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Window installation method statement example: uPVC windows, occupied house

HSE five steps · CDM 2015
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Remove existing windows and install replacement uPVC double-glazed windows to the ground and first floor of an occupied house, with the first-floor windows accessed externally from a scaffold or mobile access tower.
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Clearview Windows & Doors Ltd will remove existing windows and install replacement uPVC double-glazed windows to the ground and first floor of an occupied house at 16 Larchfield Road, Nottingham (project ref CVW-4471, start Tue 23 Jun 2026, 2 days, 2 operatives). The first-floor windows are accessed externally from a scaffold or mobile access tower. The occupiers are Mr and Mrs Harding, who remain in the house during the work. Because this is a domestic client with one contractor on site, Clearview takes on the client duties under CDM 2015 unless a written agreement says otherwise. The work is planned by S. Whitfield, Installation Supervisor (FENSA registered installer). Windows are removed and replaced one opening at a time so the house stays secure and weathertight. The tower or scaffold is used for external work at first floor, with a marked exclusion zone below. Items to confirm before work starts: (1) the age of the house and whether the client has an asbestos register or management survey covering the window openings, confirmed with Mr and Mrs Harding at the pre-start walk; (2) whether a scaffold or a mobile access tower will be used, who erects it, and the ground conditions under it, confirmed by S. Whitfield; (3) whether the footway is affected and highways permission is needed, confirmed by S. Whitfield with the council before 23 Jun 2026; (4) the frame fixings and the reveal material (brick, block, render or plaster), confirmed at the pre-start walk; (5) the weights of the largest glazed units and the stair route to first floor, confirmed on the pre-start walk; (6) whether there are children, pets, vulnerable occupants or alarm sensors on the windows, confirmed with Mr and Mrs Harding; (7) the location of the mains isolation, and the toilet and welfare arrangements agreed with the clients.

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

Document details
ContractorClearview Windows & Doors Ltd
AuthorS. Whitfield, Installation Supervisor (FENSA registered installer)
Client / Principal ContractorMr and Mrs Harding
Site16 Larchfield Road, Nottingham NG5 4P**
Project referenceCVW-4471
Start / durationTue 23 Jun 2026 / 2 days

1. Scope of works

Clearview Windows & Doors Ltd will remove existing windows and install replacement uPVC double-glazed windows to the ground and first floor of an occupied house at 16 Larchfield Road, Nottingham (project ref CVW-4471, start Tue 23 Jun 2026, 2 days, 2 operatives). The first-floor windows are accessed externally from a scaffold or mobile access tower. The occupiers are Mr and Mrs Harding, who remain in the house during the work. Because this is a domestic client with one contractor on site, Clearview takes on the client duties under CDM 2015 unless a written agreement says otherwise. The work is planned by S. Whitfield, Installation Supervisor (FENSA registered installer). Windows are removed and replaced one opening at a time so the house stays secure and weathertight. The tower or scaffold is used for external work at first floor, with a marked exclusion zone below. Items to confirm before work starts: (1) the age of the house and whether the client has an asbestos register or management survey covering the window openings, confirmed with Mr and Mrs Harding at the pre-start walk; (2) whether a scaffold or a mobile access tower will be used, who erects it, and the ground conditions under it, confirmed by S. Whitfield; (3) whether the footway is affected and highways permission is needed, confirmed by S. Whitfield with the council before 23 Jun 2026; (4) the frame fixings and the reveal material (brick, block, render or plaster), confirmed at the pre-start walk; (5) the weights of the largest glazed units and the stair route to first floor, confirmed on the pre-start walk; (6) whether there are children, pets, vulnerable occupants or alarm sensors on the windows, confirmed with Mr and Mrs Harding; (7) the location of the mains isolation, and the toilet and welfare arrangements agreed with the clients.

