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Commercial mechanical engineering contractor carrying out hydrostatic pressure test following method statement procedure
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK // CONTRACTOR KNOWLEDGE

What Is a Method Statement?Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) and chronological procedures for UK commercial contractors.

While a Risk Assessment identifies what could go wrong, a Method Statement details precisely how the work will be carried out safely. Discover the definition, legal status, essential contents, and common drafting errors of commercial Method Statements.

Explore Key Components BelowHow to Write RAMS Guide
SSoW
Safe System of Work
HASWA 1974 Section 2 standard
Sequential
Step-by-Step Instructions
Chronological execution
Permit Ready
Commercial Access
Required before site permits
Quick Summary // 7 min read
UK Compliance Standard

What is a Method Statement and why is it required?

A Method Statement (often termed a Safe System of Work or SSoW) is a formal document detailing the exact sequential procedure for executing a work task safely. It specifies plant, equipment, isolation procedures, access arrangements, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency protocols.

Essential Takeaways:
  • Operational translation of control measures identified in the risk assessment
  • Written chronologically so site engineers follow a clear sequence
  • Mandatory for high-risk, intrusive, or commercial maintenance works
  • Helps clients confirm that the contractor has planned safe execution
01 // DEFINITION & CONTEXT

What Is a Method Statement?

A Method Statement (frequently referred to in UK industry as a Safe System of Work (SSoW)) is a detailed, formal document that specifies the exact, step-by-step sequence in which a work task will be carried out safely and without risk to health.

While the Risk Assessment calculates potential hazards and evaluates initial risk scores, the Method Statement is the practical operational guide for engineers on site. It details how the controls identified in the risk assessment will actually be executed in the physical plantroom, switchroom, or roof space.

02 // DOCUMENT STRUCTURE

Typical Contents of a Commercial Method Statement

To satisfy facilities management review desks, an approved Method Statement must contain eight mandatory components:

1. Title, Scope & Site Details

Exact building name and address, client work order reference, specific room/location, and clear boundary of the task.

2. Competent Personnel & Supervision

Names and contact details of the lead engineer, site supervisor, appointed first aider, and required competency card types (e.g. ECS Gold, Gas Safe).

3. Plant, Tooling & Equipment

List of all hand tools, 110V power tools, access equipment (podiums, MEWPs), calibrated test instruments, and rigging gear.

4. Step-by-Step Chronological Sequence

Chronological numbered instructions from arrival and sign-in through service isolations, component replacement, commissioning, and final sign-out.

5. Isolation & Lockout Protocols (LOTO)

Exact procedure for proving dead, applying padlocks and warning tags, draining pressurised pipework, or blanking gas lines.

6. Waste Disposal & Environmental Controls

Disposal routes for removed components, hazardous waste consignment notes (fluorescent tubes, batteries, refrigerants, oils), and spill kit provisions.

03 // QUALITY CONTROL

Top 5 Method Statement Mistakes to Avoid

  • 1

    Vague Statements ("Work Carefully")

    Writing "the engineer will proceed with caution" fails to define a safe system of work. Be specific: "Engineer will place GRP barriers at a 2-metre radius and isolate breaker MCB-04."

  • 2

    Ignoring Emergency Rescue Plans

    Stating that workers will wear a harness is inadequate. The method statement must state how a suspended or injured worker will be rescued within 15 minutes.

  • 3

    Missing Operative Signatures

    A method statement is legally worthless if the operatives executing the task have not read and signed it. The sign-off sheet must accompany the site file.

METHOD STATEMENT FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions on Method Statements

Clear guidance on legal duties, drafting, and client approval.

While the specific term "Method Statement" does not appear in UK statutory legislation, employers have an explicit legal duty under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to provide and maintain "safe systems of work". A Method Statement is the recognised industry standard for documenting this safe system.

PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR NETWORK

Join the EntireFM Contractor Network

EntireFM values trade contractors who take pride in safe systems of work. Apply to become an approved supplier for commercial FM contracts (£95+VAT annual membership).

£95 Annual MembershipPayable upon application submission.
Merit-Based AllocationConsidered based on trade & location.
Document VaultAutomated compliance & insurance expiry.
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Operational Notice: Membership provides access to the EntireFM Contractor Network and operating platform. Membership does not guarantee work or contract awards; work allocation remains strictly governed by client requirements, compliance verification, geographic proximity, and contractor performance.
FURTHER GUIDES

Supporting Technical Resources

Explore our companion guides on risk assessments, RAMS, and winning facilities management work.

Core Concept

What Are RAMS?

Explore the complete RAMS framework combining risk assessments and method statements.

Read Guide
Methodology

How to Write RAMS

Step-by-step practical authoring methodology for UK facilities management contracts.

Read Guide
Opportunities

Contractor Subcontractor Opportunities

Put your business forward for commercial FM subcontracts (£95 annual membership).

Read Guide