Roof Installation

Method Statement
Guidance Note 44
Mar 17

1
 Roof Installation Method Statement
A Basic Guide to preparation

Introduction

This Guidance Note gives practical information about creating a method statement.

A completed sample template has been included in Appendix 1 and a blank template in
Appendix 2. If you wish to use the template in Appendix 2 to construct your own documents,
you must ensure that all references to Alcumus SafeContractor Accreditation have been
removed and the final documents are clearly incorporated into your existing safety
management system.

A method statement should be developed in conjunction with a risk assessment and

together these demonstrate a safe system of work. The method statement needs to be
clear, no longer than necessary and not over complicated. The document should avoid
ambiguities or generalisations, which could lead to confusion and layout a step-by-step
sequence of work that describe how the activity is to be carried out safely.

Format

The actual format is dependent on the work being undertaken and the organisational
arrangements in place but generally the following headings should be present:

Organisation/company in control of the operation

Named individual responsible for the activity and its safety
Name of method statement originator and authorisation date
Arrangements for changing/deviating from method statement
General description of activity
Location of activity including access and restrictions
General working environment considerations, e.g. temperature and wind speed
Protection of others, e.g. members of the public
Emergency procedures, including location of emergency equipment
Identity of operatives (and any specific training or certification required)
Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment
Plant and equipment used, including safety precautions and restrictions
Materials information e.g. hazard information and storage/transport requirements
Work sequence, including associated risks and required control measures for each
stage
Safety checks/clearances at specific stages
Final clearance that activity is completed to specification
Any other additional information that may be relevant.

SA GN 44 (V1) 2
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 The list above is not exhaustive and a method statement may or may not include each and
every item. However, as a minimum it must achieve the following objectives:
It should be up to date, identifiable and its source accountable.
It should contain the sequence of works.
It should identify the associated risks and control measures.
It should state actions / authorisation required to deviate from method statement.

Appendix 1 is a sample method statement. Appendix 2 is a blank template for writing your
own document. The method statement can be as simple or as detailed as the job/risk
requires, so long as it meets the four main objectives.

SA GN 44 (V1) 3
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March 2017
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 Appendix 1

Roof Installation Method Statement

Contract Manager: Mr B. Coak Site Supervisor: Mr R. Powell

Originator: D. Jones Position: Safety Manager Date: 05/03/2017
This method statement is critical to the health and safety of the activity it relates
to. It is to be strictly adhered to. Any deviation must first be authorised by the Site
Supervisor.
Planned Task/Activity Description:
Installation of Roof Trusses, felting and slates.
Location and Access: (attached plan as appropriate)
2 Cobweb Corner, Newtown
Small cottage on corner of bend. Access via a country road with designated passing
spaces.
Working Environment & Restrictions:
Work cannot be undertaken before 9.00am to prevent noise nuisance and eliminate
risk to children walking to village school. Work area to be restricted to roofers and
associated trades only. Householders to be out during the day.
Protection of others:
The area will be cordoned off by the use of barriers and warning signs. The mobile
crane and articulated lorry will be directed to the relevant area under the control of
a qualified banksman (provided by the hire company)
Emergency Procedures:
Normal evacuation procedures applies. No smoking policy at all times.
If a serious accident occurs, operatives are instructed to ring 999 and request an
ambulance. The nearest hospital is:
Operatives/Competence:
All roofing operatives are trained and possess the relevant CSCS cards. The crane hire
company are providing trained supervisors, banksman and appointed persons. The
site supervisor holds a current SSSTS certificate. Mr. J Howells is a qualified first
aider.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Safety boots, gloves and hard hats are mandatory on site. High visibility vests for all
operatives on the ground during crane / vehicle operations.
Plant & Equipment:
Mobile crane for the installation of trusses, roof ladder, fixed scaffold for access.
Roof tile conveyor.
Materials Handling/Storage & Safety Information:
Roof trusses will be delivered to site. The trusses will be securely vertically propped
prior to being lifted to the roof area. Hammers, nails and other hand tools will be
stored in workmans belts. Felting materials and slates will be stored in designated
load areas on the scaffold walkway. They will be stored so that they do not overload
the scaffold nor provide a trip hazard as per scaffold design.

SA GN 44 (V1) 4
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 Critical Stages: (must be undertaken in correct sequence)

1. Scaffold to be erected around the perimeter of the property by competent

installers.
2. Passive fall protection measures by way of a crash deck will be installed
3. Trusses to be delivered by lorry and under direction of a banksman guided to
loading area.
4. Trusses to be safely unloaded and secured in a vertical position using vehicle
HIAB.
5. The mobile crane will be guided into the lifting position by the banksman.
6. Crane Hire Company will raise trusses individual, as per their lift plan.
7. The first truss will be positioned and secured to wall plate.
8. The remaining trusses will also be lifted into position and temporarily braced
back to the first truss.
9. Longitudinal bracing will be fixed to the trusses, ceiling ties and struts.
10. The trusses will then be fixed to the walls and gables
11. Sufficient quantities of felt will be transported to the work area
12. The felt will be systematically laid in the direction of the roof gradient with
suitable side and end flaps, and breaking joints between layers.
13. The process will be repeated until a sufficient felt layer has been achieved. If any
air bubbles are observed, the felt shall be cut back by the roofing operatives to
the satisfaction of Site Supervisor.
14. 2X1 roof batten will be lifted to roof with the crane. Operatives will secure
batten at suitable spaces for tiles.
15. Sufficient quantities of roof slates will be transported to the working area and
fixed to the battens using copper double nails.
16. This process will be repeated along the length of the roof and then the ridge
tiles will be cemented into place
17. Gable end roof tile edge to be filled with cement mortar.
18. Once the work is completed, any surplus material will be safely removed and
operatives will leave the roof via scaffold ladders to the ground level.
19. The site will be made good and control handed back to the client.

Final Clearance: (Work/Activity completed to satisfaction).

Name Position: Date:

SA GN 44 (V1) 5
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March 2017
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 Appendix 2

Blank Method Statement Template

Contract Manager: Site Supervisor:

Originator: Position: Date:
Strict adherence to this method statement is critical to the health and safety of all engaged
in the work.
Any deviation must first be authorised by the Site Supervisor.
Planned Task/Activity Description:

Location and Access: (attached plan as appropriate)

Working Environment & Restrictions:

Protection of others:

Emergency Procedures:

Operatives/Competence:

Personal Protective Equipment:

Plant & Equipment:

Materials Handling/Storage & Safety Information:

Critical Stages: (must be undertaken in correct sequence)

Final Clearance: (Work/Activity completed to satisfaction).

Name Position: Date:

Copyright Alcumus SafeContractor 2017

This publication may be freely reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or commercial
purposes

SA GN 44 (V1) 6
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March 2017
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