What it covers
The sequence for surveying the camera positions, choosing the access equipment, drilling and fixing the brackets, running the cables, connecting the power and the recorder, then testing and handing over. It records how each position is reached, what is checked before drilling, and who isolates any mains supply.
CCTV installation method statement steps
Fitting cameras to the outside of an occupied commercial building usually follows these steps. The electrical sample shows a full method statement for work on a mains supply.
- Survey the positions. Agree each camera position, cable route and power point with the client, and note the access each one needs.
- Check for asbestos. Before drilling soffits, walls or ceilings in a building from before 2000, ask the dutyholder for the asbestos information, or the owner about the building.
- Choose the access. Use a tower or MEWP for long or high work, and keep ladders for short, low-risk tasks.
- Cordon off below. Keep people out of the area under the work, so nobody walks beneath tools or a raised platform.
- Drill and fix. Drill with dust extraction, and fix each bracket to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Run the cables. Run the cables in containment or clips, clear of other services and away from walkways.
- Connect the power. Have a competent electrician isolate, lock off and prove dead any mains circuit before the power supplies are connected.
- Test and hand over. Check each camera's view and recording, show the client how the system works, and leave the area clear.
Ladders, towers and MEWPs
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 regulation 6 says not to work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do the work safely another way. Where it cannot be avoided, falls are prevented so far as is reasonably practicable. Where a fall is still possible, the distance or, failing that, the consequences of a fall are minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. HSE says ladders can be a sensible option for low-risk, short-duration tasks, but should not automatically be the first choice. As a guide, other equipment is recommended if a task means staying on a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time. On a stepladder, HSE says to try to avoid side-on drilling through brick or concrete. Where that cannot be avoided, the steps are stopped from tipping, for example by tying them, or other access is used. For a MEWP, HSE says to have a rescue plan and practise it. The outriggers are extended and chocked before the platform is raised.
Sources: Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 6; HSE, Ladders; HSE, When and how to use ladders safely; HSE, Types of ladder; HSE, Mobile elevating work platforms
Asbestos before drilling
HSE says buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain asbestos, and lists drilling into a wall as work that could disturb it. In older buildings, asbestos insulating board was used for external soffits and ceiling tiles, where cameras and cables often go. In non-domestic premises, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 regulation 4 requires the dutyholder to give information on the location and condition of any asbestos to everyone liable to disturb it. Regulation 4 does not cover private homes, so on a house, ask the owner what they know about the building. If you find material you think is asbestos, HSE says to stop work immediately and keep people out of the area.
Sources: HSE, Introduction to asbestos; HSE, Where you can find asbestos; Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 4; HSE, What to do if you discover or accidentally disturb asbestos (EM1)
Hazards and controls
Falls from ladders, towers and MEWPs, controlled by choosing the access for the task, checking it before use and keeping three points of contact on a ladder or stepladder. Electric shock from mains supplies, controlled by safe isolation before the power supplies are connected. Asbestos in older soffits, walls and ceilings, controlled by checking the asbestos information or survey before drilling. Then tools falling onto people below, dust from drilling, manual handling of poles and recorders, and a MEWP striking overhead cables. Controls follow the hierarchy, so avoiding work at height comes before fall protection and PPE.
Competence and equipment
Each MEWP operator holds a recognised training certificate or card and is familiarised with the machine used. Anyone whose work could disturb asbestos needs awareness training, and HSE says that training does not allow them to work on asbestos. Mains connections are made by a competent electrician. The method statement names the access equipment, the competence and the isolation, so a principal contractor can check it at a glance.
Sources: HSE, Mobile elevating work platforms; HSE, Training for work involving asbestos
FAQ
- Does it cover working from ladders and MEWPs?
- Yes. The choice of access is a step in the method, and falls from height are in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Does it cover pole-mounted cameras?
- Yes, where the job description includes it. Setting the pole and fixing the camera at height go in the method, and buried services and lifting go in the risk assessment.
- Does it cover the mains connection?
- Yes. Safe isolation before the power supplies are connected is a step in the method, and electric shock is in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Is this a CCTV installation RAMS template?
- It is more than a template. You describe the job and the site, and the method statement and risk assessment are written for that work. You can edit the Word file before a competent person signs it off.
- Will it be accepted on site?
- It follows the HSE five steps and the CDM 2015 framing site managers expect. A competent person still has to review and sign it off before use.
- 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.