Draft Construction Method Statement

Construction Method Statement

Project Name: Company name

Project Address: XXXX

XXXX

XXXX

XXXX
Contents
1 Health and Safety Plan Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1 Site Safety Induction Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.2 Company name Representatives Check List Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.3 Site Register (for personnel coming on/off-site during the day): Error! Bookmark
not defined.
1.4 Contacts Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.1 Site Contacts: (combination of named below to be on site) Error! Bookmark
not defined.
1.4.2 Company name Contacts Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.3 External Contacts (if applicable) Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.4 Emergency Contingency Plan Error! Bookmark not defined.
2 Project Proposal 3
2.1 Planned Start Date 3
2.2 Estimated Duration: 3
2.3 Location of Project 3
3 General Method Statement for the civils, mechanical and electrical installation of a
the ~185 MW Tauhei Solar Farm project 4
3.1 Site Induction 4
3.2 Site Setup 4
3.3 Working environment and restriction 5
3.4 Protection of others 5
3.5 Emergency Procedures & General Health and Safety 5
3.6 Operatives / Competence 5
3.7 PPE Requirements: Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.8 Materials handling and storage 6
3.9 Methodology for works: 7
3.10 Plant List: 13
3.11 General: 13
3.12 De-Mobilization of Site: 13
3.13 Health and Safety: Error! Bookmark not defined.
1 Project Proposal

Development of a ~185 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, connected via electric cables to
Transformers, Inverters, Sub-stations and any other required auxiliary equipment units. The
proposed works on-site include installation of:

• mechanical structure for mounting the solar PV modules

• inverter, transformer switchgear, SCADA and other electrical and auxiliary equipment
• temporary roads, perimeter fencing, trenching for ducts & cables, foundations for
inverter, transformer, substations etc cable installations and testing.

1.1 Planned Start Date

Add date

1.2 Estimated Duration:

XX Weeks

1.3 Location of Project

Tauhei Solar Farm

Stanley Road South, Mikkelsen Road and O’Donoghue Road, Te Aroha West

NOTE: This Construction Method Statement is to be used in conjunction with the task-
specific RAMS and the Construction Phase Plan, which will be available at the pre-
construction phase.
2 General Method Statement for the civils, mechanical and electrical
installation of a the ~185 MW Tauhei Solar Farm project

2.1 Site Induction

• All personnel involved in the works will attend a site safety talk.
• All personnel involved must adhere strictly to site rules as defined by Company Name in the
induction.
• All supervisors will be required to attend safety briefings and toolbox talks when site
management deems appropriate. These will allow the dynamic changes to the site to be
communicated to the workforce and ensure that safe working is maintained.
• A Permit to Work (PTW) system will be implemented for works deemed applicable (i.e. hot
works). A PTW will be completed prior to any works commencing when applicable and
signed off daily.

2.2 Site Setup

• Perimeter Fencing:
o To be installed by Company name sub-contractor - XXXX

• Site offices, Welfare & Signage:

o Company name will take delivery of all site offices, welfare and storage from the
supplier.
o These will be located on the hard standing area on site to be confirmed during the
pre-start meeting (see site layout drawing for proposed locations).
o All deliveries will be being transported by the supplier. Hi-ab equipped Lorries will
be lifting the welfare units into the agreed locations as directed by the site manager.
o Welfare Supplier to supply lifting plan for the delivery and placement of the welfare
units.
o The site signage board will be erected in close proximity to the site offices and
appropriate signage will be cable tied to the perimeter fencing as deemed
appropriate by the site manager.
o Site signage will be positioned from the site entrance off the main road along the
access road and through to the site offices located at the North of the site. Signs will
highlight speed restrictions and associated hazards.
o Barriers and cones will be used to contain traffic to designated areas
2.3 Working environment and restriction

• Exposure, inclement weather.

2.4 Protection of others

• The plant will be present on-site for the duration of the works. Appropriate routes to be
defined at the start of the works.
• Site signage, warning signs and pedestrian barriers will be set up. “Construction warning”
set up at site entrance. Warning signs to be erected along with netlon barrier at tree
protection area.
• Site welfare facilities will be a 20ft site offices, 20ft canteen, 20ft toilets (including separate
ladies) and drying room (when required)

2.5 Emergency Procedures & General Health and Safety

• Normal site procedures apply.

