Method Statement: Site Clearance and Grubbing Works – Method Statement

Work Summary

This method statement covers pre-earthworks site clearance and grubbing for , including:

• Desktop review and field verification of underground utilities.
• Establishment of protection zones, exclusion areas, and temporary access/traffic management.
• Vegetation cutting, tree/shrub removal (where permitted), grubbing of roots and stump extraction.
• Demolition and removal of minor abandoned surface/subsurface structures (e.g., small slabs, shallow footings, fences, culverts) as directed.
• Identification, segregation, and removal of unsuitable or deleterious materials (e.g., organic layers, peat pockets, rubbish, soft spots) to disposal or treatment.
• Topsoil stripping, handling, stockpiling for reuse, or off-site disposal.
• Environmental protections (dust, noise, erosion/sediment, spill prevention) and waste management.
• Proof-rolling and acceptance of cleared formation where required prior to earthworks.
• As-built survey, measurement records, and formal handover to earthworks.

Exclusions

• Bulk earthworks and engineered fill placement beyond local backfilling of stumps/voids.
• Asbestos or hazardous waste abatement (handled under a separate licensed procedure if encountered).
• Works beyond the boundary or outside approved permits.

Constraints and Interfaces

• Live underground/overhead utilities and servitudes.
• Ecological constraints (protected flora/fauna, nesting seasons) and tree preservation.
• Neighbouring properties, public roads, watercourses, and drainage infrastructure.
• Sequencing with demolition, survey, ecological supervision, and subsequent earthworks.

Key Tolerances and Benchmarks [Verify per project specifications]

• Topsoil stripping depth: typically 150–300 mm based on horizon; tolerance ±20 mm where GPS/laser guided.
• Root/stump removal: remove woody material >25 mm diameter to min 500 mm below final formation or as specified.
• Stockpiles: max height 3 m, side slopes ≤1V:2H; separation from watercourses ≥10 m; seed/mulch within 48 hours.
• Proof-rolling: no pumping; rutting ≤25 mm under specified roller/truck; soft spots treated.
• Backfill to local voids: compact to ≥95% MDD (Standard Proctor) in ≤200 mm loose lifts where required.

Approvals and Documentation

• Approved Method Statement, Risk Assessment, and ITP.
• Permits to clear/vegetation removal permits; tree removal/pruning approvals.
• Utility clearances/NOCs; updated utility drawings and survey results (PAS 128/ASCE 38-22 compliant where applicable).
• Environmental permits for erosion/sediment controls and water use/discharge [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations].
• Traffic Management Plan for site access and haul routes.
• Waste Management Plan and agreements with licensed carriers/disposal facilities.
• Archaeology/chance finds and UXO clearance confirmation where applicable.

Site Readiness

• Stakeout of clearing limits and protected zones; signage installed.
• Handover of ecological constraints map; pre-clearance walkover by Environmental Officer/Arborist.
• Weather forecast reviewed; high-wind dust plan in place.
• Calibration certificates for survey and monitoring equipment.
• Pre-start briefings and toolbox talks specific to utility strikes, plant-people interface, and vegetation cutting.
• Emergency response plan, spill kits, first aid, and communications verified serviceable.

Key Hazards and Controls

1) Hazard: Underground utility strike (electric, gas, fiber, water)
- Likely consequence: Electrocution, explosion, service outage, flooding.
- Engineering/procedural control: PAS 128/ASCE 38 utility survey; potholing to QL-A; no mechanical excavation within 0.5–1.0 m of live services; use insulated tools, vacuum excavation; lock-out/tag-out where authorized.
- Required PPE: Dielectric gloves when appropriate, safety boots, eye/face protection, arc-rated clothing when required.
- Collective measure: Physical barriers and signage around services; dedicated banksman; plant slew limiters.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Permit to Dig; utility owner liaison; UC present during crossings; [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations].

