Method statement

Method statement is a well-known document in the construction field. However, there are no solid rules
for it. Mainly it depend on the task itself and what is the best method to present the data.
What is the method statement?
Method statement is a document describe how the task will be manufactured, executed, and tested. It is
also state who is involved during the different stages of the task, and what is the roles and responsibilities
for involved parties. It is a common practice (even it is not mentioned in the contract) for contractors to
submit method statements for project tasks prior to the task execution. The client and/or the project
consultant should review and approve the method statement before the contractor being able to start the
related task.
Why method statement?
 Proactive: Although, the project specifications describes how the final product should looks like, but
there is a potential argument between the contractor and the client/consultant about the method of
the execution and the steps, procedures, materials storage, protection, …etc. Therefore, the proactive
contractors finish these arguments on paper before they reach the stage of the execution to save the
time and efforts.
 Organize method statement organize the workflow especially when too many parties are involved on
the same task. Everyone knows what s/he should do and when.
 Coordination: method statement is a perfect way to coordinate different tasks relationships and find
solutions for any existing conflict before executing the works.
 Safety: part of the method statement is the temporary works for the tasks; this could involve
calculations to verify the safety of the temporary work. For example, in my current project where we
was erecting a huge steel structure on a temporary towers to carry the steel structure nodes while the
nodes are connected to each other by beams, we found that the slab beneath the temporary tower
could not carry the loads from the nodes. Therefore, we supported all the slabs to transfer the load to
the building foundations. This was found during the creation of the steel structure method statement,
and we were able to plan it ahead to save time and efforts.

Example of method statements:

As I mentioned above, there are no fixed type of method statement. However, I am attaching here two
examples of the method statement:
 Fixing a steel node on a beam:
For this method statement, it was more practical to use 3d model instead of typing narrative
description (a picture worth 1000 word) <smile>. See figure below
 Ceramic tiles, terrazzo tiles and mosaics:
For this method statement, it is required narrative details of the scope, procedure, protection and
cleaning, and checklist. Please find the method statement attached below
WORK PROCEDURE
PROJECT: PROJECT NAME Ref No. FINI/05
PAGE 1 OF 3
SECTION: DATE OF ISSUE
FINISHING Dec. 2012
SUBJECT: BY:
QA/QC ENGINEER
CERAMIC TILES, TERRAZZO TILES AND MOSAICS APPROVED BY:
QEHS MANAGER
ACTION VERIFY

1. SCOPE
This procedure outlines the system of control and inspections to
be adopted for the fixing on site of tiles and mosaics.

2. PROCEDURE
.1 A method statement shall be prepared and approved. It
shall include:

i) Acceptance conditions for laying e.g. maximum moisture Project Method

content of substrate, levelness, soundness, cleanliness, Manager Statement
environment.
ii) Surface preparation and bonding e.g. bonding agent,
bed mix proportions, adhesives.
iii) Specific requirements with regard to setting out,
alignment of joints and cutting.
iv) Method of protecting finished work.
v) Source documents for tiles, adhesive

.2 A sample of tiles shall be prepared on the wall in accordance Project Sample

with the specifications laid down in the contract and approved Engineer approval
by the Consultant.

.3 Storage of tiles:
i) Tiles shall be delivered to site palletised, on a clean hard Store- Instruction
surface free from contamination by mud or surface water. keeper s
ii) Ensure that manufacturer’s instructions in respect of
storage conditions of adhesives are strictly followed.

.4 The Project Director/Manager or his designate will confirm that

materials are in compliance with contract specification Project FINI/05/A
requirements. Manager

.5 In the case of internal wall tiling, work will not proceed until all
concealed conduits, pipes, electrical cables and boxes etc. that
penetrate the tiling have been fixed securely in position and Project FINI/05/A
making good is complete. Obtain written clearance from MEP Engineer
Co-ordinator that all their works in that area is clear for taking
up the tiling work.

