Basically they are all the same and in a lot of places they are used interchangeably. Some organisations have their own local definitions and if you are working with them you should apply those definitions.  Being strict an SOP is a Standard Operating Procedure which I would say was something that had been agreed via a Quality Management System like ISO 9001 and imposed in a particular area.

A Method Statement would be a short description of process by (I think you are alluding to this) a contractor for example and intended primarily to reassure the higher ups that they are doing something safely as oppose to something that people use to instruct themselves to do a task ( I think that is clear)

A Safe System of Work is term coined by the courts in particular in the case of Clyde v English and it describes the entire system for managing a particular task safely so it includes everything from training to PPE etc.

I'm going to disagree to some point with the answers above, and the reason is context. I work in a power station environment and have previously worked in a nuclear power environment.

To me a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is the the suite of documents used day to day for the safe operation of any plant or machinery, so pre running checks, starting, optimising, shutting down and shut down checks on for example the Hokey Cokey 2000 machine are covered by SOP's because they are the standard, normalised way to operate the Hokey Cokey 2000.

If the Hokey Cokey 2000 breaks down, or needs to be replaced by the HC 20001 then that is not normal day to day work and therefore requires someone to devise a plan to investigate and or remove / replace - that is a "method statement."

The safe system of work is what falls out of the site policies and procedures and is how the decision is made about whether an SOP is sufficient or if a method statement is required and then what that work process looks like.

Like I say, context is everything, hope this helps,

Jim

Edited by user 07 March 2018 12:07:22(UTC)  | Reason: fat thumbs

Morning,

I personally would get something in writing. Most contractors will be more than aware that they will be required to give this information. If they don't have anything then this may question your selection of contractor i.e. due dilligence etc.

Having said that, take a realistic view and any documentation should be proportionate to the risk. I wouldn't expect a 200 page document from a window cleaner detailing his RA, SSOW, emergency planning etc etc. However, I would expect a one or two side of A4 that gives a sufficent explanation of the risks and how he (or she) will be undertaking their window cleaning. As you said, he's using a pole to clean the windows so I would expect to see that documented.

In relation to the painter/decorator how is he painting? What paint is he using? How will this affect your employees? How is he painting? Brushing? Spraying? Again, the documentation needs to be proportionate to the risk. RAMS give you confidence that a contractor is working safely and also makes you aware of risks that may affect your employees. You need to know this and failing to manage contractors correctly can and has resulted in prosecutions under HASAW S2(2).

Use a sensible head and you'll probably find that "common sense" approach will be adequate.

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by: benek84

Thank you for your replies.

Just want to clarify based on examples. 

So we work in factory and warehouse environment and have 2 engineers on site - our employees. we have quite old machinery and are specific for the job so we have quite a few breakdowns which are fixed by our engineers. most machines are the same and fixing job involves similar tasks to repair them. would that be SOP for maintenance department as i cannot imagine write method statement each time they being called out for breakdown..

Another one is when we have gas inspection, air con inspection, electrical installation inspection, etc - do we need to ask contractor to provide method statement? Some inspections are done on 6 monthly basis by the same contractor.

Windows cleaner comes on regular basis using pole - do i need anything from him in writing?

We have a decorator and carpetner on site next week - will verbal method statement be enough?

i do not want a lot of paperwork however if any accident happens what would i be asked for..

Just a few example above to clarify if you could share your opinion..