Flooring method statement example: screed and lay LVT, kitchen-diner

HSE five steps · CDM 2015

You write this: Prepare the existing subfloor, apply a cement-based levelling screed and lay LVT/vinyl floorcovering in an occupied domestic kitchen-diner.
You get this: Meadow Floors Ltd will prepare the existing subfloor, apply a cement-based levelling screed and lay LVT/vinyl floorcovering in an occupied domestic kitchen-diner at 12 Willow Close, Derby DE22 3F** (project ref MF-4521). Two operatives will work for 3 days from Tue 23 Jun 2026. The householder and others will be in the property, so the work area will be separated from the rest of the house, dust will be controlled at source and the route through the hall will be protected. This document was written by D. Reynolds, Lead Floor Layer (NVQ Level 2 Floorcovering). Items to confirm before work starts: (1) the age of the house and whether the client holds an asbestos register or management survey covering the kitchen-diner floor, to be confirmed by D. Reynolds with the client before the start date; (2) the existing subfloor type (concrete, screed or timber) and the existing floor finish, to be confirmed on the pre-start walk, because the silica and asbestos controls depend on it; (3) whether underfloor heating or pipework is in the floor, to be confirmed with the client and checked on the pre-start walk; (4) the product names and Safety Data Sheets for the levelling compound, primer and adhesive, to be confirmed by the Lead Floor Layer before the materials are brought to site; (5) who will move and disconnect the kitchen appliances (this work does not include disconnecting gas or electrical appliances), to be agreed with the client before start; (6) whether children, pets or vulnerable occupants will be in the house during the works, to be confirmed with the client on the pre-start walk.

Generated for an example job to show the format. Make your own site-specific version and have a competent person review it.

Document details
Contractor	Meadow Floors Ltd
Author	D. Reynolds, Lead Floor Layer (NVQ Level 2 Floorcovering)
Client / Principal Contractor	Not specified
Site	12 Willow Close, Derby DE22 3F**
Project reference	MF-4521
Start / duration	Tue 23 Jun 2026 / 3 days

1. Scope of works

Meadow Floors Ltd will prepare the existing subfloor, apply a cement-based levelling screed and lay LVT/vinyl floorcovering in an occupied domestic kitchen-diner at 12 Willow Close, Derby DE22 3F** (project ref MF-4521). Two operatives will work for 3 days from Tue 23 Jun 2026. The householder and others will be in the property, so the work area will be separated from the rest of the house, dust will be controlled at source and the route through the hall will be protected. This document was written by D. Reynolds, Lead Floor Layer (NVQ Level 2 Floorcovering). Items to confirm before work starts: (1) the age of the house and whether the client holds an asbestos register or management survey covering the kitchen-diner floor, to be confirmed by D. Reynolds with the client before the start date; (2) the existing subfloor type (concrete, screed or timber) and the existing floor finish, to be confirmed on the pre-start walk, because the silica and asbestos controls depend on it; (3) whether underfloor heating or pipework is in the floor, to be confirmed with the client and checked on the pre-start walk; (4) the product names and Safety Data Sheets for the levelling compound, primer and adhesive, to be confirmed by the Lead Floor Layer before the materials are brought to site; (5) who will move and disconnect the kitchen appliances (this work does not include disconnecting gas or electrical appliances), to be agreed with the client before start; (6) whether children, pets or vulnerable occupants will be in the house during the works, to be confirmed with the client on the pre-start walk.