2. Sequence of works

Method statement, safe system of work

  1. Before the start date, S. Whitfield confirms the items listed in the scope, including the age of the house, and gets the access arrangement, footway position and permission agreed.
  2. Check the client's asbestos register or management survey for each window opening before any work starts. If the register does not cover the openings, or the house is pre-2000 or its age is unknown and no survey exists, a refurbishment survey of those areas is needed first (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5). Do not start until this is confirmed.
  3. Hold the pre-start walk with Mr and Mrs Harding. Agree which rooms are in use, where children and pets will be kept, the route in and out through the front door, where materials are stored, parking, welfare, and which windows are fitted with alarm sensors or have cables or pipes close by.
  4. Brief both operatives on the method, the exclusion zone, the stop-work rules (suspect asbestos, tower unsafe, high wind, member of the public in the zone) and the emergency arrangements. Sign the briefing sheet.
  5. Obtain highways permission before any equipment, barrier or the tower stands on the footway. Set up barriers, cones and signs to keep pedestrians clear, with a safe walking route past the work.
  6. Erect the scaffold or mobile access tower. Scaffold is erected by a competent scaffolder and handed over with an inspection record. Tower is built by PASMA-trained operatives to the manufacturer's instructions on firm, level ground, with outriggers or stabilisers, locked brakes, full guardrails, toe boards and a fully boarded platform, and its handover record completed.
  7. Mark and barrier an exclusion zone beneath the work area at ground level so nobody can walk under the platform. Keep the front door route clear and separate from the zone.
  8. Protect the inside of the house. Lay dust sheets and floor protection, move furniture and valuables at least 1 m clear, close doors to rooms not being worked in, and ask occupants to stay out of the room being worked in.
  9. Check the reveals and surrounds for cables, pipes and alarm wiring before cutting or drilling. If any are found or suspected, stop and isolate or relocate before carrying on.
  10. Start with the ground-floor windows. Remove only one window at a time. Release and take out the sashes or glazed units using glass suckers, with two people on any large unit. Cut through sealant and fixings with hand tools or the oscillating multi-tool, using extraction where fitted, and remove the old frame.
  11. If anything suspected of containing asbestos is found (for example boarding, textured coating, window board or board behind the cills), stop work, keep people away, and report it to S. Whitfield and the client before work carries on.
  12. Prepare the opening. Check it is sound, clean, and the right size, and make good where needed without creating dust, using a vacuum and hand tools.
  13. Position the new frame with packers, check level and plumb, then fix through the frame. Where fixings go into brick, block, render or concrete, drill with an on-tool extracted drill (M-class or H-class vacuum attached) and wear FFP3 RPE.
  14. Fit the glazed units with the glass suckers, keeping the suckers checked and tested before each lift. Close and check the window opens, locks and closes properly.
  15. Seal around the frame with low-modulus silicone, and expanding foam where required, following the product Safety Data Sheet. Fit trims. Do not leave an opening unglazed or unsecured at the end of the shift.
  16. Move to the first-floor windows. Take frames and glazed units up the internal stairs rather than carrying them up the tower ladder, where the stair route allows. Remove and refit the window from inside, using the tower from outside for the external sealing, trims and finishing. Only one first-floor opening is open at a time, and nobody leans out beyond the guardrails.
  17. Where a first-floor opening has to be left open or temporarily closed, fit a secure barrier or boarding across the inside and keep the room closed off from the occupants until the new window is in.
  18. Keep tools tethered or on the platform with toe boards in place. Do not store loose items on the platform edge. Stop work on the tower in high winds or heavy rain and lower the platform of anything loose.
  19. Clean up as the work progresses. Vacuum with an M-class or H-class vacuum. Do not dry sweep or use compressed air. Bag waste, take old windows and glass to the van, and keep cans of foam and sealant in the van when not in use.
  20. At the end of each day check every opening is secure, the exclusion zone is closed off and the tower or scaffold is left safe (castors locked, ladder access blocked off or removed so it cannot be climbed by others).
  21. On completion, dismantle the tower using trained operatives, inspect the finished windows with Mr and Mrs Harding, remove all waste and protection, issue the FENSA certificate and guarantee information, and hand back the site.