• All operatives will be made aware of the site-specific fire evacuation procedures during the
site induction.
• Site safety briefings will be given to supervisors as the works progress detailing site-specific
hazards that arise from the works.
• DC voltages are more hazardous than AC voltages due to the nature of the shock, which
causes contraction and can lead to the victim of a shock to “hold” onto the conductor.
• All persons overseeing the installation work will be experienced with, or have had specific
training on, working with such systems.
• A PTW (permit to work) system will be in place for the electrical side of the works.

2.6 Operatives / Competence

• All personnel have Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), Construction Plant
Competence Scheme (CPCS) or relevant competency cards.
• The site Manager is Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or equivalent and 1st
Aid qualified.
• All electrical works will be undertaken by qualified electricians.
2.7 Materials handling and storage

• Deliveries to Site:

o The PV modules are delivered via shipping container packaged in cardboard on

pallets and will need to be offloaded and stored using the forklift.
o Metal purline, piles and other associated components for mounting structure will be
delivered in the articulated lorry and will need to be offloaded and stored using the
forklift
o Inverter-transformer containers, Substations, Inverters will also be delivered via
articulated lorry and require a crane lift
o The GRP building will be delivered in flat-pack form and erected on-site using a hi-
ab.
o All other goods (ducting, cable, etc.) will be delivered to the site secured and
removable via the tail lift or utilising the on-site plant.
o All deliveries will be pre-arranged in agreement with Site Management with
sufficient notice. A qualified plant operator will offload deliveries into agreed
storage positions.
o Deliveries will be made in a timely manner to avoid any delays in installation and to
ensure that the storage provisions on-site are sufficient.
o All deliveries to be recorded and damaged goods to be reported to the site manager
immediately.

• Site Distribution of Goods:

o Movement of materials will be by utilising plant on site.

o PV modules should remain in their packaging until they are installed onto the
support structures. All packaging will be removed daily from the site.
o The support structure work and PV modules will need to be manually handled.
Please refer to the manual handling assessment for this element of the works.

• Storage:

o PV modules, structure and other electrical equipment will be protected from the
elements and securely stored by Company name.
o Packaging should be kept dry to avoid collapse or compression of the packaging
which might lead to damage to the equipment.
All other equipment (electrical, ducting etc.) will be stored in a secure location (locked
container) until ready to be installed, location subject to site agreement (see proposed Layout
plan.

• Waste:

o Waste is to be transferred by a licensed carrier and sent to a licensed receiver. All

transfer notes are to be stored and collated if applicable.
o Company name will provide segregated skips for the duration of the works
o The company name will aim to recycle as much waste as possible

• Access:

o All routes will be kept free of obstacles and trip hazards during the period of works.
o Access to the site is to be via designated pedestrian and vehicle routes detailed on-
site plan. This will inevitably change throughout the works and will be
communicated to all site personnel via safety briefings with the site manager.

2.8 Methodology for works:

• Working area - Site:

o Site management will provide designated access and egress routes to and from the
site.
o The site is exposed to the elements. All personnel will be required to wear
appropriate PPE to protect them from adverse weather conditions and encouraged
to use sunscreen as required.
o Works should cease in bad weather (persistent heavy rain, storm, high winds) as
instructed by the site manager.

• Working area – Inverter container/GRP housing:

o Container/GRP housing to be installed on concrete legs/ concrete base

o The respective subcontractor will deliver the unit to the site on a flatbed with a Hi-
ab and erect the unit onto the foundation base. Aluminium matt`s may be required
to be supplied as a working area.
 o Access into the housing will be required by respective equipment suppliers for their
connection works and commissioning of the switchgear. Once commissioned access
will be restricted.