2. Sequence of works

Method statement, safe system of work

Before the start date, ask the client for the asbestos register or management survey and check that it covers the kitchen-diner floor. If the building is pre-2000 or its age is unknown and the register does not cover the area, do not start any intrusive work until a refurbishment survey of the area has been done (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5).
Hold a pre-start walk with the client. Agree the work area, the route from the front door, the use of the WC and kitchen, who moves and disconnects appliances, where pets and children will be kept, and where materials and waste will be kept.
Brief both operatives on this RAMS, the stop-work rules and the emergency arrangements, and have them sign the briefing sheet.
Protect the route from the front door through the hallway with floor protection and corner guards. Keep the route clear and dry. Park the vehicle so that loading does not block the road or driveway.
Set up the work area. Close doors to the rest of the house, fit a dust barrier or sealed polythene screen at the doorway, put up signs and agree with the client that nobody enters the area. Make sure appliances have been moved and disconnected by others and that nothing is left in the floor area.
Check the floor for suspect material. Look for old floor tiles, black adhesive, textured coatings or board that is not mentioned in the register. If any is found, stop, keep people away and report it to the client and the Lead Floor Layer before work carries on.
Check for pipes, cables and underfloor heating in the floor from the client's information and by inspection. Do not grind over marked or suspected services.
Check the portable electrical equipment (PAT label and visual check), plug the grinder and extraction into an RCD and route the cables clear of walkways.
Remove the existing floor finish by hand where needed, and bag the waste as it is removed. Do not use the grinder to remove an unidentified covering.
Grind and prepare the subfloor with the floor grinder connected to an on-tool extraction unit (M-class or H-class). Wear the specified RPE and hearing protection. Take breaks to limit noise and vibration exposure.
Clean up the dust with an M-class or H-class vacuum only. Never dry sweep or use compressed air. Wipe down surfaces and bag the waste.
Open windows or use the extractor fan for ventilation and keep the room ventilated for the rest of the job. Remove any ignition sources, and make sure pilot lights and the hob are off.
Apply the primer to the subfloor as the manufacturer instructs. Keep the container closed when not in use. Allow it to dry and keep everyone out of the area.
Mix the cement-based levelling compound with the paddle and bucket in a controlled area with the bag opened carefully and the mixing done low in the bucket to reduce dust. Pour and spread the compound to the required level. Keep the area closed to others and put up wet-floor and keep-out signs.
Allow the compound to cure for the time given on the product data sheet. Keep the area closed off and keep pets and children out. Check the surface for hardness and dryness before moving on.
Prepare and cut the LVT/vinyl planks using a sharp knife, working on a bench or protected board, with the blade retracted or guarded when not in use. Use a hook blade or a safety knife where practical.
Apply the latex/PU flooring adhesive with a trowel or roller in small areas with ventilation running, and lay the planks. Kneel on knee pads and rotate tasks to reduce strain.
Roll the floor, trim to the edges and fit the thresholds. Remove the knives and tools as each task finishes and keep them in a closed tool box.
Clean the area, remove waste in sealed bags and take it off site to licensed disposal (do not use the client's bins unless agreed). Do not wash cement or adhesive down the sink or drains.
Remove the dust barrier and floor protection. Walk the area with the client, record any damage or defects, and leave the room secure with a sign asking for no heavy use until the adhesive has cured as the manufacturer instructs.

3. Risk assessment

Built on the HSE five steps, MHSWR 1999 regulation 3 and the hierarchy of control.

