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Posted By Mercury
I have been asked recently to define "Method Statement" and "Safe System of Work". Having now spent time doing the research i cannot see that there is any difference between the two. Can anybody shed any light on the matter? Is there a difference or is it a different term for the same thing?
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Posted By Rob Campbell
In my opinion:
"Method Statement" is literally a plan of how you intend to do a set task. this could be safe or unsafe and (again as i see it) just a declaration of plans
where as
"safe system of work" is a tried and tested method that is judged to besuitably safe for the task.
so it could be that firstly the Method Statement is prepaired, then referenced or used (in combination with Risk Assessment etc) to develope a Safe System of Work.
I see it as the next stage along...
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Posted By Pete Longworth
There isn't a difference. All a method statement is, is a safe system of work for a particular contract.
If, for instance, you need a method statement for digging a trench, it would detail step by step how you mean to go about doing the work, who will be involved in each stage, what equipment you will use, and which precautions you intend to take while carrying out the work. Obviously that may differ for each contract, depending on circumstances and conditions.
A safe system of work is exactly the same thing, but would normally, but not necessarily, be for a task that may be repeated more often, say for instance, a production process.
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Posted By Melanie Fellows
I understand them to be the same thing.
(& sometimes they are referred to a standard operating procedures).
They are developed by job/ task analysis.
Mel
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Posted By Ron Hunter
The MS is only a small part (written instruction or plan) of the overall SSoW which would include supervision, information, instruction, training, competencies; the safe use, transport and disposal of work equipment, articles and substances etc.
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Posted By Tabs
Gold star, Ron.
I agree, it is more than a grammatical issue. A SSoW includes the considerations of the person and the environment, and a good one will also consider likely contingencies too ("in the event of a fire alarm, hot works will cease and not recommence until a new hot works permit is issued").
Sadly, I don't see many really good SSoW.
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Posted By Tony abc jprhdnMurphy
Ron is right
a Method Statement or written plan forms part of the safe system of work. The idea behind it is so that the operatives read it and sign to say they understand it. The MS should only be used where the risks are such that it forms part of a safe system. I for one hate to see Method statements for activities such as installation of lockers or other mundane activities. It defeats the object, and is not safer.
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Posted By Mercury
Thanks for everybodies input so far. Please keep them coming as all your ideas will help me to formulate good answers to my people. Good examples always seem to work best.
So far you are adding to my confidence in what i thought. Amazing how semantics lead us to differing conclusions.
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