3. Risk assessment

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

  1. Fall from height from the scaffold or mobile access tower while working on the first-floor windows externally

    Medium
    Who / how
    The 2 operatives, who could suffer serious head, spinal or fatal injuries from a fall
    Existing controls
    Experienced, PASMA-trained fitters. Tower or scaffold used for first-floor external access.
    L×S
    3×5=15
    Additional controls
    Scaffold built by a competent scaffolder and handed over with an inspection record, or tower built to the manufacturer's instructions by PASMA-trained operatives and inspected before first use and after anything that could affect it. Full guardrails, toe boards and fully boarded platform. Internal ladder access only. No overreaching, no leaning out beyond the guardrail, no standing on guardrails or buckets. Work at height only when planned and supervised under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Stop work if guardrails are removed or the tower is damaged. PPE (safety footwear with grip to BS EN ISO 20345) is the last line of defence.

  2. Instability or overturning of the mobile access tower or scaffold (soft or sloping ground, castors not locked, no outriggers, wind loading, tower moved with people on it)

    Medium
    Who / how
    The operatives on the platform and anyone below or near the tower, including the occupants and passers-by
    Existing controls
    PASMA-trained operatives who know the tower's height-to-base ratio rules
    L×S
    3×5=15
    Additional controls
    Check ground is firm and level before erecting and use base plates or spreaders where needed. Fit outriggers or stabilisers as required by the manufacturer and lock all castors. Tie the tower or scaffold in where the manufacturer or scaffolder specifies. Never move the tower with anyone or anything on it. Stop using the tower in high winds and take loose items down. Keep the tower clear of overhead cables and vehicles. Follow the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Handover and daily inspection record completed.

  3. Tools, fixings, glass or old window parts falling from the tower or from the openings onto people below

    Low
    Who / how
    Occupants, neighbours, passers-by and the operatives working at ground level, who could suffer head injuries or cuts
    Existing controls
    Operatives are experienced and keep tools close to hand
    L×S
    3×4=12
    Additional controls
    Barrier off an exclusion zone beneath the work and keep the footway and front path clear of anyone not working on the job. Toe boards in place and tools kept in a bag or tray on the platform, not on the guardrails. Tether tools used at the platform edge. Nothing thrown or dropped down, and materials lowered by hand or by a rope and bag. Keep the zone closed until debris is cleared. Safety helmets are worn only where there is a risk of overhead objects, as a last line of defence.

  4. Fall from an open first-floor window opening inside the house after the old window is removed and before the new one is secured

    Medium
    Who / how
    Mr and Mrs Harding, any children and visitors, and the operatives
    Existing controls
    Windows are replaced one at a time.
    L×S
    3×5=15
    Additional controls
    Only one first-floor opening open at a time and the new window fitted in the same session. If an opening must be left, fit a secure barrier or boarding across it from inside and keep the room closed off. Occupants and children kept out of the room during the work. Agree at the pre-start walk which rooms are out of use. Edge protection to the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Check every opening is closed and secure at the end of each day.

  5. Occupied house: Mr and Mrs Harding, any children, pets and visitors are in the house while work is going on, with risks from dust, glass, tools, open apertures, noise and cold or security issues

    Low
    Who / how
    The occupants, children, pets, visitors and delivery drivers, who could be cut, struck, exposed to dust or fall
    Existing controls
    Clients are on site by agreement and the front door route is for access.
    L×S
    3×3=9
    Additional controls
    Pre-start walk to agree work areas, rooms to be kept closed and a keep-out rule for the room being worked in. Agree where children and pets are kept during the work. Close doors to rooms not in use and use floor and dust protection. Keep tools, glass, foam and sealant out of reach and locked in the van when not in use. Keep the front door route and stairs clear and tidy. Check each opening is secure, and the house locked or occupants informed, at the end of every day. Operatives introduce themselves and report any concerns to S. Whitfield.

  6. Public and other trades nearby: pedestrians on the footway, neighbours, vehicles loading and unloading, and any other trades or deliveries at the house

    Medium
    Who / how
    Members of the public, including children and wheelchair or pushchair users, neighbours and other visiting trades, who could be struck by falling items or vehicles, or trip over equipment
    Existing controls
    Highways permission is to be obtained if the footway is affected.
    L×S
    3×4=12
    Additional controls
    Get highways permission before anything is on the footway and keep a safe pedestrian route past the work. Barrier or cone off the tower base and the working zone with signs. Load and unload from the kerb with a banksman or the second operative watching, and do not leave materials on the footway. Tell neighbours about the work days. Agree with the clients who else may be at the house, and ask other trades to stay clear of the zone. Hi-vis clothing is worn when working near the road.