Occupied domestic site: householder, family members, children, pets and visitors enter the work area or are exposed to dust, vapours, tools and wet floor
Low
Who / how
Householder, children, vulnerable occupants, pets and visitors; also the operatives if they are interrupted. Harm from dust and vapour inhalation, slips, cuts from tools or knives left out, and contact with wet compound or adhesive.
Existing controls
Operatives are experienced and CSCS carded.
L×S
4×3=12
Additional controls
Agree the work area and the exclusion zone with the client on the pre-start walk. Close off the kitchen-diner with a sealed dust screen, doors closed and signs. Keep the hallway route clear and protected. Keep tools, knives, adhesive and primer in a closed box or the work area at all times, never left unattended. Agree where children and pets will be kept and when the area is safe to re-enter. Agree timings for noisy and dusty work. Tell the client about drying and curing times. Operatives stay in the area or lock it off when they leave. No client use of the kitchen during grinding, priming and adhesive work.
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust
Medium
Who / how
The operatives doing the work and anyone nearby breathing the dust, including the householder and others in the house. Long-term harm to the lungs (silicosis, lung cancer, COPD).
Existing controls
Floor grinder with on-tool extraction.
L×S
4×5=20
Additional controls
Plan the work to reduce grinding to what is needed to prepare the floor, and use hand scraping where suitable. Use on-tool extraction (M-class or H-class vacuum) on the floor grinder and any other drill, chaser or saw used on concrete, screed or mortar. Keep others out of the area with the dust screen and doors closed. Clean up with an H-class or M-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air. Then RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven. Follow the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002, HSE Construction Information Sheet CIS36 'Construction dust' and the RCS workplace exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA) in HSE EH40/2005. Check the extraction hose, filter and bag at the start of each day.
Disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials in the existing floor, such as old floor tiles, adhesive, backing or screed, when removing, grinding or scraping the subfloor
Medium
Who / how
Operatives, the householder and others in the house. Asbestos fibres can cause fatal lung disease years later.
Existing controls
None until the asbestos check is completed.
L×S
2×5=10
Additional controls
Before work starts, check the client's asbestos register or management survey for the kitchen-diner floor. If the register does not cover the area, and the work is intrusive, a refurbishment survey of the area is needed first (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5, identifying asbestos before work). Record the check on the pre-start sheet. Stop-work rule: if suspect material is found, stop, keep people away, close the room and report it to the Lead Floor Layer and the client before work carries on. Do not use the grinder or sweep the dust. Brief both operatives.
Skin and eye contact with the cement-based levelling compound: dermatitis, alkali burns and eye damage; inhalation of cement dust when opening bags and mixing
Low
Who / how
Operatives mixing and spreading the compound; the householder if dust spreads
Existing controls
Mixing paddle and bucket; operatives trained.
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Use a ready-mixed or low-dust product where practical. Open bags carefully, mix low in the bucket and keep bags in a closed area. Keep the mixing area away from the household and sealed from the rest of the house. Wash skin promptly if splashed and keep an eye-wash bottle in the work area. Follow COSHH 2002. Take the hazard information and the PPE specification from the product Safety Data Sheet. Then use gloves to BS EN 374 and BS EN ISO 21420, eye protection to BS EN 166 and waterproof knee protection. Do not kneel in wet compound.
Vapours from the primer and latex/PU flooring adhesive: headaches, dizziness, irritation, sensitisation
Low
Who / how
Operatives, the householder and others in the house, especially children and anyone with asthma
Existing controls
Operatives trained; products used in a 3-day job.
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Choose a solvent-free or low-odour product where suitable. Open windows and run extraction to the outside, and keep the area closed off from the house. Limit the amount of material opened at a time and keep containers closed. Apply the adhesive only when the room is well ventilated and agree the timing with the client. Follow COSHH 2002. Take the hazard information and the PPE specification, including any respiratory protection, from the Safety Data Sheet.
Fire from flammable primer or adhesive vapour near ignition sources in the kitchen, such as the gas hob, boiler pilot light, electric sockets and appliances
Low
Who / how
Operatives, the householder and others in the house. Burns and smoke inhalation.
Existing controls
Operatives are aware of fire risks.
L×S
2×4=8
Additional controls
Check the Safety Data Sheet for flammability before work. Agree with the client that the hob and any pilot light are off and that no cooking, smoking or naked flames are used in the area while primer and adhesive are in use and drying. Ventilate the room. Keep only the quantity needed in the room and keep containers closed. Keep waste rags in a closed metal bin. Keep a dry powder or CO2 extinguisher near the exit. Note the escape route before work. Do not disconnect gas appliances yourself.