• Working area – Location for cutting metalwork:

o All cutting is to be carried out at the agreed location. Site management to take steps
to protect materials and other trades/personnel. Sub-contractor to provide a fire
extinguisher which will be present during all cutting works. A Hot works permit is to
be obtained each day as required.
o Cutting to be carried out on a firm surface and all cutting equipment to be secure
and stable.
o PPE to be worn includes gloves, face mask or approved safety goggles, ear
protectors, steel toe cap boots. (applicable to a specific task)
o All cutting equipment to be properly maintained and PAT tested.
o Instructions to be followed and guards to be used.

• 1st Operation – Site clearance

o PPE to be worn as per specific method statement

o Marking the site set up an area for temporary construction compound and storage
area.
o Surveyor to mark out the site using different colour flags, indicating different
structures.

• 2nd Operation – Access track

o PPE to be worn as per specific method statement

o Only competent person to operate machinery.
o Remove topsoil along the entire length of the proposed access track/road and
stockpile for local spreading at a later date.
o Place geogrid and geomembrane in the “box”
o Backfill box with type 3 and compact
o Once the entire length has been compacted return to the beginning and place a
75mm type 1 cap on the track/road

Note: Access track to have plate test done to assure it can handle the required crane loads
• 3rd Operation – Edge of park (customer substation) connection substation:

o PPE to be worn as per specific method statement

o Foundation to be cast as per construction drawings and Method statements.
o The GRP building will be delivered in flat-pack form and erected on-site using a hi-
ab as per the sub-contractors approved RAMS.
o Siemens are to install their switchgear as per their specific risk assessment and
method statement.
o Ensure all civil works are completed for the area to carry out the installation, and
clearance is obtained from respective authorities.
o Ensure the installation of the switchgear is carried out in accordance with
manufacturers/Siemens guidelines.
o The switchgear is heavy and will require lifting onto rollers so that it can be “rolled”
into the GRP building and in position. This will need particular attention and
coordination.
o Proper care is to be taken to protect the unit from dust and moisture.
o Subcontractor to Install the [Utility Company] incomer earth matt as per
construction drawing. This will be connected to the NG main earth matt by others.
o All work under permit.
o [Utility Company] to issue Company name the relevant work permits and Company
name to be working under [Utility Company] safety rules.

• 4th Operation – Commissioning Utility Incomer

o Before energisation, the electrical system is to be complete and tested in accordance

with BS 7671 or equivalent and IEC 62446.
o [Utility Company] commissioning engineer will check the AC and DC test sheets
before proceeding with commissioning as per their procedures.
o Testing to be witnessed by [Utility Company] engineer.
o Ensure the Edge of Park connection substation is kept locked at all times and a sign
for the key system is in place.
o No unauthorised entry

• 5th Operation – Foundations:

 o PPE to be worn as per specific RAMS.
o Installer to use a ready mix or precast concrete blocks where possible to eliminate
the risk of personnel being exposed to cement dust.
o Operatives not to handle wet concrete without the appropriate PPE worn
o All foundations are to be installed as per design and construction drawings.
o For offloading of precast concrete blocks please refer to the unloading
o Concrete blocks are to be lifted using the supplied snatch chains/link
o All limbs indexes etc. to be kept clear of concrete blocks when being placed.
o Finished structures to be approx. 450mm above ground level.

• 6th Operation – Fencing:

o PPE to be worn as per specific RAMS.

o Mark line of fencing with the site manager and CAT scan area.
o Dig outpost holes by hand using hand digging tools and a 110 Volt breaker if
necessary.
o Mix concrete with a petrol mixer and/or by hand.
o Set posts in concrete in an upright position.
o Attached are rails to posts with snap off security fixing bolts.
o Fit vertical steel palisades to rails with snap off security bolt fixings.
o Hang gates to gate posts and level. Fit drop bolt receiver pies into the surface.

