Method statement for painting and decorating
A painting and decorating method statement should identify the coating, preparation method, substrate, access equipment and occupied areas affected. Solvent vapours, spray mist, lead or silica in old coatings, skin contact, fire, falls and slips from spills all need consideration. COSHH 2002 requires harmful exposure to be prevented or adequately controlled; the product safety data and any refurbishment survey inform the controls. Prefer lower-hazard products and dust-controlled preparation before relying on masks. Confirm ventilation without spreading contaminants to other rooms, protect occupants and isolate ignition sources for flammable products. Test uncertain older coatings before aggressive sanding, use suitable work platforms for repeated reach, and store wet materials and contaminated rags in closed, labelled containers away from heat.
- ✓5 steps from preparation to completion
- ✓Covers: 3 key hazards and their controls
- ✓Permits: occupancy or out-of-hours authorisation where required
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.