Manual handling of 25 kg bags of levelling compound, boxes of LVT, buckets of mixed compound and the floor grinder
Low
Who / how
Operatives. Back, shoulder and arm injuries.
Existing controls
Operatives are manual handling trained.
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, avoid lifting where possible by ordering smaller bags, delivering materials close to the entrance, using a sack truck and moving materials in stages. Mix in smaller batches. Share two-person lifts for heavy items and the grinder. Keep the route clear. Take breaks. Use gloves with good grip as a back-up.
Slips, trips and falls on wet compound, primer, loose planks, cables, hoses and the protected hallway route
Low
Who / how
Operatives, the householder and visitors. Sprains, fractures and bruising.
Existing controls
Good housekeeping habits.
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Keep the work area closed off from the household and mark the wet areas with signs. Route cables and hoses along the walls and use cable covers or hooks. Lay floor protection flat and tape the edges down. Clear off cut planks, offcuts and packaging as the work goes on and put them in a waste sack. Keep the walkway clear. Keep the lighting adequate. Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles.
Noise and hand-arm vibration from the floor grinder and extraction unit
Low
Who / how
Operatives. Hearing damage and hand-arm vibration syndrome. The householder is disturbed by noise.
Existing controls
Floor grinder with on-tool extraction; short job.
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, limit the grinding time, plan grinding in short periods with breaks, and rotate the operator between the two operatives. Use a well-maintained machine with the vibration value from the manufacturer's data. Agree with the client the times of noisy work. Then hearing protection to BS EN 352 and anti-vibration gloves where suitable. Report any tingling or numbness.
Electric shock and damage from the portable grinder, extraction unit, mixer and extension leads in a kitchen with water, wet compound and live appliances
Medium
Who / how
Operatives and the householder. Electric shock or burns.
Existing controls
Portable equipment used by trained operatives.
L×S
2×5=10
Additional controls
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, use equipment with in-date PAT labels and visually check leads and plugs each day. Plug equipment into an RCD, use 110 V where possible or an RCD adaptor. Keep leads out of wet areas and away from the compound. Do not use the equipment if it is damaged. Do not work on the household fixed wiring. Do not use the grinder over marked or suspected cables or services in the floor. Use only the sockets the client has agreed to.
Cuts from sharp knives and blades used to cut LVT/vinyl planks and trim
Low
Who / how
Operatives. Cuts to hands and legs. The householder and children if knives are left out.
Existing controls
Operatives are trained in using knives.
L×S
3×2=6
Additional controls
Use retractable or guarded safety knives, keep blades sharp and change them often, cut away from the body on a bench or protected board, and keep knives in a closed tool box when not in use. Take used blades to the waste container in a sharps box or a closed can. Then cut-resistant gloves to BS EN 388 as a back-up, where they do not make cutting less safe.
Kneeling and awkward postures when preparing and laying the floor for long periods
Low
Who / how
Operatives. Knee, back and joint strain.
Existing controls
Knee pads provided.
L×S
4×2=8
Additional controls
Plan the work with rotation of tasks and short breaks, use a kneeling board or stool for long runs, use long-handled tools where possible, and share the heavier floor rolling. Then knee pads.
Striking or damaging services, such as pipes, cables and underfloor heating, when grinding or removing the existing floor, and damage to the client's property, such as skirting, cabinets and finishes
Low
Who / how
Operatives and the householder. Flooding, electric shock, gas leak or damage to the home.
Existing controls
Operatives are experienced and use care.
L×S
2×4=8
Additional controls
Ask the client about services in the floor and check for them on the pre-start walk. Use the information to mark any pipes, heating or cables. Do not grind or scrape over suspected services. Only use the grinder to the depth needed. Protect cabinets, skirting and the doors with covers. If you strike a service, stop and isolate the supply if safe to do so, and call the client, and in an emergency the emergency services.
Moving kitchen appliances, furniture and fittings before the work, and cross-contamination of the client's kitchen with dust, compound and adhesive
Low
Who / how
Operatives and the householder. Strains, damage to the gas, water or electrical supply, and contamination of food areas.
Existing controls
None.
L×S
2×3=6
Additional controls
Agree with the client that the appliances and furniture are cleared and the gas and electrical appliances are disconnected by the client or a competent person, not by the operatives. Cover or remove food, utensils and worktops in the area. Wash hands before and after using the client's WC and kitchen, and do not eat in the work area. Keep washing of tools to a bucket and dispose of the water as planned. Clean up each day and wipe the hallway.