WORK PROCEDURE
PROJECT: PROJECT NAME Ref No. FINI/05
PAGE 2 OF 3
SECTION: DATE OF ISSUE
FINISHING Dec. 2012
SUBJECT: BY:
QA/QC ENGINEER
CERAMIC TILES, TERRAZZO TILES AND MOSAICS APPROVED BY:
QEHS MANAGER
ACTION VERIFY

.6 Site operatives must observe the following while fixing tiles in Gen.
addition to the specifications laid down in the contract Foreman FINI/05/A
document.

i) In the case of internal wall tiles, the setting out course or

layout course is established.
ii) The level and events of the wall surface should not
exceed the allowable tolerance as specified in the
contract. Any such defect should be rectified before
proceeding further.
iii) While setting out for floor tiling, establish a datum level
for the finished floor and control the overall level of the
finished floor by means of series of spot levels. The Site
Engineer will involve Consultant’s representative while
fixing levels.
iv) Avoid cutting tiles as far as possible. If cutting cannot be
avoided locate cut tiles where they will be least
noticeable, if in doubt refer to specification.
v) The sequence of fixing tiles shall be as follows unless
specified otherwise in the contract:

 Floor tiles - from the centre of room

 Internal walls - Upward from the setting out course up
to the specified height (in case of false ceiling)
otherwise from top and downwards up to starting
level.
 External walls - always from top to bottom covering
one horizontal strip after another but preferably to be
done in bays.
vi) The mortar or adhesive is spread on the surface using a
trowel or blade in thin layers as specified. Gen.
vii) Before placing the next tile take care to allow correct joint Foreman FINI/05/A
width by placing the correct spacers in all corner joints.
viii) Do not start joint grouting work till tiles are properly fixed
to the surface. Normally the time period varies between
24 hrs to 48 hrs.

.7 Protection and Cleaning:

i) Protect external tiling and mosaics from rain and sun until
the bed and joints have set. Continue the protection for
the period specified.
WORK PROCEDURE
PROJECT: PROJECT NAME Ref No. FINI/05
PAGE 3 OF 3
SECTION: DATE OF ISSUE
FINISHING Dec. 2012
SUBJECT: BY:
QA/QC ENGINEER
CERAMIC TILES, TERRAZZO TILES AND MOSAICS APPROVED BY:
QEHS MANAGER
ACTION VERIFY

ii) Do not allow tiling and mosaics to be wetted in shower

bath areas for the period as specified, until the bedding
and joints have set and hardened.
iii) Do not permit any traffic at all on the flooring till the tiles
are set afterwards permit light foot traffic only.
iv) For general protection spread white no-staining saw dust
over the floor but not earlier than the period during which
grout is hardened.
 PROJECT: PROJECT NAME SITE NO.:

CERAMIC TILES, TERRAZZO TILES AND MOSAICS Sheet No.

SUBCONTRACTOR: CLIENT

SECTION OF WORK ____________________________LOCATION _________________

Checked
STAGE ITEM by DATE

PREPARATION 1. Method statement approved. PE

2. Materials to specification (including
suitability of adhesive). SE
3. Check storage condition of materials. SK
4. Establish line and level. SU
5. Check moisture content of substrate. GF
6. Liaise with MEP section for completion of
their works. PE/MEP

7. Acceptance of substrate GF

8. Sample area acceptable. PE

APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH LAYING QA/QC

INSTALLATION 9. Check setting-out SU

10. Check line and level. SU

11. Check mixing, colour and application of GF

grout.

12. Check sequence of fixing tiles. SE

APPROVAL TO PROCEED QA/QC

POST 13. Check initial cleaning of work. GF
INSTALLATION 14. Check protection applied correctly. GF

APPROVAL TO PROCEED CM
CM – Construction Manager, QA/QC – Quality Assurance/Quality Control, PE – Project Engineer, SE – Site
Engineer, SU - Surveyor, GF – General Foreman, SK – Storekeeper