It explains the working sequence
The method statement should show the order of work, from arrival, induction and setup through to installation, inspection, tidy-up, handover and permit close-out where needed.
Fabora resources
Method Statement Template for Steelwork, Welding and Site Installation
A method statement sets out how the work will be carried out, who is involved, what equipment and controls are needed, and how the job will be reviewed before issue. For steel fabrication, site welding, steel erection, mezzanine work, stairs, platforms, handrails and installation jobs, the method needs to be practical enough for supervisors and operatives to use on the real job.
Short answer
A method statement template can help structure the working sequence, but it still needs to be edited around the real job, site, equipment, people and controls before it is issued.
- Method statements explain the working sequence, not just the hazards.
- Risk assessments identify hazards and controls, while method statements explain how the task will be done.
- Steelwork method statements often need detail around hot works, lifting, access, COSHH, equipment and site rules.
- Fabora RAMS can help with reusable method steps and job-specific editing, but final review remains with the business.
General guidance only. This page is not legal advice and does not replace competent job-specific review, site rules, client requirements or business approval.
Practical summary
What to take from this page
A method statement template can help structure the working sequence, but it still needs to be edited around the real job, site, equipment, people and controls before it is issued.
General guidance only. This page is not legal advice and does not replace competent job-specific review, site rules, client requirements or business approval. For official detail, use the source links later on this page.
Plain English answer
What is a method statement?
A method statement explains how a job will be carried out. It turns the planned work into a clear sequence so the people reviewing, supervising and doing the job can understand the approach before work starts.
It connects controls to the task
The document should communicate the controls, people, equipment, PPE, emergency arrangements and stop points that apply to the actual work area.
It should be usable on the ground
For steelwork teams, a method statement should be practical enough for supervisors, fabricators, welders, erectors and installers to follow without digging through generic filler.
It still needs job-specific editing
A copied method statement template is not finished until it matches the real site, drawings, equipment, work area, client rules, sequence and controls.
RAMS basics
Method statement vs risk assessment
Risk assessments and method statements are closely linked, but they answer different questions. A useful RAMS pack needs both sides to line up. If welding is part of the job, the related welding risk assessment template linked later on this page can help structure the hazard and control side. The toolbox talk topics guide is useful when those method, sequence and control points need to be briefed to the team.
Risk assessment
The risk assessment identifies hazards, who could be harmed, what controls are needed, and whether the remaining risk is acceptable for the planned work.
Method statement
The method statement explains the order and way the work will be done, including preparation, people, plant, equipment, access, hold points and handover.
RAMS bring both together
RAMS usually combine the risk assessment and method statement so the hazards, controls and working sequence can be reviewed as one practical job pack.
Steelwork detail has to align
For steelwork, the two parts need to line up around hot works, lifting, access, equipment, COSHH, welding fumes, site interfaces and emergency arrangements.
Legal requirement
Is a method statement a legal requirement?
Method statements are commonly requested on construction and client-controlled sites, but the document should not be treated as automatic legal approval.
Often requested by clients
Principal contractors, site managers and clients often ask for method statements or RAMS before steelwork, welding, lifting, installation or maintenance work starts.
The need depends on the work
Whether specific documentation is required depends on the work, the risks, the duty holders involved, the site arrangements and any client or principal contractor requirements.
Not every job needs the same document
A short low-risk workshop task and a steel erection job on a live construction site should not be treated as if the same generic document will suit both.
Planning aid, not automatic approval
A method statement can help show planning, communication and monitoring, but it does not automatically make the work compliant or remove the need for competent review.
Template checklist
What should a method statement include?
A good method statement template gives the writer a structure to work from, then leaves enough room to edit the content around the live job.
Project and business details
Include company details, project name, site address, work area, scope of work, responsible people, supervision, review date, approval date and revision details.
People, tools and equipment
Show who is involved, what competence or supervision applies, and which tools, plant, lifting equipment, access equipment and workshop or site equipment will be used.
Materials, consumables and PPE
List relevant materials, welding consumables, fixings, gases, COSHH items, welding fume controls, PPE, RPE where needed and storage or handling points.
Access, lifting and manual handling
Cover access routes, working at height, MEWPs, scaffolds, podiums, ladders, lifting arrangements, manual handling, deliveries, unloading and exclusion zones.
Hot works and site controls
For welding, cutting or grinding, include hot works permits, fire controls, fire watch, screens, ventilation, isolation, nearby trades and end-of-work checks.
Step-by-step method and emergency details
Set out the working sequence, hold points, inspection points, emergency arrangements, first aid, fire response, site contacts, handover and close-out actions.
