuring continual stability of individual members (including
columns) and sub-assemblies, as well as of the partially erected structure.
(5) The detailed method of erecting the structure or erection scheme devised to
ensure that activities such as lifting, un-slinging, initial connecting, alignment
and final connecting can be carried out safely.
(6) Provisions to prevent falls from height, including safe means of access and
safe places of work, special platforms and walkways, and arrangements for the
early completion of permanent walkways, mobile towers, aerial platforms,
slung, suspended or other scaffolds, secured ladders, safety harnesses and
safety nets.
(7) Protection from falls of materials, tools and debris by the provision of
barriers such as screens, fans and nets.
(8) The provision of suitable plant (including cranes), tools and equipment of
sufficient strength and quantity.
(9) Contingency arrangements to guard against the unexpected, such as a
breakdown of essential plant, or the delivery of components out of
sequence.
(10) Arrangements for delivery, stacking, storing, on-site movement, fabrication or
pre-assembly and the siting of offices and mess rooms.
(11) Details of site features, layout and access, with notes on how they may affect
proposed arrangements and methods of working.
(12) A detailed risk assessment to ensure all safety precautions have been taken.
(13) Handover procedures, including a method of checking the alignment of the
structure and methods of determining bolting and welding completion.