Risk assessment: hazards, who may be harmed, controls and residual risk
Hazard	Who / how	Existing controls	L×S	Additional controls	Residual
Occupied domestic site: householder, family members, children, pets and visitors enter the work area or are exposed to dust, vapours, tools and wet floor	Householder, children, vulnerable occupants, pets and visitors; also the operatives if they are interrupted. Harm from dust and vapour inhalation, slips, cuts from tools or knives left out, and contact with wet compound or adhesive.	Operatives are experienced and CSCS carded.	4×3=12	Agree the work area and the exclusion zone with the client on the pre-start walk. Close off the kitchen-diner with a sealed dust screen, doors closed and signs. Keep the hallway route clear and protected. Keep tools, knives, adhesive and primer in a closed box or the work area at all times, never left unattended. Agree where children and pets will be kept and when the area is safe to re-enter. Agree timings for noisy and dusty work. Tell the client about drying and curing times. Operatives stay in the area or lock it off when they leave. No client use of the kitchen during grinding, priming and adhesive work.	Low
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust	The operatives doing the work and anyone nearby breathing the dust, including the householder and others in the house. Long-term harm to the lungs (silicosis, lung cancer, COPD).	Floor grinder with on-tool extraction.	4×5=20	Plan the work to reduce grinding to what is needed to prepare the floor, and use hand scraping where suitable. Use on-tool extraction (M-class or H-class vacuum) on the floor grinder and any other drill, chaser or saw used on concrete, screed or mortar. Keep others out of the area with the dust screen and doors closed. Clean up with an H-class or M-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air. Then RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven. Follow the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002, HSE Construction Information Sheet CIS36 'Construction dust' and the RCS workplace exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA) in HSE EH40/2005. Check the extraction hose, filter and bag at the start of each day.	Medium
Disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials in the existing floor, such as old floor tiles, adhesive, backing or screed, when removing, grinding or scraping the subfloor	Operatives, the householder and others in the house. Asbestos fibres can cause fatal lung disease years later.	None until the asbestos check is completed.	2×5=10	Before work starts, check the client's asbestos register or management survey for the kitchen-diner floor. If the register does not cover the area, and the work is intrusive, a refurbishment survey of the area is needed first (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5, identifying asbestos before work). Record the check on the pre-start sheet. Stop-work rule: if suspect material is found, stop, keep people away, close the room and report it to the Lead Floor Layer and the client before work carries on. Do not use the grinder or sweep the dust. Brief both operatives.	Medium
Skin and eye contact with the cement-based levelling compound: dermatitis, alkali burns and eye damage; inhalation of cement dust when opening bags and mixing	Operatives mixing and spreading the compound; the householder if dust spreads	Mixing paddle and bucket; operatives trained.	3×3=9	Use a ready-mixed or low-dust product where practical. Open bags carefully, mix low in the bucket and keep bags in a closed area. Keep the mixing area away from the household and sealed from the rest of the house. Wash skin promptly if splashed and keep an eye-wash bottle in the work area. Follow COSHH 2002. Take the hazard information and the PPE specification from the product Safety Data Sheet. Then use gloves to BS EN 374 and BS EN ISO 21420, eye protection to BS EN 166 and waterproof knee protection. Do not kneel in wet compound.	Low
Vapours from the primer and latex/PU flooring adhesive: headaches, dizziness, irritation, sensitisation	Operatives, the householder and others in the house, especially children and anyone with asthma	Operatives trained; products used in a 3-day job.	3×3=9	Choose a solvent-free or low-odour product where suitable. Open windows and run extraction to the outside, and keep the area closed off from the house. Limit the amount of material opened at a time and keep containers closed. Apply the adhesive only when the room is well ventilated and agree the timing with the client. Follow COSHH 2002. Take the hazard information and the PPE specification, including any respiratory protection, from the Safety Data Sheet.	Low
Fire from flammable primer or adhesive vapour near ignition sources in the kitchen, such as the gas hob, boiler pilot light, electric sockets and appliances	Operatives, the householder and others in the house. Burns and smoke inhalation.	Operatives are aware of fire risks.	2×4=8	Check the Safety Data Sheet for flammability before work. Agree with the client that the hob and any pilot light are off and that no cooking, smoking or naked flames are used in the area while primer and adhesive are in use and drying. Ventilate the room. Keep only the quantity needed in the room and keep containers closed. Keep waste rags in a closed metal bin. Keep a dry powder or CO2 extinguisher near the exit. Note the escape route before work. Do not disconnect gas appliances yourself.	Low
Manual handling of 25 kg bags of levelling compound, boxes of LVT, buckets of mixed compound and the floor grinder	Operatives. Back, shoulder and arm injuries.	Operatives are manual handling trained.	3×3=9	Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, avoid lifting where possible by ordering smaller bags, delivering materials close to the entrance, using a sack truck and moving materials in stages. Mix in smaller batches. Share two-person lifts for heavy items and the grinder. Keep the route clear. Take breaks. Use gloves with good grip as a back-up.	Low
Slips, trips and falls on wet compound, primer, loose planks, cables, hoses and the protected hallway route	Operatives, the householder and visitors. Sprains, fractures and bruising.	Good housekeeping habits.	3×3=9	Keep the work area closed off from the household and mark the wet areas with signs. Route cables and hoses along the walls and use cable covers or hooks. Lay floor protection flat and tape the edges down. Clear off cut planks, offcuts and packaging as the work goes on and put them in a waste sack. Keep the walkway clear. Keep the lighting adequate. Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles.	Low
Noise and hand-arm vibration from the floor grinder and extraction unit	Operatives. Hearing damage and hand-arm vibration syndrome. The householder is disturbed by noise.	Floor grinder with on-tool extraction; short job.	3×3=9	Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, limit the grinding time, plan grinding in short periods with breaks, and rotate the operator between the two operatives. Use a well-maintained machine with the vibration value from the manufacturer's data. Agree with the client the times of noisy work. Then hearing protection to BS EN 352 and anti-vibration gloves where suitable. Report any tingling or numbness.	Low
Electric shock and damage from the portable grinder, extraction unit, mixer and extension leads in a kitchen with water, wet compound and live appliances	Operatives and the householder. Electric shock or burns.	Portable equipment used by trained operatives.	2×5=10	Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, use equipment with in-date PAT labels and visually check leads and plugs each day. Plug equipment into an RCD, use 110 V where possible or an RCD adaptor. Keep leads out of wet areas and away from the compound. Do not use the equipment if it is damaged. Do not work on the household fixed wiring. Do not use the grinder over marked or suspected cables or services in the floor. Use only the sockets the client has agreed to.	Medium
Cuts from sharp knives and blades used to cut LVT/vinyl planks and trim	Operatives. Cuts to hands and legs. The householder and children if knives are left out.	Operatives are trained in using knives.	3×2=6	Use retractable or guarded safety knives, keep blades sharp and change them often, cut away from the body on a bench or protected board, and keep knives in a closed tool box when not in use. Take used blades to the waste container in a sharps box or a closed can. Then cut-resistant gloves to BS EN 388 as a back-up, where they do not make cutting less safe.	Low
Kneeling and awkward postures when preparing and laying the floor for long periods	Operatives. Knee, back and joint strain.	Knee pads provided.	4×2=8	Plan the work with rotation of tasks and short breaks, use a kneeling board or stool for long runs, use long-handled tools where possible, and share the heavier floor rolling. Then knee pads.	Low
Striking or damaging services, such as pipes, cables and underfloor heating, when grinding or removing the existing floor, and damage to the client's property, such as skirting, cabinets and finishes	Operatives and the householder. Flooding, electric shock, gas leak or damage to the home.	Operatives are experienced and use care.	2×4=8	Ask the client about services in the floor and check for them on the pre-start walk. Use the information to mark any pipes, heating or cables. Do not grind or scrape over suspected services. Only use the grinder to the depth needed. Protect cabinets, skirting and the doors with covers. If you strike a service, stop and isolate the supply if safe to do so, and call the client, and in an emergency the emergency services.	Low
Moving kitchen appliances, furniture and fittings before the work, and cross-contamination of the client's kitchen with dust, compound and adhesive	Operatives and the householder. Strains, damage to the gas, water or electrical supply, and contamination of food areas.	None.	2×3=6	Agree with the client that the appliances and furniture are cleared and the gas and electrical appliances are disconnected by the client or a competent person, not by the operatives. Cover or remove food, utensils and worktops in the area. Wash hands before and after using the client's WC and kitchen, and do not eat in the work area. Keep washing of tools to a bucket and dispose of the water as planned. Clean up each day and wipe the hallway.	Low

