What it covers
The sequence for setting out the fence line, checking for buried services and overhead lines, digging or driving the posts, fixing the rails, panels or mesh, then clearing up. It records how each post position is checked, which tools and plant are used, and how the public is kept away from the work.
Fencing method statement steps
A post and panel fence along a site boundary usually follows these steps. The groundworks sample shows a full method statement for digging near buried services.
- Get the service drawings. Obtain the utility drawings for the fence line, and assume services are there until shown otherwise.
- Scan the fence line. Sweep each post position with a CAT and genny, and mark any service found.
- Check for overhead lines. Look up along the whole line. Where a power line crosses the work area, the site boundary or the access route, discuss the plan of work with its owner before work starts.
- Set out the posts. Mark the post positions with wooden pegs or paint, not steel pins, and keep them off the line of any marked service.
- Dig or drive the posts. Hand dig post holes near a marked service, and keep post drivers off the line of every marked service and clear of overhead lines.
- Concrete the posts. Plumb each post and fix it in concrete or compacted fill before the rails go on.
- Fix rails and panels. Fit the rails, panels or mesh, and move heavy posts and panels with a trolley or other aid where possible.
- Clear and secure. Remove offcuts and spoil, fill any unused holes and leave the area secure at the end of each day.
Buried services and overhead lines
HSE guidance HSG47 says underground services are widespread, so assume they are present unless you have been shown otherwise. Perimeter fencing is named in HSG47 as work to plan for, because it can affect services at the site boundary. Plans alone are not enough to locate services, so a detecting device is used as well. HSG47 says any stakes or pins used to mark a service must not be driven where they could damage it, for example directly above it. Where power lines run over the work area, the site boundary or an access road, HSE says to consult the line owner so the plan of work can be discussed.
Sources: HSE, Avoiding danger from underground services (HSG47); HSE, Electricity: overhead power lines
Site boundary fencing and Heras panels
CDM 2015 regulation 18 says that, where health and safety needs it, a construction site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, have its perimeter marked by suitable signs, be fenced off, or both. HSE says the type of fencing should suit the site and its surroundings. In populated areas, that typically means a two-metre high small mesh fence or hoarding. Site fencing and hoarding are listed by HSE as temporary works, which must be designed, installed and maintained to withstand any foreseeable loads. The method statement records how the panels are braced and how often the fence is checked.
Sources: CDM 2015, regulation 18; HSE, Protecting the public; HSE, Temporary works
Hazards and controls
Striking a buried cable or pipe, controlled by drawings, a CAT-and-genny scan and hand digging near services. Contact with overhead power lines, controlled by consulting the owner and keeping plant and long posts outside the safe clearance the owner gives. Hand-arm vibration and noise from powered post drivers and breakers, controlled by lower-vibration equipment and limits on exposure time. Then panels blowing over, manual handling of posts, panels and concrete, hand injuries from manual post drivers, cuts from wire and mesh, and members of the public near the work. Controls follow the hierarchy, so avoiding the hazard comes before PPE.
Competence and equipment
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require work equipment to be suitable, maintained and used only by people with adequate training, so each worker is trained on the post drivers, augers and breakers they use. Whoever scans for services needs to be competent with the detecting device and the drawings. The method statement names the equipment, the competence and the service checks, so a principal contractor can check it at a glance.
Source: HSE, PUWER overview
FAQ
- Does it cover buried services at post holes?
- Yes. The service drawings, the CAT-and-genny scan and hand digging near services are steps in the method, and service strikes are in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Does it cover Heras temporary fencing?
- Yes, where the job description includes it. Putting up, bracing and checking the panels go in the method, and public access and panels blowing over go in the risk assessment.
- Does it cover post drivers?
- Yes. Hand-arm vibration, noise and hand injuries from post drivers are in the risk assessment with the matching controls.
- Is this a fencing 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.