  7. Manual handling of frames and sealed glazed units, which can be heavy, awkward and have sharp edges, including carrying up stairs and moving in and out of openings

    Medium
    Who / how
    The 2 operatives, with risk of back, shoulder and hand injuries, and the occupants if a unit is dropped
    Existing controls
    Operatives are manual handling trained and work as a pair
    L×S
    4×3=12
    Additional controls
    Confirm the largest unit weights and the stair route at the pre-start walk. Use glass suckers and a sack truck or trolley for moving units. Two people on any large unit, with the route cleared first. Break larger frames down by removing glazing before moving where the design allows. Do not carry units up the tower ladder. Limit repeated lifting and rotate tasks. Follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Gloves and safety footwear are backup.

  8. Broken glass and sharp edges from old and new glazed units, frames and cut sealant

    Medium
    Who / how
    The operatives and occupants, who could suffer deep cuts or eye injuries
    Existing controls
    Operatives are experienced in handling glass
    L×S
    3×4=12
    Additional controls
    Keep the route and work area clear and carry glass vertically with suckers, tested before each lift. Store glass upright on padded A-frames or racks in the van, and away from the occupied part of the house. Wrap and label broken glass for disposal and clear it with a vacuum or brush at once. Keep the occupants out of the room during removal. Cut-resistant gloves to BS EN 388 and safety glasses to BS EN 166 are the last line of defence.

  9. Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust from drilling fixings into brick, block, render or concrete reveals and from cutting out old frames set in mortar or plaster

    Medium
    Who / how
    The 2 operatives, and the occupants and anyone nearby breathing the dust, with a risk of serious lung disease over time
    Existing controls
    Cordless drill/driver used for fixings, with cutting kept to a minimum
    L×S
    3×4=12
    Additional controls
    Plan the work to reduce cutting and drilling, for example reusing fixing positions and using existing holes where suitable. Fit on-tool extraction with an M-class or H-class vacuum to every drill and cutting tool used on masonry, mortar, render or plaster. Keep others out of the room and close doors while drilling. Clean up with an M-class or H-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air. Then wear RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven. Controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 and HSE Construction Information Sheet CIS36 Construction dust. The RCS workplace exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA) in HSE EH40/2005.

  10. Disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials (for example boarding, textured coatings, window boards, packing or cement products around the openings) when removing the existing windows or drilling into the building fabric, in a house where the age has not been confirmed

    Medium
    Who / how
    The operatives, the occupants and anyone nearby, from breathing in fibres that could cause serious long-term lung disease
    Existing controls
    Operatives are experienced and know to be cautious around old building fabric.
    L×S
    2×5=10
    Additional controls
    Before work starts, check the client's asbestos register or management survey for the window openings. If the register does not cover them, or the house is pre-2000 or its age is not stated, a refurbishment survey of those areas is needed before any intrusive work (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5). Written as a check to be made, not a finding. Stop-work rule: if any suspect material is found, stop, keep people away, close off the room and report it to S. Whitfield and the client before work carries on. Do not sweep, vacuum or break up the material.

  11. Noise and hand-arm vibration from the oscillating multi-tool, drill/driver and cutting of old frames

    Low
    Who / how
    The operatives, with a risk of hearing damage and hand-arm vibration syndrome, and the occupants disturbed by noise
    Existing controls
    Cordless tools used for short tasks
    L×S
    3×3=9
    Additional controls
    Choose the quieter or lower-vibration method where possible, for example cutting the sealant and fixings by hand before using the multi-tool. Keep blades and bits sharp and tools well maintained. Limit trigger time and share the cutting between the two operatives. Warn the occupants before noisy work and agree times. Follow the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Hearing protection to BS EN 352 is used where needed as a last line of defence.

