What it covers
The sequence for setting out, raising the wall and working off a platform as the height increases. It records how block handling is kept down with lighter blocks and mechanical aids, how the mobile tower or platform is set up and inspected, and how cutting is done with dust suppressed at the tool.
Bricklaying method statement steps
A cavity wall built from a mobile tower usually follows these steps. The bricklaying sample sets out each one in full.
- Check the asbestos survey. Confirm the survey covers the work area before anything existing is cut or removed.
- Set up the work area. Fence off the area, keep the occupants' routes clear and set up mixing and cutting away from windows and doors.
- Receive and store deliveries. Use a banksman for reversing and store pallets on firm, level ground close to where they are needed.
- Erect the tower. Have PASMA-trained operatives build it to the manufacturer's guide, with guardrails, toe boards and a full platform.
- Set out and lay the DPC. Set out the wall line, check levels and lay the damp-proof course to the agreed detail.
- Build in lifts. Raise both leaves within the daily lift height, fix ties and insulation, and brace fresh walls against wind.
- Cut wet, clean with a vacuum. Cut with a water-fed saw only, and clean up with an H or M class vacuum, never dry sweeping.
- Make safe each day. Secure the wall against wind, isolate the power and stop anyone climbing the tower.
Handling heavy blocks
HSE guidance says the risk of injury rises with the weight of the block, and with laying above shoulder height or below knee height. Choose the lightest block that meets the design, and use mechanical handling for dense blocks. HSE says relying on two people to handle heavier blocks is not usually a suitable answer. Set the platform so laying happens between chest and knee height, and have blocks delivered close to where they are laid.
Source: HSE, Construction manual handling: blocks and masonry units
Hazards and controls
Falls from height as the wall rises, controlled by a fully boarded platform with guardrails and toe boards. Manual handling of heavy blocks, controlled by lighter blocks, mechanical aids and the right laying height. Then respirable crystalline silica from cutting, controlled by water suppression or on-tool extraction. Wet cement can cause dermatitis and burns, so it is kept off the skin and washed off quickly. Controls follow the hierarchy, so the safe platform comes before PPE.
Sources: HSE, Cement (CIS26); HSE, Construction dust (CIS36)
Competence and training
Bricklaying at height needs a competent operative, trained in manual handling and in the safe use of the access platform. The method statement names the competence required and the standards it works to, so a principal contractor can check it at a glance.
FAQ
- Does it cover work at height?
- Yes. The platform set-up and inspection are part of the numbered method, and falls from height are in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Does it cover cutting dust?
- Yes. Respirable crystalline silica from cutting is controlled at the tool with water suppression or extraction, recorded in the method and the risk assessment.
- Can two people lift heavy blocks instead?
- HSE guidance says relying on two people to handle heavier blocks is not usually a suitable solution. Choose lighter blocks where the design allows, and use mechanical handling for dense ones.
- Is a RAMS a legal requirement?
- The risk assessment is a legal duty under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The method statement is not named in law, but it is standard practice and principal contractors require it to get on site.
- Is there a free bricklaying method statement to download?
- Your first document is free. You describe the wall and the site, and you download the method statement and risk assessment as Word and PDF. You can read the full bricklaying sample first.
- What does it cost?
- Your first document is free. After that, £15 each, three for £35, or ten for £89. No subscription. You can read a full sample before you decide.