Example structure
Method statement example structure for steelwork
This is an example method statement structure for steelwork, welding and site installation. It is not a finished method statement for every job.
01. Arrive, sign in and complete induction
Confirm site access, parking, welfare, emergency arrangements, local rules and who the team reports to before entering the work area.
02. Confirm drawings, scope and work area
Check the latest drawings, revisions, workface, exclusions, hold points, dimensions, site constraints and any changes since the RAMS were prepared.
03. Review RAMS, permits and site rules
Brief the RAMS, confirm permits, hot works controls, lifting arrangements, access requirements, isolation needs and any client or principal contractor instructions.
04. Move materials, tools and equipment to the work area
Use agreed access routes, lifting or handling methods, storage points, traffic routes and exclusion zones so materials and equipment do not create new risks.
05. Inspect equipment and PPE
Check tools, welding equipment, leads, gas cylinders, access equipment, lifting accessories, guards, PPE and RPE before work starts.
06. Set up access, exclusion zone and fire controls
Put access equipment, edge protection, barriers, signs, screens, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, ventilation and fire-watch arrangements in place where required.
07. Complete fabrication, welding, lifting or installation work
Carry out the work to the agreed sequence, using the controls, supervision, communication, stop points and inspection checks set out for the task.
08. Inspect and check completed work
Review fixings, welds, alignment, stability, guarding, temporary works assumptions, snags and any client inspection or sign-off points.
09. Clear waste, remove equipment and make the area safe
Remove waste, offcuts, cables, gas cylinders, packaging, tools and barriers when safe to do so, leaving the area tidy and controlled.
10. Handover, close permits and record follow-up actions
Close hot works or access permits, record snags, outstanding controls, changes, photos, sign-offs or follow-up actions before the team leaves.
Trade detail
Steelwork, welding and site installation considerations
A construction method statement template becomes useful when it is edited around the trade detail. These are common areas where steelwork teams often need more than generic wording.
Site welding and hot works
Cover permits, fire watch, extinguishers, screens, nearby combustible materials, gas cylinder controls, fume control, RPE where needed and end-of-work fire checks.
Steel erection and lifting
Include lift planning links, lifting equipment, accessories, exclusion zones, temporary stability, bolt-up sequence, weather limits, banksman or slinger roles and communication.
Workshop fabrication
Detail cutting, drilling, grinding, welding, machinery use, extraction, material handling, PUWER checks, housekeeping and how workshop tasks move from bay to dispatch.
Mezzanines, stairs, platforms and handrails
Installation method statements should cover access, fixing method, drilling, lifting or handling, temporary support, edge protection, alignment checks and public or client interfaces.
COSHH and welding consumables
Check welding fumes, gases, rods, wires, sprays, primers, cleaners, coatings, SDS details, storage, ventilation, PPE and how COSHH information feeds into the RAMS.
Working at height and access
Show the access method, inspection requirements, ground conditions, rescue or emergency considerations, dropped-object controls and when work should stop.
Deliveries and unloading
Include delivery timing, traffic routes, unloading equipment, banksman arrangements, load stability, storage areas, manual handling and interface with site vehicles or pedestrians.
Other trades and live site interfaces
Method wording should reflect other trades, live client operations, public areas, restricted access, services, isolations, permits, noise, dust, fumes and shared emergency routes.
Fabora RAMS
How Fabora RAMS helps with method statements
Fabora RAMS is built to help steelwork teams prepare editable RAMS and method statement content faster while keeping the final review with the business.
Saved job and company details
Reuse company details, customers, sites, contacts, operatives and repeat project information so method statement drafting does not start from an old copied file.
Reusable method steps and libraries
Build from reusable method steps, hazards, controls, PPE, COSHH and equipment libraries, then edit the content around the real job before issue.
Output and sharing
Export the reviewed RAMS as a PDF, share a link with the people who need it, and keep clearer revision history as the job changes.
Review responsibility stays clear
Fabora RAMS helps with structure, speed and consistency. Final suitability, approval, site acceptance and implementation still remain with your business.
Copied templates
Common mistakes with copied method statements
A copied method statement can look complete while still being wrong for the job. These are the checks that often catch weak method statement templates before they cause confusion.
Old site names, dates and contacts
Copied documents often carry the wrong client, site address, start date, supervisor, emergency contact, permit route or drawing revision into the next job.
Generic steps that do not match the work
If the method steps do not follow the actual fabrication, welding, lifting, installation, inspection and handover sequence, the document is too generic.
Missing hot works controls
Site welding, cutting and grinding need clear fire controls, permit checks, screens, gas management, fume controls, fire watch and end-of-work checks where relevant.