  12. Skin, eye and breathing hazards from expanding foam, low-modulus silicone and cleaning products

    Low
    Who / how
    The operatives and occupants, with risk of skin irritation or sensitisation, eye splashes and fume irritation, especially in closed rooms
    Existing controls
    Products used in small quantities by trained fitters
    L×S
    3×3=9
    Additional controls
    Check the product Safety Data Sheets before use and follow them. Use the smallest quantity needed and keep the room ventilated by opening other windows and doors. Keep foam cans and sealant out of reach of the occupants and out of the house when not in use. Keep the occupants out of the room during application and curing. Wash hands before eating and after use, and clean up spills at once. Controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. Gloves and eye protection to the Safety Data Sheet are the last line of defence.

  13. Hidden cables, pipes and alarm sensors in the window reveals, and electric shock from charging cordless tool batteries or using mains equipment

    Medium
    Who / how
    The operatives and occupants, from electric shock, burns, fire or flooding
    Existing controls
    Cordless tools mainly used. Operatives are experienced.
    L×S
    2×5=10
    Additional controls
    Check the reveals and surrounds for cables and pipes before drilling or cutting. Ask the occupants about alarm wiring, and isolate or relocate services if found. Use cordless tools where possible and keep any mains leads short and off the floor. Use an RCD with any mains supply. Charge batteries away from combustible materials and not left charging unattended or overnight in the house. Know where the mains isolator and stopcock are. Follow the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Any damaged service is reported and the work stops.

  14. Slips, trips and falls on the same level from dust sheets, trailing leads, old frames, packaging, wet ground and stored materials

    Low
    Who / how
    The operatives, occupants including children and older people, and visitors, who could suffer sprains, fractures or head injuries
    Existing controls
    Operatives work tidily and keep waste bagged
    L×S
    3×2=6
    Additional controls
    Keep the route from the front door to the work areas clear. Secure dust sheets so they do not slip or curl, and use grippy floor protection on stairs. Remove old frames and waste to the van as each window is finished rather than stacking them. Keep leads and hoses off walkways. Clean up debris and glass as the work goes. Safety footwear with a good sole to BS EN ISO 20345 is a backup.

  15. Weather: wind catching large glazed units and the tower, rain, or hot sun and dehydration during June working

    Low
    Who / how
    The operatives and anyone nearby, from being struck or knocked off balance by a unit, slips or heat illness, and the house from water getting in
    Existing controls
    Operatives check the forecast and the work is planned in short stages
    L×S
    3×3=9
    Additional controls
    Check the forecast the day before and before each shift. Do not move large glazed units outdoors in gusty wind and stop tower work in high winds. Stage the work so no opening is left open ahead of rain, and keep sheeting or boards to hand. Take regular breaks, drinking water and shade in hot weather. Sunscreen and suitable clothing are the last line of defence.

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.

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust from drilling or cutting into brick, block, render, mortar or concrete reveals

Task or use
Drilling fixings through window frames into masonry reveals, and cutting out old frames set in mortar, render or plaster
Route of exposure
Inhalation of fine dust. Some eye contact with dust.
Who could be harmed
The 2 operatives and anyone nearby, including the occupants, who could develop serious lung disease such as silicosis, lung cancer or COPD after long-term exposure
Hazards
Fine dust from masonry materials can cause serious and irreversible lung disease after repeated or prolonged exposure. Dust may also irritate the eyes and nose. The details depend on the material, so check the product information and HSE guidance.
Controls
  1. Eliminate or reduce the dust: plan the work to cut and drill as little as possible, and reuse existing fixing holes where suitable.
  2. Engineering: on-tool extraction using an M-class or H-class vacuum on every drill and cutting tool used on masonry, mortar, render or plaster, or water suppression.
  3. Keep the room closed and the occupants and others away while drilling or cutting, and limit the number of people in the room.
  4. Clean up with an M-class or H-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air, and bag the waste.
  5. Limit the time and amount of drilling per person and rotate tasks where possible.
PPE
  • Disposable FFP3 respirator or equivalent with an assigned protection factor of at least 20, face-fit tested, worn clean shaven and changed as needed
  • Safety glasses to BS EN 166
  • Disposable or washable overalls, washed or bagged after use and not shaken out inside the house
Storage and disposal
Collect dust in the M-class or H-class vacuum and empty it into a sealed bag outside the house, taking it away with the site waste. Do not leave dust sheets with dust on them to be shaken out. Disposal is by the contractor under their waste duty of care.
First aid and spillage
If dust gets in the eyes, rinse with clean water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists. If someone has a cough or breathing problems, move them to fresh air and get medical advice. For settled dust, clean up with an M-class or H-class vacuum or damp wipe, never dry sweeping.
Health surveillance
None is expected for this short, low-level task with extraction and RPE. If an operative regularly does this type of work for the company, the supervisor reviews whether respiratory health surveillance is needed under COSHH.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet
Confirm the dust-control method and the RPE selection against HSE guidance (Construction Information Sheet CIS36 Construction dust) and take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005. Confirm the vacuum class and the extraction attachments on each tool before work starts. 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).