• 7th Operation – Lifting Placing Sub Station’s, Inverters and inverter-transformer

station containers:

All lifting operations must be planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This
does not mean it is necessary for an Appointed Person to be present during all lifting
operations.

o PPE to be worn as per specific RAMS.

o Site manager to check all lifting certs and paperwork prior to lifts commencing.
o Ensure the crane/lorry has the correct capacity and reach for the required lift.
o The use of a spreader bar to be utilised where necessary to prevent damage to
equipment.
 o Access into and out of site must be suitable for a crane, lorry, lorry and drawbar
trailer, or an articulated vehicle. Removal or moving of parked cars outside of sites
that prevent access or egress must be dealt with by the site manager.
o The work area must be free from obstruction and have adequate hard-standing and
sufficient strength to withstand crane/lorry loader stabilizer forces.
o The work area must be free from underground services, overhead obstructions,
excavations, manhole covers and backfilled areas. Note: crane and Lorries will not
drive or set up on grassy or muddy areas.
o It is the Principle Contractor's responsibility to provide information on the ground
bearing pressure capability.
o The set-down area when delivering must be of adequate strength to accommodate
the load.
o Unauthorised personnel, including the public, must be restricted from access to the
lift area, with the provision of physical barriers where necessary.
o Min 800mm x 800mm crane pads to be used on top of trackway or as per specific
RAMS.
o The site to have a qualified first-aider on-site throughout the duration of the task.

• 8th Operation – CCTV

o PPE to be worn as per specific RAMS.

o Operatives working at height and will require a permit.
o Operatives using ladders must be of the relevant standard and in good condition and
entered into the ladder register.
o Works on a ladder must be short durations only – up to 30 minutes
o Only competent personnel to work on CCTV systems and electricals.

• 9th Operation – Electrical works and trenching

o PPE to be worn as per specific RAMS.

o All electrical works to be carried out by fully trained electricians
o All trenching and electrical work to be undertaken with a permit.
o The work area is to be CAT scanned for underground cables and services before any
trenching commences.
o All ‘open’ excavations with the potential to cause a fall from a height will be fenced
off.
o Trench inspections are to be conducted and recorded.
o All electrical trenches to be to the correct depth.
o Only use mechanical excavators to within 0.5m of identified buried utilities. (greater
distance may be required according to type and size of service)
o Undertake hand digging techniques thereafter to expose underground utility.
o Excavated materials are to be separated and stored at least 1m away from the edge
of the excavation/trench.
o The need for shuttering must be made by undertaking a specific risk assessment
regardless of the depth of the excavation.
o The atmosphere in deep excavations should be monitored for the ingress of gasses
o Sand will be used to protect the cables in all directly laid trenches.
o Cable warning tape or tiles will be installed in all electrical trenches.
o All electrical installation work should be carried out in accordance with BS7671
Electrical Installation Wiring Regulations using a ‘no live working’ policy.
o All components of the electrical system will have identification and warning labels
installed according to appropriate standards and design.
o Always Positively Identify the correct cable before starting work. Check cable
phasing.
o Prior to terminating a cable, ensure a visual inspection is carried out to identify any
damage or fault.
o Always terminate using the correct termination kit supplied.
o Cables to be installed with the aid of cable spoolers or duct rod systems.
o No AC cable is to run in the same duct as DC cable.
o All sharp edges are to be protected
o All connections are to be torqued to the correct setting and marked.
o All isolating equipment should remain in the off position until the system is
complete and ready for full testing and commissioning.
o All works to be undertaken under site-specific method statement and Risk
Assessment.
o Should you have any questions with regards to the safety of the works you are
carrying out STOP and seek advice from your supervisor.
2.9 Plant List:

The plant that will be used for the works:

• 13-ton excavator
• Cable avoidance tool and signal generator
• Telehandler
• Dumper
• Skid steer
• Cable trailer
• Cable winch
• Crane
• Hi-Ab

2.10 General:

• Personnel have a responsibility to conduct work in a safe manner and must adhere to their
Method Statements and Risk Assessments and all working procedures.
• All-access equipment/plant used is certified, numbered, inspected, logged and maintained
as per the manufacturer’s requirements.

2.11 De-Mobilization of Site:

• All areas of work will be left in a clean and presentable condition on a daily basis.
• All items of equipment will be stored appropriately on site.

Signed: Date: Add date

Name

Title
 METHOD STATEMENT ACCEPTANCE FORM

This sheet is signed as confirmation that the individuals have read and understood the
above-named method statement and agree to carry out the works as stated, safely and
efficiently.

NAME SIGNATURE DATE