Guidance Note 30 – Tree surgery method statement

This Guidance Note gives practical information about creating a method statement.

Download Guidance Note

A completed sample template has been included in Appendix 1 and a blank template in Appendix 2. If you wish to use the template in Appendix 2 to construct your own documents, you must ensure that all references to Alcumus SafeContractor certification have been removed and the final documents are clearly incorporated into your existing safety management system.

A method statement is an ideal way of recording the hazards involved in a specific work activity and communicating the risk and precautions required to all those involved in the work, including those undertaking the work and their immediate managers.

A method statement should be developed in conjunction with a risk assessment and together these demonstrate a safe system of work. The method statement needs be clear, no longer than necessary, and not over complicated. The document should avoid ambiguities or generalisations, which could lead to confusion, and layout a step-by-step sequence of work to describe how the activity is to be carried out safely.

Format

The actual format is dependent on the work being undertaken and the organisational arrangements in place but generally the following headings should be present:

The list above is not exhaustive and a method statement may or may not include each and every item. However, as a minimum it must achieve the following objectives:

Appendix 1 is a sample method statement. It can be as simple or as detailed as the job/risk requires, so long as it meets the four main objectives.

Close