Expanding foam

Task or use
Filling the gap between the new frames and the reveals after fitting
Route of exposure
Skin contact, eye contact and inhalation of vapour or overspray. Ingestion by hand-to-mouth contact.
Who could be harmed
The operatives, and occupants if the room is closed and poorly ventilated, who could suffer skin or eye irritation or breathing problems
Hazards
The hazards depend on the product, so check section 2 of the supplier's Safety Data Sheet. Foam of this kind can irritate the skin, eyes and airways and may cause sensitisation, with uncured foam being the main risk. Pressurised cans can burst if heated. Do not assume the hazards without checking the Safety Data Sheet.
Controls
  1. Substitute where possible: use a low-emission or isocyanate-free foam, or a pre-compressed seal tape or mechanical packing, if it suits the fixing and the Safety Data Sheet allows.
  2. Ventilate the room by opening other windows and doors, and keep the occupants out of the room while foam is applied and curing.
  3. Use the smallest amount needed and apply with a controlled gun or nozzle, not overfilling the gap.
  4. Keep cans out of heat and sunlight and away from people, children and pets. Keep them locked in the van when not in use.
  5. Wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking and clean up uncured foam at once, following the product instructions.
PPE
  • Chemical-resistant gloves to the specification in the Safety Data Sheet
  • Safety glasses or goggles to BS EN 166
  • Disposable overalls or long sleeves
  • RPE only if the Safety Data Sheet requires it
Storage and disposal
Store cans upright in the van, away from heat, sun and ignition sources and away from the occupied house. Used and part-used cans and cured offcuts are taken away with the site waste and disposed of in line with the Safety Data Sheet and local waste rules.
First aid and spillage
Skin: wipe off uncured foam and wash with soap and water, and do not use solvents on the skin. Eyes: rinse with clean water for at least 10 minutes and get medical advice. If breathing is affected, move to fresh air and seek medical advice. Spillage: allow to cure, then remove mechanically and bag. Keep people away from uncured foam.
Health surveillance
None is expected for occasional use over 2 days. Review if the product is isocyanate-based and used regularly, as skin and respiratory surveillance could then be needed.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet
Before starting, read section 2 (hazards), section 8 (exposure controls and PPE) and section 13 (disposal) of the supplier's Safety Data Sheet for the actual product. Take hazard statements and the PPE specification from the Safety Data Sheet, and 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).