4. COSHH assessment

Built on COSHH 2002 regulations 6 and 7 and HSE guidance L5.

Check each entry against the supplier's Safety Data Sheet before work starts. Take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005.

Cement-based levelling compound

Task or use: Opening and mixing the bags with a paddle and bucket, and pouring and spreading the compound on the prepared subfloor in the kitchen-diner.
Route of exposure: Inhalation of dust when opening and mixing, skin contact with wet compound, eye contact from splashes or dust.
Who could be harmed: The two operatives mixing and spreading. Anyone nearby in the house if dust spreads. Risk of dermatitis, alkali burns, eye damage and irritation to the nose and throat.
Hazards: Cement-based products can irritate the skin, eyes and airways, and wet compound can cause burns and dermatitis, particularly with long contact. Dry cement dust can irritate the nose and throat. The exact hazards depend on the product, so check section 2 of its Safety Data Sheet.
Controls: Eliminate or reduce dust by using a ready-mixed or low-dust product where the job allows.
Open and tip the bags carefully, mix low in the bucket, and keep the mixing area closed from the rest of the house.
Use only the quantity needed and mix in smaller batches to reduce handling.
Limit who is nearby while mixing and keep others out of the room. Keep the dust screen up.
Wash skin straight away if there is contact, and do not use barrier cream as the only protection.
Clean up spills and dust with a vacuum, not dry sweeping.
PPE: Gloves and eye protection to the specification in the Safety Data Sheet (for example gloves to BS EN 374 and BS EN ISO 21420, eye protection to BS EN 166).
Long-sleeved clothing and waterproof knee protection.
RPE to the specification in the Safety Data Sheet if there is dust.
Storage and disposal: Store the bags dry, off the floor, closed and away from the household, and out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused and waste material as construction waste following the Safety Data Sheet and the local rules. Do not wash it into drains or the client's sink. Let mixed leftovers set before disposal.
First aid and spillage: Skin: wash with plenty of clean water and remove contaminated clothing. Eyes: rinse with clean water or the eye-wash for at least 10 to 15 minutes and get medical help. Inhalation: move to fresh air. If swallowed, rinse the mouth and seek medical advice. Spillage: sweep up damp or use a vacuum, do not dry sweep, and bag the waste.
Health surveillance: Skin checks are advised where wet cement may cause dermatitis. For a 3-day job none beyond this is expected, but the contractor should check the operatives' skin for signs of dermatitis and take advice if any appear.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm from the supplier's Safety Data Sheet the hazard statements, the PPE specification, first aid advice and disposal route. Take workplace exposure limits for dust from HSE EH40/2005. This assessment follows the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 and HSE's COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

Primer

Task or use: Applying the primer to the prepared subfloor before the levelling compound is laid.
Route of exposure: Inhalation of vapour, skin contact, eye contact from splashes.
Who could be harmed: The two operatives applying the primer, and the householder and others in the house if vapour spreads. Risk of irritation to skin and eyes and of headaches or dizziness in poorly ventilated rooms.
Hazards: The hazards depend on the product, so check section 2 of its Safety Data Sheet. Primers can irritate skin and eyes and give off vapour, and some may be flammable.
Controls: Choose a water-based, solvent-free or low-odour primer where suitable.
Ventilate the room with open windows or extraction to the outside, and close the room off from the rest of the house.
Use only the quantity needed, keep the container closed when not in use and decant carefully.
Agree with the client that the hob, any pilot light and other ignition sources are off while it is applied and drying.
Limit how long operatives work in the room and keep others out until the primer is dry.
PPE: Gloves and eye protection to the specification in the Safety Data Sheet.
RPE only if the Safety Data Sheet requires it, to the specification given.
Long-sleeved clothing.
Storage and disposal: Store the containers closed, upright and cool, out of the sun and away from the household, children and pets. Dispose of empty containers and soaked rags as the Safety Data Sheet and local waste rules require, and do not pour into drains.
First aid and spillage: Skin: wash with soap and water. Eyes: rinse with clean water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and get medical help. Inhalation: move to fresh air. Spillage: contain and soak up with an absorbent, ventilate the room, bag the waste and keep out ignition sources.
Health surveillance: None is expected for this product in a 3-day job. Check the Safety Data Sheet, and if it names a respiratory or skin sensitiser, take advice on surveillance.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm from the Safety Data Sheet the product's hazards, flammability, PPE specification, drying time and disposal. Take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005. This assessment follows the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 and HSE's COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