2) Hazard: Plant–people interface and reversing vehicles
- Likely consequence: Struck-by, runover, crush injuries.
- Engineering/procedural control: Segregated routes; one-way systems; spotters/banksmen; proximity alarms and reversing cameras; exclusion zones ≥5 m around operating plant.
- Required PPE: High-visibility clothing, hard hat, safety boots, gloves.
- Collective measure: Barriers, traffic marshals, speed limits ≤15 km/h on site.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Daily plant checks; traffic management inspections; competency verification.

3) Hazard: Chainsaw/brushcutter operations
- Likely consequence: Lacerations, kickback injuries, flying debris.
- Engineering/procedural control: Certified operators; pre-use checks; two-person rule; cut below shoulder height; maintain 10 m exclusion.
- Required PPE: Chainsaw helmet with visor, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves and trousers, steel-toe boots.
- Collective measure: Marked exclusion zones; tool lock-out when unattended.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Equipment inspection log; supervisor oversight.

4) Hazard: Stump extraction and suspended loads
- Likely consequence: Pinch/crush, struck-by from snapping roots or swung loads.
- Engineering/procedural control: Rated lifting points; do not work under suspended loads; controlled pull angles; use rakes/rippers not buckets where feasible.
- Required PPE: Hard hat, safety boots, gloves, eye protection.
- Collective measure: Exclusion zone ≥1.5 times stump radius; banksman control.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Lift plan where applicable; operator certification.

5) Hazard: Demolition of minor structures
- Likely consequence: Falling debris, unanticipated collapse, dust, silica exposure.
- Engineering/procedural control: Survey for hazards; progressive demolition; water mist suppression; shoring if needed.
- Required PPE: Helmet, safety glasses/goggles, RPE (minimum FFP2/N95), gloves, boots.
- Collective measure: Debris screens; exclusion zones; spotter.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Demolition permit; supervisor present; hot works permit if cutting.

6) Hazard: Hazardous materials discovery (e.g., asbestos-containing material, hydrocarbon hotspots)
- Likely consequence: Respiratory disease, contamination spread.
- Engineering/procedural control: Stop-work; cordon off; sampling by licensed specialist; follow asbestos/hazmat plan.
- Required PPE: As per specialist plan (e.g., P3 respirator, disposable coveralls).
- Collective measure: Isolation barriers; decontamination procedures.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Hazardous material permit and licensed contractor engagement.

7) Hazard: Dust, noise, and vibration
- Likely consequence: Respiratory irritation, nuisance, hearing damage.
- Engineering/procedural control: Water trucks; speed control; fit mufflers; schedule high-noise tasks daytime; maintain equipment.
- Required PPE: RPE (FFP2/FFP3) when needed; hearing protection; eye protection.
- Collective measure: Boundary monitoring (PM10, noise); acoustic barriers where required.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Monitoring logs; trigger levels per CEMP [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations].

8) Hazard: Slips/trips, unstable ground, open excavations
- Likely consequence: Falls, sprains, engulfment.
- Engineering/procedural control: Maintain housekeeping; daylight work preferred; safe slopes or edge protection; backfill promptly.
- Required PPE: Safety boots with ankle support, gloves, head protection.
- Collective measure: Barricade edges; signage; access ways maintained.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Daily site inspections; excavation permit where depth triggers apply.

9) Hazard: Fuel handling and spills
- Likely consequence: Fire, environmental contamination.
- Engineering/procedural control: Double-bunded storage; spill kits; trained refueling; no-smoking zones.
- Required PPE: Anti-static clothing, gloves, goggles.
- Collective measure: Fire extinguishers; spill pallets; emergency shut-offs.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Weekly bund checks; hot work permit when needed.

10) Hazard: Heat stress/UV or adverse weather
- Likely consequence: Heatstroke, dehydration, reduced visibility hazards.
- Engineering/procedural control: Work-rest cycles; hydration; shade; suspend work in high winds/heavy rain.
- Required PPE: Weather-appropriate PPE, sunscreen.
- Collective measure: Shelter stations; weather alerts.
- Inspection/permit/supervision: Supervisor weather assessment; stop-work authority.

