Our client is advising that they require method statements for all tasks performed by fitters on site. The problem we presently have is when the fitter is called out to address any problems with the operating plant, he will not know the exact nature of the problem or resolution until he gets there and checks it out. Therefore a method statement cant be produced prior to the visit. Any ideas/solutions how this can be overcome? what is generally accepted by a client in these circumstances? Many Thanks.

There should be a set of RAMS associated to the scope of works, abliet this might be generic and not detailed to the actaul works the fitter is to undertake however the hazards associated to the works should be common in some way.

One suggestion would be to have a Safe Plan of Action which is a virtual assessment undertaken at the workface and should outline the method of works identifed by the fitter, associated hazards and who is at risk, this should then compliment the controls required to undertake the task safely.

We have a similar situation with one of our clients. They insist we send them site specific RAMS at least two weeks before works are due to start, but the sites are located hundreds of miles from our head office.  So, having advised them that they would need to cover the extra costs associated with this, they decided generic RAMS were totally acceptable.  We then get the guys to undertake a "point of work" risk assessment in the event that the "generic" set can not be fully complied with for whatever reason.  They also wanted site specific Lifting Plans from the companies that deliver the welfare units and site cabins etc to site, but quickly changed their minds once they realised there would be a cost for these companies to undertake a dummy run first in order to produce this documentation.

Seems money talks