Posted By Donna Fisken Could anyone give me a quick brief on what as a minimum we should request from our contractors before going ahead with knocking down an internal wall within a server room? Obviously we are carrying out a risk assessment but would it be appropriate to expect them to supply a method statement? I am unsure as to whether a method statement is required for every 'job' done or only for projects of a certain size/timescale. All suggestions gratefully received. Best Regards, Donna Fisken

Posted By Dave Wilson Dont forget that if you are demolisihing then CDM may apply and also that the Building Control Dept from the LA under building Regs will need to know as well as the local Fire Authority. Ask to see company H&S policy, EI Insurance, and completed copies of Risk assessments, get references as well.

Posted By Hilary Charlton I usually request a copy of their health and safety policy, their accident statistics for the last two years and some indication of their training competencies before awarding the contract. Before starting the job they need both their own risk assessment and method statements and then have to work under permit and have their equipment checked over by one of our competent EH&S staff. If this is a large task or particularly hazardous we normally have a contractor approval meeting with them as well. Providing all the above criteria is met they then get added to our approved contractor list which means that the next time they work for us they only need the risk assessments, method statements and permit, they do not need to resubmit H&S policies, etc. It should be remembered that while they are on your site, they are your responsibility so it is not unreasonable to cover yourself and your company in this manner. Hilary