Method Statement:

Fibre Optic Cable Installation

Client: University Of Bath (646268-711695)
Location: Claverham Down Road, Bath, BA2 7AY

Description of Works:
Developer has cut existing 16F and pulled back to a new JRF6 on the corner of the bus terminal. Pull this 16F back
through existing duct into a second JRF6 opposite the new site and make straight through joint in this pit.

Pull new 16F through the existing duct into the walkway under the main building to an existing joint on a tray.
Recover this joint and provide a new joint onto the new cable. Splice all fibres through to the existing Comms Room
tray.

All works must be carried out in accordance with all relevant McNicholas and Virgin Media specifications and standards for
Quality, Safety and Environmental Procedures.

What is the method for carrying out the works safely?

Check all plant, tools, materials and equipment for safety, soundness and fitness for purpose and within
calibration schedule.
All electrical power tools must be 110v or battery powered, under no circumstances should 240v power tools
be used. Suitable RCD devices must be used with 240v to 110v Transformers.
All power tools must be 110v or battery powered, under no circumstances should 240v power tools be used.
Suitable RCD devices must be used with 240v to 110v Transformers, all power tools must be regularly PAT
tested.
Prior to work commencing on site, a risk assessment must be carried out for hazards and control measures
implemented to manage any risk.
Those affected by the works must be made aware of any hazards that they may be affected by.
Where works being carried out affect any emergency escape routes those affected must be made aware.
During one man/lone working, regular contact must be maintained with your manager throughout the
working day. At the end of your working day you must ensure that your manager is contacted and made
aware that your workload is complete.
Ensure the works vehicle and any others engaged in the works are parked safely and will not cause and
obstruction or hazard to pedestrians, other road users and emergency services.
Particular attention should be drawn to the General Public and Children (SP044) during all activities.
Where any work involving or suspected of involving asbestos, you must stop work immediately, contact your
manager and report to the SQE Department for further guidance.
Where external cable pulling, works on carriage or footways are required technicians must be trained and
competent in accordance with NRSWA and hold valid certification for Unit 2, Signing, Lighting & Guarding
with supervisory staff holding similar certification for Unit 10. Appropriate signing, lighting and guarding
should be used to ensure all chambers, cabinets and work areas are appropriately guarded and made safe.
Consideration must be given to other users including the blind, elderly, disabled, those with prams,
wheelchairs and children.
Testing for Gas must be carried out at all chambers and cabinets using a four gas monitor to ensure no
explosive or toxic gases are present. Where gas has been detected the area should be ventilated where
possible, then retested. If gas is still present you must stop work, make the area safe ensuring that any
sources of ignition are extinguished, report the incident to your Supervisor / Manager and the relevant Gas
Networks company. Smoking is strictly forbidden whist working in footway chambers and cabinets. Note:
Gas monitors must be used when working in any confined or concealed spaces.
Carriage and Footway chambers covers must be removed and replaced using the correct lifting keys and
roller bars with good Manual Handling techniques being adopted, do not use spades, pliers etc to remove
or replace chamber covers. Hands must not be placed under unsupported covers. Some covers may
require two persons to lift mainly being those located in the carriageway, if assistance is not readily
available you must contact your Supervisor / Manager, do not attempt to manoeuvre any covers that are
too heavy. Chambers must not be left open and unattended nor should the covers be positioned in a way
that they block or obstruct footways. Consideration must be given to other users including the blind,
elderly, disabled, those with prams, wheelchairs and children.
When working in chambers care should be taken to avoid contact with standing water in order to maintain
hygiene and minimise the risk of infection, i.e.; (Leptospirosis).
On completion of works all covers must be replaced even and level with surrounding surfaces to prevent
 causing any trip hazards, all damage to chambers must be reported to your Supervisor / Manager and
Virgin Media, Cabinet and Plant Maintenance Department on 0870 0888 3116 (Opt 1).
Network ducts must be rodded using a cobra (duct rod) and cage with an appropriately fitted end, this will
minimise damage to the duct and contents. Correct manual handling techniques must be adopted when
pushing and pulling the cobra along the network duct. Where the duct route changes direction the task
should be carried out in stages. Good manual handling techniques must be adopted at all times throughout
the task. Heavy covers including those found on roads should be removed / replaced using a two man
lifting methods or a mechanical aid.
On non-complex works cable drums must be set up on an appropriate dispenser stand using the correct bar;, good
manual handling techniques must be adopted during this with a two man lift recommended. Once set up the cable
must be securely attached to the end of the cobra. When the cable has been attached it should be drawn through the
duct by pulling back on the cobra reeling it into the cage simultaneously, a good steady stance should be taken using
the leg muscles to pull and good manual handling techniques adopted, eye protection, gloves and safety footwear must
be worn and in good condition. Pull / Draw cobra, cables or ropes using smooth movement and avoid jerking, tugging