Latex/PU flooring adhesive

Task or use: Spreading the adhesive with a trowel or roller on the levelled floor and laying the LVT/vinyl planks.
Route of exposure: Inhalation of vapour, skin contact, eye contact from splashes.
Who could be harmed: The two operatives laying the floor, and the householder and others in the house if vapour spreads. Risk of skin and eye irritation, and of breathing problems or sensitisation depending on the product.
Hazards: The hazards depend on the product, so check section 2 of its Safety Data Sheet. Adhesives can irritate skin and eyes, give off vapour and, for some polyurethane (PU) products, cause skin or breathing sensitisation. Some may be flammable.
Controls: Choose a solvent-free, low-emission or water-based adhesive where it suits the floorcovering.
Ventilate the room with open windows or extraction to the outside, and keep the room closed off from the rest of the house during application and curing.
Spread the adhesive in small areas, use only the quantity needed and keep containers closed.
Agree with the client that no ignition sources are used and that the room stays closed until the adhesive has cured as the manufacturer instructs.
Limit the time spent in the room and keep others out.
Clean up small spills at once and keep the adhesive off the skin.
PPE: Gloves to the specification in the Safety Data Sheet, for example to BS EN 374.
Eye protection to BS EN 166 if there is a splash risk.
RPE only if the Safety Data Sheet requires it, to the specification given.
Long-sleeved clothing.
Storage and disposal: Store the containers closed, upright and cool, out of reach of children and pets and away from the household. Dispose of empty containers, wet rags and cured waste as the Safety Data Sheet and local waste rules require, and do not pour into drains.
First aid and spillage: Skin: wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. Eyes: rinse with clean water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and get medical help. Inhalation: move to fresh air and get medical advice if symptoms continue, especially coughing or wheezing. Spillage: contain and soak up with an absorbent, ventilate, bag the waste and keep out ignition sources.
Health surveillance: Check the Safety Data Sheet. If the adhesive is a skin or respiratory sensitiser (for example it contains isocyanates), take advice on health surveillance. If not, none is expected for a 3-day job.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm from the Safety Data Sheet the hazard statements, whether it is a sensitiser, flammability, the PPE and RPE specification, curing time and disposal. Take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005. This assessment follows the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 and HSE's COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

Respirable crystalline silica dust from grinding the subfloor

Task or use: Grinding and preparing the existing subfloor, if it is concrete, screed or other masonry-based material, using the floor grinder with on-tool extraction.
Route of exposure: Inhalation of fine dust. Skin and eye irritation from dust contact.
Who could be harmed: The two operatives grinding and cleaning up, and anyone nearby in the house breathing the dust. Long-term lung disease, including silicosis, lung cancer and COPD.
Hazards: Fine dust from concrete, screed and similar materials can reach deep into the lungs. Harm is usually long-term and builds up with repeated exposure. Take the specific hazard information from the Safety Data Sheet for the materials where available, and check section 2.
Controls: Plan the work to reduce grinding to what is needed and use hand scraping where it is suitable.
Use on-tool extraction (M-class or H-class vacuum) on the floor grinder, and make sure the hose, filter and bag are checked and not full.
Close the room off from the rest of the house with the dust screen and doors closed, and keep others out until the dust has been cleaned up.
Clean up with an H-class or M-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air, and wipe the surfaces.
Limit the time spent grinding by rotating the operators and taking breaks.
Remove the work clothing before leaving the area, and do not shake dust off clothing in the house.
PPE: RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven.
Eye protection to BS EN 166.
Disposable or washable overalls that are cleaned at the end of each day.
Storage and disposal: Collect the dust in the vacuum bag or container and double bag it. Dispose of it as construction waste through a licensed route. Do not put it in the client's bins unless this is agreed.
First aid and spillage: Eyes: rinse with clean water. Inhalation: move to fresh air and get medical help if there is coughing or breathing difficulty. Spillage of dust: clean up with an H-class or M-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air, and bag the waste.
Health surveillance: Respiratory health surveillance is advised for regular exposure to silica. For a 3-day job with extraction and RPE none is expected, but the contractor should check the operatives' total exposure on other jobs and take occupational health advice if it is regular.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm the subfloor material, the vacuum class, the filter condition and the RPE specification, and check the supplier's Safety Data Sheet for any product used. Take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005. This assessment follows the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 and HSE's COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