Low-modulus silicone

Task or use
Sealing the joint between the new frames and the surrounding wall, internally and externally
Route of exposure
Skin contact, eye contact and inhalation of vapour while curing. Ingestion by hand-to-mouth contact.
Who could be harmed
The operatives, and occupants in closed rooms, who could suffer skin or eye irritation or irritation from curing fumes
Hazards
The hazards depend on the product and its cure type, so check section 2 of the supplier's Safety Data Sheet. Silicone sealants can irritate skin, eyes and airways while curing, and some give off a smell during cure. Do not assume the hazards without checking.
Controls
  1. Substitute where possible: choose a low-odour, solvent-free or neutral-cure sealant if it is suitable for the joint and the Safety Data Sheet recommends it.
  2. Ventilate the room by opening windows and doors while applying and curing.
  3. Use only the quantity needed and keep the occupants and children out of the room during application.
  4. Keep cartridges out of reach and in the van when not in use.
  5. Wash hands before eating or drinking and avoid touching the face with sealant on the hands.
PPE
  • Disposable nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves to the specification in the Safety Data Sheet
  • Safety glasses to BS EN 166 when working overhead or in confined spots
  • RPE only if the Safety Data Sheet requires it
Storage and disposal
Store cartridges in the van, closed, in a cool, dry place away from the occupied house. Empty or cured cartridges and used rags go with the site waste. Liquid waste is not poured down drains.
First aid and spillage
Skin: wipe off and wash with soap and water. Eyes: rinse with clean water for at least 10 minutes and get medical advice. If fumes cause discomfort, move to fresh air. Spillage: wipe up with disposable rags, or allow small amounts to cure and remove, and bag the waste.
Health surveillance
None is expected for the amount and duration of use on this job.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet
Before starting, read sections 2, 8 and 13 of the supplier's Safety Data Sheet for the actual product. Take hazard statements and the PPE specification from the Safety Data Sheet, and 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).

Dust and debris from removing the existing windows (old frame material, old sealant and paint)

Task or use
Cutting through and removing the existing window frames, sashes, trims and sealant with hand tools and the oscillating multi-tool
Route of exposure
Inhalation of dust, eye contact and skin contact
Who could be harmed
The operatives and occupants, who could suffer eye, nose and throat irritation, and breathing problems from fine dust
Hazards
Cutting old frames and trims can produce fine dust that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Wood dust can cause breathing problems and some wood dusts are sensitisers. Old paint may contain lead in older houses, which depends on the building's age, so this must be confirmed before any sanding or cutting through painted surfaces. Check HSE guidance rather than assuming the content.
Controls
  1. Eliminate or reduce dust by cutting out frames in sections with hand tools and cutting sealant and fixings by hand first, rather than grinding or sanding.
  2. Use on-tool extraction or a vacuum held at the cutting point for the oscillating multi-tool wherever possible.
  3. Keep the room closed, protected with dust sheets, and the occupants out of the room.
  4. Clean up with an M-class or H-class vacuum, not dry sweeping or compressed air.
  5. If the house is pre-2000 or its age is not confirmed, treat painted surfaces as possibly containing lead until the client or the age of the building is known, and avoid dry sanding or burning off.
PPE
  • FFP3 or the RPE specified for the dust, face-fit tested and worn clean shaven, as a last line of defence
  • Safety glasses to BS EN 166
  • Gloves and overalls, washed or bagged after use
Storage and disposal
Collect dust and debris in the vacuum and bag it. Old frames, glass and sealant are taken to the van and disposed of as construction waste through a licensed waste carrier, keeping any painted or contaminated waste separate if lead is suspected.
First aid and spillage
Eyes: rinse with clean water for at least 10 minutes. If someone has a cough or breathing difficulty, move to fresh air and get medical advice. Clean up dust with an M-class or H-class vacuum or damp wipe, not dry sweeping.
Health surveillance
None is expected for 2 days of this work. Review if an operative regularly cuts hardwood or painted timber, as respiratory or skin checks could then be needed.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet
No Safety Data Sheet applies to the old frames, so confirm the building age and the lead question with the client at the pre-start walk, and take workplace exposure limits for wood dust and any other 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).

5. Plant & equipment

  • Mobile access tower (PASMA-trained operatives, built to manufacturer's instructions) or scaffold erected by a competent scaffolder
  • Cordless drill/driver with on-tool extraction attachment
  • M-class or H-class vacuum extractor
  • Oscillating multi-tool
  • Glass suckers (checked before each lift)
  • Sack truck or glazing trolley
  • Hand tools, levels, packers and fixings
  • Silicone gun and expanding foam applicator
  • Barriers, cones and warning signs
  • Dust sheets and floor protection
  • First aid kit and fire extinguisher in the van

6. Materials / COSHH

Materials in use: uPVC window frames and sealed glazed units, fixings, packers, low-modulus silicone, expanding foam and trims. Hazardous substances are silica dust from drilling or cutting masonry, expanding foam, low-modulus silicone, and dust from removing the old windows. The detail for each is in the COSHH assessments. Product Safety Data Sheets must be on site and read before use.

