Method statement for portable power tools
A portable-power-tool method statement should list the tools and accessories, power source, material and environment in which they will be used. Cuts, entanglement, ejected material, electric shock, dust, noise and hand-arm vibration require tool-specific controls. PUWER 1998 requires equipment to be suitable, maintained, guarded and used only by people with adequate training and information. Specify pre-use checks, compatible accessories, extraction and the correct personal protective equipment. Prefer lower-voltage, battery or appropriately protected equipment according to site conditions. Isolate the tool before changing blades or bits, keep leads away from damage and record trigger times where vibration exposure may be significant instead of assuming the manufacturer’s maximum value equals real use.
- ✓5 steps from preparation to completion
- ✓Covers: 3 key hazards and their controls
- ✓Plant, PPE and competence listed
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.