What is a method statement?

A method statement describes how a piece of work will be carried out safely, step by step. It's usually paired with a risk assessment (together, a RAMS) so the controls identified in the risk assessment appear at the right point in the work.

What should a method statement include?

Arrival and induction, setting up the work area, isolations and permits, access equipment, the work itself, testing or commissioning, reinstatement, clearing up and handover — plus who is responsible and what equipment is used.

Is a method statement the same as a safe system of work?

They're closely related. A method statement is a written description of the safe system of work for a specific job.

Free template

Method statement template

Describe the job and we'll draft the method in a safe order. Edit, reorder and add your own steps — then download it as part of a full RAMS.

Create a method statement Blank template (PDF)

Method statement example

Consumer unit replacement in an occupied office

This example method was drafted from one paragraph. Notice the order: isolation before work, testing before re-energising, handover last.

Job description

Replace the consumer unit and add two new circuits at Ashdown Offices, first floor. Isolate the supply, work from a podium for the ceiling cabling, drill through blockwork for new containment and test before re-energising. Offices stay occupied during the work.

Activities identified

General site work
Ladders or stepladders
Electrical isolation
Electrical testing
Manual handling
Power tools
Dust-generating work
Occupied premises or public areas

Method (13 steps)

1.Arrive and sign in. Arrive at Ashdown Offices, first floor, report to the Ashdown Property Management site contact, sign in and complete any site induction.
2.Brief the team. Brief all operatives on this RAMS, the COSHH assessments and the emergency arrangements. Record attendance.
3.Set up the work area. Set up barriers and signage around the work area and keep it clear of other people.
4.Isolate the electrical supply. Identify the relevant circuit, isolate, lock off and tag. Prove dead with an approved voltage indicator, proved before and after use.
5.Set up access equipment. Inspect and set up the podium or stepladder on firm, level ground in the work area.
6.Disconnect and remove existing equipment. Disconnect and remove the existing equipment. Lower or carry it using mechanical aids or team lifts as planned.
7.Drill and fix. Mark out, then drill and fix using on-tool dust extraction. Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling.
8.Install new equipment. Position and fix the new equipment to the manufacturer's instructions.
9.Carry out electrical work. Carry out the electrical work on the isolated circuit to BS 7671.
10.Test and commission. Test and commission the installation. Record results.
11.Remove isolation and re-energise. Confirm the work is complete and everyone is clear, remove locks and re-energise.
12.Clear up and remove waste. Clear the work area, remove waste from site (including recovered refrigerant and hazardous waste) and leave the area safe.
13.Hand over and sign out. Hand over to the Ashdown Property Management site contact, report anything outstanding and sign out.

Main risks (8 in total)

Fall from ladders or stepladders

Residual Medium

Who: Operatives

Use a podium or mobile tower instead of a ladder where the task allows
Ladders only for short-duration (under 30 minutes), light work with three points of contact
Ladder inspected before use; industrial-grade (EN 131 professional) only
Ladder set on firm, level ground and footed or secured
No overreaching — move the ladder instead

Electric shock or burns

Residual Medium

Who: Operatives, building occupants

Work carried out dead — no live working
Safe isolation: isolate, lock off, tag, and prove dead with an approved voltage indicator (GS38) proved before and after
Only competent, qualified electricians carry out electrical work
Permit to work obtained where the site requires one
Personal locks and keys retained by the person working

Electric shock during testing

Residual High

Who: Operatives

Test dead wherever possible; live testing only where essential
GS38-compliant test leads and probes, inspected before use
Barriers or screens to prevent others approaching exposed live parts
Testing carried out by competent persons only
Insulated gloves and eye protection where there is an arc-flash risk

+ 5 more risks in the full RAMS.

A simple structure that works for most jobs

Arrive, sign in and complete the site induction
Brief the team on the RAMS and COSHH
Set up the work area — barriers, signage, exclusion zones
Isolations and permits (electrical, water, gas, hot works, fire systems)
Set up access equipment
Carry out the work
Test and commission
Remove isolations and reinstate
Clear up and remove waste
Hand over and sign out

The generator builds this order for you from the activities in the job, and only includes steps that apply.

Questions

What is a method statement?: A method statement describes how a piece of work will be carried out safely, step by step. It's usually paired with a risk assessment (together, a RAMS) so the controls identified in the risk assessment appear at the right point in the work.
What should a method statement include?: Arrival and induction, setting up the work area, isolations and permits, access equipment, the work itself, testing or commissioning, reinstatement, clearing up and handover — plus who is responsible and what equipment is used.
Is a method statement the same as a safe system of work?: They're closely related. A method statement is a written description of the safe system of work for a specific job.