Missing lifting and access detail
Steelwork method statements often fall down when they skip how loads will be moved, how access is provided, who controls the work area and what stops the task.
Old COSHH items or wrong equipment
Consumables, gases, coatings, tools, access equipment, lifting accessories and workshop machinery should match the actual job rather than the last similar project.
No clear review or approval route
The document should show who prepared it, who reviewed it, what version is current and how changes are communicated before work starts.
Too much filler text
Long generic paragraphs can hide the useful sequence. A practical method statement should make the live method, controls and responsibilities easy to find.
Official guidance
Relevant official sources
These links point to the underlying official material. This page is a practical summary, not a replacement for those sources, competent review, or legal advice.
HSE: Method statements and administration
Useful HSE context on how method statements support planning, communication and monitoring of construction work.
HSE: Planning for construction work
Useful where method statements need to sit inside wider construction planning and coordination.
FAQ
Common questions
Short answers on practical use, review expectations, and where this guidance stops.
Important note
Final review, suitability, and approval still remain with the customer's business and the people responsible for the job.
What is a method statement?
A method statement is a document that explains how a job will be carried out. It should describe the work sequence, people, equipment, controls, emergency arrangements and review details for the actual task.
How do you write a method statement?
Start with the scope of work, site details and people involved, then write the work sequence in the order it will happen. Add the equipment, PPE, access, lifting, hot works, COSHH, emergency and review details that apply to the real job.
What should a method statement include?
A method statement should usually include company and project details, site address, work area, scope, supervision, tools, plant, materials, PPE, COSHH items, access, lifting, hot works, method steps, emergency arrangements, review and revision details.
What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?
A risk assessment identifies hazards, who could be harmed and the control measures. A method statement explains the order and way the work will be carried out. RAMS usually bring both together.
Is a method statement a legal requirement?
Method statements are commonly requested by clients, principal contractors and site managers, especially on construction sites. Whether specific documentation is required depends on the work, risks, duties and site arrangements. A method statement is not automatic legal approval.
Is a RAMS the same as a method statement?
No. RAMS normally means risk assessment and method statement. The risk assessment identifies hazards and controls, while the method statement explains how the task will be done.
Can I use the same method statement for every job?
You can reuse a company template or common method steps, but each job still needs review and editing. Site rules, access, lifting, welding controls, people, equipment and emergency arrangements can all change.
What should a site welding method statement include?
A site welding method statement should usually cover the work area, permits, hot works controls, fire watch, welding fume controls, gas cylinders, electrical setup, PPE, RPE where needed, screens, nearby trades, emergency arrangements and shutdown checks.
How does Fabora RAMS help with method statements?
Fabora RAMS helps steelwork teams prepare editable RAMS and method statement content faster using saved company details, reusable method steps, hazards, PPE, COSHH and equipment libraries, PDF export, share links and revision history. Final review and approval still stay with the business.
Related reading
Continue from here
These links keep the topic moving, either into related guidance or into the Fabora RAMS product pages.
Fabora RAMS
See how Fabora RAMS supports editable RAMS and method statement drafting for steelwork teams.
RAMS Checklist Generator
Useful after drafting method content if you want to check RAMS scope, hazards, PPE, COSHH, permits and approval points before issue.
Pricing
See the Fabora RAMS plans if you want a faster route for regular RAMS and method statement drafting.
RAMS Template UK
Use the broader RAMS template guide alongside this method statement guide.
Welding Risk Assessment Template
Useful if you need the risk assessment side to sit alongside a welding or steelwork method statement.
Toolbox Talk Topics for Welding and Steelwork
Useful if you want short briefing topics that help communicate the method, sequence and controls to the team.
RAMS guide for steel fabricators and site welders
Useful if you want the wider risk assessment and method statement picture for steelwork teams.
Steel fabrication RAMS guide
Useful where method statement steps need to cover workshop fabrication and site delivery.
Site welding RAMS guide
Useful for method statements involving site welding, hot works, fume control and fire precautions.
Steel erection RAMS guide
Useful where the method statement needs to cover lifting, temporary stability, access and erection sequence.
Workshop RAMS vs site RAMS
Useful if you need to separate fixed workshop methods from site-specific installation methods.
Hot works permits and site welding controls
Useful where the method statement needs strong hot works and fire-control detail.
COSHH and welding consumables
Useful where welding fumes, gases, sprays, cleaners or consumables need to feed into the method statement.
LOLER and lifting operations for steelwork businesses
Useful where lifting operations, slings, chains, hoists, cranes or lifting accessories affect the method.
PUWER checks and workshop machinery controls
Useful where workshop machinery, guarding, emergency stops or isolation need to sit inside the method.