Brian Just completed a MS a few days ago. On the last page theres a list of emergency contact numbers ,were I always put the name of the nearest hospital and contact number. Allan

Brian It is not unusual to put in emergency contact numbers and details of first aiders, nearest hospital and so on, in method statements. If that is the type of information the PC requires then you are obliged to comply with their wishes. Unfortunately some organisations (clients or PCs) want all and sundry included in their MS which ends up an unwieldy document which no one wants to read. The fact that most method statements are not followed prescriptively appears to escape the notice of the powers that be. I believe for most activities a MS should be succinct and should contain, but not limited to, the following topics: Location, start/end date Brief scope of works Personnel involved (qualifcations required) Plant and equipment Materials Hazards Emergency arrangements and contact details Risk assessment

I like Max Payne's answer. A site / job specific document which simply explains how the work will be carried out safely. Isn't the clue in the title: "statement"? (which to me indicates that it's not an encyclopaedia!) All the other info mentioned is relevant to hold on site, but should it be part of a method statement, or additional (and important) parts of a safety file? Just a thought, and a wish for smaller, but more relevant, documents!

Adding the address of the local A&E dept into MS's his has become a fad situation as after undertaking research with paramedics and ambulance crews I have found that it is usually easier and much much quicker for them to get to U than it is for U to get to the local A&E dept in the majority of work situations so putting in the address of the nearest A&E is academic in most situations as it usually takes to long to get to that location in the case of an accident especially so as U have no defence if you are speeding etc! NB: The local hospital may not have an A&E dept so watch out for this point as there have been occasions where people have got to the local hospital only to be turned away! This is an area to think about in your F-Aid & emergency situations risk assessments Personally I do not advise adding in that address unless its 'proper' to do so

I usually get a laminate of any Coshh data sheets of any chemicals the crews may be using- and add this to the statement, hopefully this way A&E will get the right information and be able to treat the patient quicker.