7. PPE

  • Safety footwear to BS EN ISO 20345 with good grip
  • Cut-resistant gloves to BS EN 388 for handling glass and frames
  • Chemical-resistant gloves to the Safety Data Sheet when using foam and silicone
  • Safety glasses to BS EN 166
  • FFP3 respirator, face-fit tested and worn clean shaven, when drilling or cutting masonry or old frames
  • Hearing protection to BS EN 352 when using the multi-tool or cutting
  • Hi-vis clothing when working near the road or footway
  • Safety helmet where there is a risk of falling objects or head strikes
  • Overalls or long sleeves, with sunscreen in hot weather
  • PPE is the last line of defence and does not replace the controls above.

8. Competence & training

Both operatives are experienced fitters, with PASMA training for the tower, manual handling training and FENSA installer status. S. Whitfield, Installation Supervisor, is the competent person and briefs both operatives before work starts and records it. Operatives are told to stop work and report to S. Whitfield if they are asked to do anything outside this method, including working near suspect asbestos. A supervisor-level check of the tower or scaffold handover record is made before first use. The scaffolder or tower competence evidence is available on site. Under CDM 2015 domestic client duties pass to the contractor where there is only one contractor.

9. Permits

  • Tower handover and inspection record, completed before first use and checked daily
  • Scaffold handover certificate where a scaffold is used
  • Highways permission if the footway is affected, obtained before any equipment is placed on it
  • No hot works, confined space or other permits expected. Check with the client at the pre-start walk.

10. Access & egress

Operatives enter and leave through the front door for internal work, with the route kept clear and protected. First-floor windows are reached externally using the ladder or stair access within the tower, or the scaffold access. The base of the tower or scaffold is barriered off, and a safe pedestrian route is kept on the footway. Materials are brought in by hand and trolley and carried up the internal stairs, not up the tower ladder. Keep the front door and stair route clear and tidy. The access route, ground conditions and footway position are to be confirmed at the pre-start walk.

11. Welfare

Welfare is by arrangement with Mr and Mrs Harding, who are asked to allow access to a toilet and handwashing. The operatives also use vehicle-based provisions for drinking water and facilities to wash hands. The arrangements are agreed at the pre-start walk. Hands are washed before eating, drinking or smoking, especially after using foam and silicone.

12. First aid

A stocked first aid kit and eyewash are kept in the van. S. Whitfield or a named operative is the first aider on site, to be confirmed at the briefing. Treat cuts promptly, rinse eyes with clean water for at least 10 minutes if splashed with foam, sealant or dust, and call 999 for serious injuries, falls from height, or breathing problems. Record all accidents and near misses and report them to S. Whitfield.

13. Emergency procedures

In an emergency, stop work and make the work area safe if it is safe to do so. Call 999 for fire, serious injury or a fall from height, and give the address, 16 Larchfield Road, Nottingham. Do not move a casualty unless they are in immediate danger. Make sure Mr and Mrs Harding, any children and pets are accounted for and out of the house if there is a fire, and meet at the front of the property away from the tower. If the tower or scaffold is damaged or unstable, evacuate it, keep people away and report it to S. Whitfield. If suspect asbestos is found, stop, leave the room, keep people out and report it before work continues. Isolate electricity or water at the mains if a cable or pipe is damaged, if safe to do so. Report all incidents to S. Whitfield, who reports RIDDOR-reportable events to HSE.

14. Environmental

Old windows, glass, frames, packaging and foam cans are taken away by the contractor in line with the waste duty of care and disposed of through a licensed waste carrier, with glass wrapped and kept separate. Dust is controlled with extraction and damp or vacuum cleaning to protect the house and the neighbours. Foam, silicone and cleaning products are not poured down drains, and spills are cleaned up straight away. Keep noise to sensible hours and tell the neighbours about the work. The site, front path and footway are left clean and tidy at the end of each day. Keep any damage to gardens and drives to a minimum, and protect plants and lawns beneath the tower.

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.

Window installation method statement: what it covers

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