SSSTS Method Statements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a permit-to-work system, and how does it relate to method statements?
- A permit-to-work replaces a method statement entirely
- A permit-to-work is a formal documented system for controlling high-risk activities, used alongside the method statement to ensure additional checks and authorisations are in place before work begins (Correct answer)
- A permit-to-work is only required for demolition
- Permits-to-work are informal verbal agreements
Correct answer: A permit-to-work is a formal documented system for controlling high-risk activities, used alongside the method statement to ensure additional checks and authorisations are in place before work begins
A permit-to-work is a formal documented control system for high-risk activities (hot work, confined space entry, electrical isolation). It works alongside the method statement by adding a layer of authorisation, pre-work checks, and sign-off to ensure conditions are safe before work starts.
Question 2: A method statement specifies that a particular task requires a banksman. What is the role of a banksman?
- A person who manages the project finances
- A trained person who guides vehicle and plant movements using agreed hand signals or radio communication to ensure safe operations (Correct answer)
- A person who inspects scaffolding
- A person who operates the crane
Correct answer: A trained person who guides vehicle and plant movements using agreed hand signals or radio communication to ensure safe operations
A banksman (also called a signaller) is a trained person who directs the movement of vehicles, cranes, or plant on site using standardised hand signals or radio communication. They ensure safe movement in areas where the operator's visibility is restricted or where pedestrians may be at risk.
Question 3: How should a method statement address environmental controls on a construction site?
- Environmental controls are not relevant to method statements
- Include measures to control dust, noise, vibration, waste disposal, protection of watercourses, and any ecological protections required (Correct answer)
- Only mention environmental controls if the site is in a national park
- Environmental controls are only the responsibility of the Environment Agency
Correct answer: Include measures to control dust, noise, vibration, waste disposal, protection of watercourses, and any ecological protections required
Method statements should address environmental impacts including dust suppression measures, noise and vibration controls (especially near residential areas), waste management and disposal procedures, protection of watercourses from pollution, ecological protections (protected species, trees), and compliance with environmental permits.
Question 4: What should a method statement specify regarding the inspection and maintenance of equipment used for the task?
- Equipment inspection is not part of the method statement
- The pre-use inspection requirements, maintenance schedule, competent persons who can inspect, and actions to take if equipment is found to be defective (Correct answer)
- Only new equipment needs inspection
- Equipment should be inspected annually regardless of use
Correct answer: The pre-use inspection requirements, maintenance schedule, competent persons who can inspect, and actions to take if equipment is found to be defective
The method statement should specify what pre-use checks are required (daily inspections), the formal inspection schedule (e.g., weekly for scaffolding under the Work at Height Regulations), who is competent to carry out inspections, required documentation, and the procedure for taking defective equipment out of service.
Question 5: In a method statement for excavation work, what specific hazards must be addressed?
- Only the depth of the excavation
- Collapse of excavation sides, striking underground services, proximity to structures, water ingress, access and egress, falling objects, and fumes in deep excavations (Correct answer)
- Only the type of soil
- Only the risk of falling in
Correct answer: Collapse of excavation sides, striking underground services, proximity to structures, water ingress, access and egress, falling objects, and fumes in deep excavations
Excavation method statements must address multiple hazards: collapse of sides (requiring support or battering back), striking underground services (requiring service plans and CAT/Genny scans), proximity to adjacent structures, water ingress, safe access and egress, falling objects, and hazardous atmospheres in deep excavations.
Question 6: What is a RAMS pack and why is it important on a construction site?
- A collection of random documents kept in the site office
- A combined Risk Assessment and Method Statement package that documents hazards, controls, and safe working procedures for specific activities, required before work can commence (Correct answer)
- A personal toolkit carried by each worker
- A software application for project management
Correct answer: A combined Risk Assessment and Method Statement package that documents hazards, controls, and safe working procedures for specific activities, required before work can commence
A RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) pack combines both documents for a specific activity. It must be reviewed and accepted by the principal contractor before work starts. It demonstrates that the contractor has identified hazards, assessed risks, and developed a safe system of work.
SSSTS Method Statements 2
What is a permit-to-work system, and how does it relate to method statements?