Method statement for drilling into walls, floors or ceilings
A drilling method statement should identify the substrate, hole size and depth, fixing, tool and what may be concealed behind the surface. Striking electrical cables, gas or water pipes, disturbing asbestos, silica dust, falling debris and loss of control are foreseeable hazards. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 require work to be planned and managed safely, while asbestos and electrical regulations impose specific duties. Check current asbestos information and service drawings, then scan the exact area with suitable detection equipment; neither check is reliable alone. Mark an agreed safe drilling zone and use depth stops and dust extraction matched to the material. Stop if resistance, dust, voids or scan results differ from expectations, and never drill an uncertain surface.
- ✓5 steps from preparation to completion
- ✓Covers: 3 key hazards and their controls
- ✓Permits: permit to drill where site rules require
In short
A method statement sets out how a task will be carried out safely, step by step: preparation, set-up, the work itself and completion, with the plant, permits, competence and supervision needed. It puts the controls identified in the risk assessment into a safe system of work.
What it must include
- ✓Task description, location and duration
- ✓Step-by-step sequence of works
- ✓Plant, equipment and materials
- ✓Permits and isolations required
- ✓Competence, training and supervision
- ✓PPE and emergency arrangements
You stay the duty holder: review the document for your site before work starts. SitePaper is a drafting tool, not a consultancy.