or excessive force. Enough cable must be pulled through in order to reach the property. Avoid blocking access and
egress to other properties. Care must be taken to ensure no trip hazards are created or left during and after works.
Drop Cable Access to Property: Cables should be taken from the swept tee / toby to the property and
dependant on the property lay out, one of the following methods must be used. Prior to drilling of the toby,
ensure adequate checks have been completed to ensure no other services are likely to be damaged, such as
gas, water and electricity.
Raised Level: Cables should be taken from the back of the swept tee toby and routed up the face of the
boundary wall to the required level then passed through the wall using a 16mm drilled hole.
Lowered Level: Cables should be passed through a drilled hole in the rear of the swept tee / toby and
passed down the wall to the required level. Note riser guard should be fitted on exposed cable.
Same Level: Cables should be passed through a drilled hole in the rear of the swept tee / toby into the
property, this may include passing through walls, fences and boundary kerbs.
Prior to drilling from the swept tee / toby into the property the intended entry point to the property must be
fully exposed to ensure that the drill tip is not likely to come into contact with buried or unseen obstructions,
i.e., pipes, cables and foundations. Where obstruction of such are found alternative cable routes must be
sought and agreed with the customer.
Under no circumstances should Highway owned kerb stones or surface water drains be drilled or channelled.
TMA, HAUC & NIRAUC specifications must be adhered to. Particular attention should be drawn to tree roots
and plants in order to prevent environmental damage. Care must be taken to ensure no trip hazards are
caused or left when handling the drop cable. All opening of public highways must only be carried out in
accordance with TMA, NRSWA.
Drop Cable Installation / Burying: Prior to any Excavation of the works area, carryout a detailed visual check
of the intended cable route and surrounding area for evidence of other utilities, i.e. meter boxes, risers,
drains and surface scars, PE Pipes, Conduits, both on and off the property. Where such have been identified
relevant measures must be taken to ensure that any contact is avoided and full integrity is maintained. All
identified services or obstructions must be clearly highlighted using line paint, the use of power tools,
including, Cut Off Saws, Grinders, Kango Hammers and Drills must not be used in these areas under no
circumstances should unknown structures be cut into or have their integrity weakened during installation.
The chosen route must be agreed with the customer prior to works commencing and client specification
adhered to throughout. The cables must be contained within the appropriate duct from the swept tee / entry
point to the External Termination Box. Burial should be achieved using hand dig methods, slit or open cut
trenching should be done using hand digging techniques on lawns and flower beds, concrete and tarmac
surfaces should be broken or cut out using a safe manner and appropriate tooling, where vibrating equipment
is being used action must be taken to reduce the occupational health effects of such equipment (HAVS).
Modular surfaces should be lifted by hand, care should be taken when lifting concrete paving slabs and good
manual handling techniques adopted, where possible mechanical aids should be used, hands must not be
placed under an unsupported paving slab. Decorative stone chippings must be swept / scrapped back from
the area to be dug once clear slit and open cut, hand digging techniques apply.
All excavated materials must be segregated in a manner where they will not cause damage to the customers
property, environment or watercourses. All surfaces should be fully reinstated with a steel hand tamper plate
being used for compaction of loose materials. Where applicable Concrete and Tarmac surface reinstatement
must be reinstated to match existing. Where cement, concrete or tarmac are being used for reinstatement the
relevant COSHH data sheets must be referred to.
As with all aspects of installation work, care must be taken when working in gardens, flower beds and hedge
rows, ensuring no hazards are present likely to pierce or cut the skin, including, Sharps Needles and Broken
Glass.
External Cabling, Cable Routes and Fixings: All external cabling must be fitted in either a vertical or
horizontal manner, where possible these lines should follow natural lines of the building and be as
inconspicuous as possible. Cable must be fixed using the appropriate cable clips and where necessary nail
plugs may have to be used. Clips should be driven in to the surface using an appropriate hammer, taken
care no to cause injury to fingers. Wall Entry points must be sealed using the appropriate sized grommet
 and silicone sealant with drip bends being provide on cable to prevent water ingress. Cables must not be
passed through vents nor should they share entry points with other utilities, i.e. gas and electricity. Where
possible working at height should be avoided, if this is not possible then extreme care should be taken
carrying out the task. Ladders must be in good condition and stability devices used, only when you are
certain that the ladder is safely secured shall you proceed with works. All tools and equipment should be
carried using a tool belt or a draw line used to lift and lower them when working from ladders. If you are
not confident in the work being carried out safely, you must stop work and contact you Supervisor /
Manager for further guidance or assistance. All cabling must be adequately secured to the property, where
a customer requests there installation to deviate from client specification, your Supervisor / Manager or a
Virgin Media representative must be contacted for approval. During cabling activities you must ensure that
the customers or those affected by the works are made aware of any potential trip hazards that may be
