Posted By PaulA
Hello all.

Within the company we are tightening up our procedures with regard to the above. One of our main contractors have stated they would like to have a non site specific RA and method statement. We carry out the above as a matter of procedure. Can anybody please let me know what details would either be an inclusion or deletion etc?
Does any body use one or have any ideas>

kind regards
PaulA

Posted By Martin C
Generic risk assessments and method statements are acceptable as long as they cover the work to be carried out and the location of the work. Get the contractors to send you copies in advance and read them. If you think they are not acceptable then let them know this and give your reasons. Carry out your own risk assessment based on their method statement as well. The contractor should have experience with the work to be carried out which will enable them to do a generic risk assessment but without a site visit that is all they can do. You will have site specific knowledge which will allow a tailored risk assessment to be done. Both of these RAs should be used at a pre-work discussion meeting to ensure everyone involved is aware of any risks that are being managed and what the control methods are.

As an example a roofing contractor will be able to do a general risk assessment regarding prevention of falls and maybe asbestos materials. He cannot do one regarding risk from an x-ray source under the roof because he does not know about it (this is the situation where I work, NDT x-ray booth is not shielded on top). Our company risk assessment will include the x-ray risk and will specify the control measures to ensure safe working. Before the work commences there will be a control of contractors meeting where the method statement and both risk assessments are read, discussed and signed up as acceptable and understood by both parties. Each of the contractors will be named and will sign the paperwork. The paper work is valid for three months before it needs repeating. Any contractors who are new to the work have to have the same briefing and sign the paperwork before they set to work. All contractors will need to supply proof of training for things such as working at height, crane operation, disposal of waste etc. as required. All contractors have a site induction briefing and a department induction briefing, valid for 3 months.

This sort of thing may sound daunting at first but soon becomes simple and part of the job after it is done a few times. Providing everyone knows what is expected of them before the meeting and the paperwork is in place thirty minutes is plenty of time to get it all sorted.