5. Plant & equipment

Floor grinder with on-tool extraction (M-class or H-class vacuum)
H-class or M-class vacuum for cleaning up
Mixing paddle and drill or mixer, and mixing bucket
Hand tools: trowels, rollers, scrapers, spreaders, floor roller
Knee pads
Sharp knives (safety knives with retractable or guarded blades) and a sharps container
Sack truck and floor protection
Extension leads with RCD protection and cable covers
Eye-wash bottle, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
Dust screen or polythene sheeting, signs and tape

6. Materials / COSHH

Cement-based levelling compound, primer, LVT/vinyl planks and latex/PU flooring adhesive. The compound, primer and adhesive are hazardous substances, and grinding the subfloor can produce respirable crystalline silica dust. Each has its own COSHH assessment in this document. Safety Data Sheets for all products must be on site before work starts. The LVT/vinyl planks are not a hazardous substance.

7. PPE

Safety footwear to BS EN ISO 20345 with slip-resistant soles
Gloves to the specification in the Safety Data Sheets (for example BS EN 374 and BS EN ISO 21420) for the compound, primer and adhesive
Cut-resistant gloves to BS EN 388 as a back-up when using knives, where they do not make cutting less safe
Eye protection to BS EN 166
RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven, for grinding
Hearing protection to BS EN 352 for grinding
Long-sleeved overalls and knee pads
Hi-vis is not needed inside the house unless the client or the Principal Contractor asks for it

8. Competence & training

The two operatives hold NVQ Level 2 Floorcovering, CSCS cards and manual handling training. The author, D. Reynolds, Lead Floor Layer, will brief both operatives on this RAMS before the start and record it on a signed briefing sheet. The operatives must know how to use the extraction system, how to check and fit their RPE (face-fit tested), how to use knives safely and what to do if suspect asbestos is found. The Safety Data Sheets must be read before the products are used.

9. Permits

No permit to work is needed for this job, as hot works, confined space and work at height are not part of the scope
Client permission and the agreed work area, hours and use of the WC and kitchen, recorded on the pre-start walk
Written confirmation that the asbestos register or management survey has been checked before work starts, and a refurbishment survey if the register does not cover the area

10. Access & egress

Access is through the client's front door and the hallway to the kitchen-diner. Protect the route with floor protection and keep it clear and dry. Keep the front door and the escape route to the front door clear at all times. Agree with the client where the vehicle can be parked and where materials can be unloaded. Keep the work area closed off from the rest of the house.

11. Welfare

Client WC and kitchen by arrangement. Agree with the client on the pre-start walk which WC and where hot water, soap and drinking water will be available. Operatives wash their hands before eating or drinking and after contact with the compound, primer or adhesive. Eat and drink away from the work area. If the client's facilities are not available, the Lead Floor Layer arranges an alternative before work starts.

12. First aid

A first aid kit and an eye-wash bottle are kept in the work area. The Lead Floor Layer is the nominated person to call for help. Report all injuries and near misses to the Lead Floor Layer and the client, and record them in the accident book. Treat cuts, eye splashes and skin contact as set out in the COSHH assessments. If someone is seriously hurt or unwell, call 999. The first aider on the job is to be confirmed on the pre-start walk, and the kit and eye-wash are checked before work starts.

13. Emergency procedures

On the pre-start walk, agree the escape route (front door), the assembly point outside the front of the house and who raises the alarm. In a fire, raise the alarm, get everyone out, including the householder, and call 999. Only use an extinguisher if it is safe to do so. In case of gas smell, do not use switches, open windows, leave the house and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. In case of a burst pipe, shut off the water at the stopcock if safe to do so and tell the client. If suspect asbestos is found, stop, keep people away, close the room and report it to the Lead Floor Layer and the client. Keep the client's contact number and the nearest hospital details with the Lead Floor Layer.

14. Environmental

Keep dust, compound and adhesive out of drains, sinks and the garden. Wash tools in a bucket and let the water settle, and dispose of it as the Safety Data Sheet and local waste rules require. Take all waste off site in sealed bags and dispose of it through a licensed route, keeping a record. Reduce vapour and odour by ventilating and keeping containers closed. Cover and protect the client's property, and keep noise within the times agreed with the client and neighbours. Keep the vehicle from blocking the road or neighbours' driveways.

This document was AI-generated as a drafting aid. It is not a substitute for professional health & safety advice. It must be reviewed, verified and made site-specific by a competent person before use, briefed to all operatives, and updated when site conditions or the method change. The provider accepts no liability for use of this document on site.

Flooring method statement: what it covers

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