present.
Where stipulated by the client, MEWPs may be utilised as a safer means of completing work at height,
operators of such must be fully trained and competent in the use of such.
Note: No works are permitted where Asbestos is suspected or present; you must stop work immediately
and inform you Supervisor / Manager for further guidance. Under no circumstances shall any technician
climb onto roofs nor should cables be passed over them.
External Termination Boxes (ETB) must be fitted non obtrusively and in a manner to which it minimises
external cabling. It must be mounted to the external wall by the mounting holes provided using wall plugs
and screws. ETBs must not be mounted over air bricks or vents, obstruct or interfere with other utility
providers apparatus or services. Sharing existing utility service entry points is strictly prohibited (i.e. gas,
electric). Where required riser guard must be fitted to protect and conceal cables. On completion of works
the ETB must be secured in the interests of security. Ensure that wall entry points are adequately sealed
using a silicone sealant to prevent property damage by water ingress.
Cable Management Systems: Cable management systems shall include, trunking, capping and cable
trays. Trunking and capping covers should be removed using the correct tooling specific to type of
system being used. For external systems the wall entry point must be located directly behind the
management system. For internal systems due to variations in architecture and building types
additional trunking or capping may need to be fitted to suit the entry point. This should be fitted
using screws and wall plugs. When utilising cable trays all cables must be securely fastened at
regular intervals. Note: Gloves must be worn to protect the hands from sharp edges.
Internal Cabling & Fixings: In most instances cable routes and locations of fixings shall be stipulated within the
work packs provided by the client. All tools and equipment must be laid out in a safe manner, care must be taken
with cables with those affected by the works being advised of any potential trip hazard they may cause during
works. Any trip hazards that are present in the property must be remove prior starting work. No plugs for
appliances or equipment should be switched off or removed from wall sockets without consulting with the
customer for permission. Cables must be safely secured using and approved methods of fixing. Cables must not
be routed under carpets or across doorway openings nor shall they be left in a manner where they may cause a
hazard. When the cable route involves passing through rooms a suitably sized hole should be drilled and dressed
using grommets or an appropriate sealant. All apparatus and equipment must be securely fitted using the
mounting holes provided; wall fixings and screws must be used. Care must be taken when drilling, in addition to
a visual check; the area to be drilled must be checked with an appropriate device for locating pipes and cables.
Note: Tools must be kept safe at all times during the installation.
Note: No works are permitted where Asbestos is suspected or present; you must stop work immediately
and inform your Supervisor / Manager.
Ceiling Voids and Lofts: Care must be taken when the installation involves cables to be routed through
ceiling voids and lofts. There must be a safe means of access and egress: using an appropriately
selected means of access. All ladders and step ladders used should be those provided and supplied by
the employer, where fixed access ladders are present, thorough checks must be completed to ensure
the safety of such before use. The work area must be clear of obstructions, have sufficient lighting and
a suitable surface to walk on. Do not walk across and straddle joists when working in lofts or ceiling
voids. The risk of falling from height must as far as reasonably practicable be eliminated. Where cables
are being passed across false ceilings, they must be fed across such using a non conductible rod.
Cabling should be secured along its length using the appropriate fixings.
Note: Where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk if injury from hazardous substances or conditions
within ceiling voids or loft spaces you must stop work and contact your manager for further guidance.
Basements & Cellars: Suitable and sufficient access, egress, light and ventilation to under floor areas
must be available where cabling work is required. Care must be taken when working near electricity, water
and gas pipes to avoid the risk of injury or damage. Minimum under floor clearance of 1.22 Meters (4 ft)
must be available. During works all reasonable steps must be taken by both the technician and customer
to protect any hazard presented by open floor hatches.
Note: Where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk if injury from hazardous substances or conditions
within the under floor space you must stop work and contact your manager for further guidance.
Where an area has been identified as a confined space works must only be completed by an
appropriately trained operative in accordance with The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
 Apparatus and Equipment Installation: All power cables and connections must be connected before
powering up. Mains sockets that are to be used for powering the equipment must first be tested using a
mains socket tester before use. Do not remove power leads from the back of equipment without firstly
switching it off at the socket; doing so could result in electric shock.
Note: 240v Mains Socket testers must be used on all sockets before use to ensure they are safe and
operational. If a socket is faulty or fails the test, advise the customer and do not use.
On completion of works all tools and materials must be removed from site.
On completion of works all waste materials must be removed from site, segregated and disposed off
within the appropriate waste container on returning to McNicholas and Virgin Media Depots.

