Method Statement · Working Near Asbestos
Method Statement for Working Near Asbestos
A safe system of work: the numbered, step-by-step sequence for carrying out the task safely, that an operative can actually follow. Below: what a Method Statement for working near asbestos must contain, why they get rejected, and the hazards it has to cover, or generate one for your exact job in a couple of minutes.
What a compliant Method Statement must contain
- A numbered sequence from set-up to clean-down
- The specific plant, equipment and isolation points named at each step
- Measurable checks where a step proves safety (e.g. prove dead, hold zero-pressure 30s)
- Competence requirements and PPE
Why a Method Statement for working near asbestos gets rejected
- Abstract steps ('isolate and verify') with nothing measurable
- A likelihood × severity scoring table bolted on (that belongs in the risk assessment)
- Steps that skip the actual sequence a job really follows
- No named competent person where the law requires one
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Check yours freeWorking Near Asbestos hazards it must cover
Working near asbestos, meaning Any trade working on the fabric of a building constructed or refurbished before 2000, where asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed without being the subject of the work, brings hazards a Method Statement has to address:
- Accidental disturbance of asbestos insulating board, textured coating or pipe lagging during drilling, cutting or lifting
- Starting work without seeing the asbestos register or a refurbishment and demolition survey for the area
- Continuing to work after an unexpected suspect material is found instead of stopping and sealing the area
- Fibre release spread to other areas on clothing, tools and boots because the area was not isolated
- Dry sweeping or vacuuming suspect debris with a domestic vacuum rather than a Class H unit
- Assuming a material is safe because it looks like cement board, when only a sample analysis can confirm it
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Built to the correct published standard for working near asbestos: specific controls, the right legal basis, a review date and a sign-off section you can operate.
Start your Method StatementFAQ
Do you need a Method Statement for working near asbestos?
A safe system of work: the numbered, step-by-step sequence for carrying out the task safely, that an operative can actually follow. For working near asbestos, meaning Any trade working on the fabric of a building constructed or refurbished before 2000, where asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed without being the subject of the work, it is the document a client, principal contractor or inspector expects to see, grounded in the recognised safe-system-of-work format (HSE guidance).
What makes a Method Statement for working near asbestos fail?
The usual reasons: Abstract steps ('isolate and verify') with nothing measurable; A likelihood × severity scoring table bolted on (that belongs in the risk assessment); Steps that skip the actual sequence a job really follows. RAMSReady generates one to the correct published form and avoids these.
How fast can I get a Method Statement?
A couple of minutes. Describe the job, and RAMSReady writes a Method Statement for your exact working near asbestos live against the correct standard, with a review date and a sign-off/records section.