Dust and Air Quality

• Water application rate 0.5–1.5 L/m² per pass adjusted to conditions; suspend activities if dust cannot be controlled or wind >10 m/s [Verify].
• Cover all haul trucks; stabilize haul roads; enforce wheel-wash; boundary PM10 monitoring where required.

Noise and Vibration

• Maintain equipment; fit silencers; avoid tonal reversing alarms where possible; schedule noisy works daytime; boundary target LAeq ≤75 dBA day [Verify].

Erosion and Sediment Control

• Install silt fence downslope before stripping; maintain 150 mm toe trench; check dams in drains; inspect after rain and repair within 24 h.
• Stockpiles set ≥10 m from watercourses; seed/mulch within 48 h; perimeter swales and sediment traps.

Water Management

• No discharge of turbid water to storm drains; use settlement tanks or filtration; dewatering only under permit; record volumes and water quality where required.

Ecology and Vegetation

• Pre-clearance ecological walkover; respect no-go habitats; implement nesting bird checks in season; tree protection zones fenced; pruning/removal supervised by arborist where required.

Topsoil Preservation

• Strip by horizons; avoid contamination by subsoil; limit trafficking on stripped areas; keep stockpiles low and seeded to prevent anaerobic conditions.

Waste and Pollution Prevention

• Segregate waste streams; store fuels in 110% bunds; spill kits at refueling points; immediate containment and reporting of spills.

Cultural Heritage and Chance Finds

• Stop-work protocol for artefacts or remains; secure area; notify Engineer and authorities.

Controls and permit thresholds must be verified per project CEMP and local regulations.

Quality Objectives

• Provide a clean, safe, and compliant formation suitable for commencement of earthworks as per project specifications and referenced standards.

Inspections and Tests

• Pre-start documentation check: permits, approvals, calibrations.
• Utility verification: survey and potholing records signed by Utility Coordinator and, where required, utility owner.
• Trial strip: confirm stripping depth/tolerance and horizon identification prior to full-scale operations.
• Topsoil management: visual contamination check each load; stockpile geometry and protection verified weekly; sampling for reuse quality per BS 3882 if specified (typical 1 sample/250–500 m³) [Verify].
• Unsuitable material: maintain register; Engineer to witness removals; compaction tests for reinstatement to ≥95% MDD (ASTM D698) where directed.
• Dust/noise: daily logs; PM10 and LAeq where specified; corrective actions documented.
• Proof-rolling: witnessed by Engineer; defects mapped and rectified; retest until acceptance.

Records and Traceability

• Daily site diaries, manpower/plant logs, photos (geo-tagged where possible).
• Utility survey files, potholing logs, permits to dig.
• Strip plans, survey as-builts, stockpile logs and volumes.
• Waste transfer notes/manifests, weighbridge tickets, licenses of carriers/disposal sites.
• Test reports (compaction, laboratory topsoil characterization if applicable), equipment calibration certificates.

Nonconformance and Corrective Action

• Raise NCR for deviations (e.g., over-stripping, contamination, formation failures); investigate root cause; implement corrective measures; verify via re-inspection.

Handover

• Completion dossier: approvals, ITP sign-offs, inspection/test records, as-built survey, environmental monitoring data, disposal dockets, photo record, and Handover Certificate.

• Approved drawings showing clearing limits, protected zones, and access routes.
• Utility drawings, PAS 128/ASCE 38 survey outputs, potholing logs, and Permit to Dig.
• Traffic Management Plan and signage layout.
• Environmental permits; CEMP excerpts; erosion/sediment control details.
• Tree survey/arborist report and permits; ecology constraints map.
• Plant and equipment inspection sheets; operator certifications.
• Monitoring equipment calibration certificates (PM10, noise meters, survey gear).
• Waste carrier and disposal facility licenses; waste classification records; WTN/manifests; weighbridge tickets.
• Daily records, photo logs (before/during/after), strip maps, as-built surveys.
• Handover certificate template and inspection checklists.