What are the main hazards associated with these

What PPE should I be wearing?
works?

Trips, Slips and fall. High Visibility Jacket, BS EN471 Class 3

Falls from Height. High Visibility Vest, BS EN471 Class 2
Manual Handling. Eye Protection, BS EN166.1B.3.4.9
Electric Shock/Concealed Cables Safety Glasses, BS EN166 170 1F
Sharps/Needle Injuries Hearing Protection, BS EN352
Injury to and from public or other persons. Safety Boots, Steel Toecap and Midsole, BS EN345
Injury from traffic 200 Joules
Dust Masks, EN149:2001 FFP2
Safety Helmet
General Purpose work Gloves and Disposable Vinyl
Gloves
Knee pads are strongly recommended to be worn at
all times.
Note: Hi Viz clothing should be in compliance with
Virgin Media branded clothing rules.

What qualification/training should I have? Sources of Health and Safety Information

McNicholas SHEA Core Passport Risk Assessments

NRSWA Unit 2 Signing Lighting & Guarding SQE Department
(operative) McNicholas Safety Procedures (SP)
NRSWA Unit 10 (supervisor)
Manual Handling
Ladder Safety
McNicholas Induction
IPAF (Where applicable for MEWP use)
Abrasive Wheels

What should I do in an emergency onsite? Occupational Health Considerations

If you need help, send for it immediately
Ensure that if an ambulance is needed, it is called Ear protection to be worn during periods of high
with clear instructions on how to arrive at the scene noise levels.
without delay FFP2 Dust Mask to be worn to prevent dust
Casualties should be seated or lying down when inhalation.
being treated as appropriate Carryout works in a manner to which good manual
Secure the area, protect the accident scene handling techniques are adhered too.
Contact your supervisor/manager
All accidents and incidents including near misses
must be reported to the SQE department
immediately.
All Teams to ensure they have a copy of McNicholas
Emergency contact numbers.
In the event of a major incident Virgin Media H&S
Team must be contacted immediately.
 How do I protect the environment?
Ensure all waste materials are removed from site,
segregated and disposed of within the appropriate
waste containers at a McNicholas site. Applicable
materials must be disposed of using the appropriate
means of recycling.
Important things to remember...
Everyone involved with the works should be aware
that they represent McNicholas and Virgin Media. All
employees must be well presented, courteous and
professional at all times.
Ensure continuous liaison and communications at all
times with customer, prior to and throughout the
duration of all works.
When working near power cables non conductive
equipment must be used,

General Information & Source Documents Quality Outputs

McNicholas Safety Procedures.
Virgin Media National Field Standards Group All equipment to be installed and tested to client
documents. specification and customer satisfaction.
Virgin Media Works Order.

Resources COSHH
Road Signs, Cones, Barriers No special COSHH implications; routine only
WAH Equipment Sealant, Silicone Ref:5914
Four Gas Personal Monitor Mortar, Sand & Cement Ref:44425
Relevant Test Equipment Concrete Ref:826
Power Tools & Hand Tools Bitumen Ref:2606

Welfare First Aid

All vehicles must be equipped with an adequate
supply of wet wipes and hand towels to allow for
personal hygiene to be maintained.
Fresh drinking water will be made available at Depots
for teams to carry adequate volumes.
All works and support vehicles to be equipped with a
fully stocked 10 man First Aid kit, with all operatives
aware of its location.