Method Statement: Torch-Applied Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing for Basement Walls – Method Statement

More than a static template

Unlike a downloadable Word or PDF template, this method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point connected directly to a matching Inspection and Test Plan. Every section is structured, project-adaptable, and ready to export.

AI-assisted drafting — Customize every section with AI for your specific project scope.
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Editable starting point, not a final document — Review, verify, and adjust all content against your project requirements before use.

Static template vs. Quollnet workflow

Feature	Static template	Quollnet
Project-specific content	Manual fill-in required	AI-assisted customization
Linked ITP	Separate document, no link	Matching ITP included
Export formats	Usually PDF only	PDF and Excel
Structured sections	Free-form layout	13 standardized sections
Saved to your account	Local file only	Cloud-saved, reusable
Content accuracy	You verify everything	AI-assisted, you still verify
Cost	Often free but time-intensive	Free to customize and download

What you can customize

When you save this method statement to your account, every section becomes editable. The following 13 sections are included:

Scope — Defines the activity and its boundaries.
References — Standards, specifications, and drawings.
Responsibilities — Roles and accountabilities.
Resources — Labour, plant, and equipment summary.
Materials — Materials and compliance requirements.
Equipment — Tools and equipment details.
Prerequisites — Hold points and pre-conditions.
Method sequence — Step-by-step construction sequence.
Safety controls — HSE risk controls and PPE.
Environmental controls — Environmental mitigation measures.
QA/QC — Quality inspection and test requirements.
ITP — Inspection and Test Plan table (has its own page).
Attachments — Referenced drawings and documentation.

Why this method statement is used

This method statement is used to define and communicate the approved procedure for carrying out method statement: torch-applied bituminous membrane waterproofing for basement concrete retaining walls on site. It ensures the work is planned in advance, the correct resources and controls are in place, and all personnel understand responsibilities, sequence, quality requirements, and safety controls before work begins. It aligns site execution with the documented scope and acceptance expectations.

Who uses this method statement

This method statement is used by contractors, site supervisors, project engineers, QA/QC engineers, HSE officers, consultants, and client representatives. It serves as a shared reference for planning, execution, supervision, inspection, and approval of the activity on site.

When it is prepared and submitted

The method statement is prepared before the work activity starts and submitted as part of the pre-construction documentation package for review and approval.

Who reviews or approves it

The method statement is usually submitted to the client representative, consultant, resident engineer, or project management consultant for review and approval before the work commences.

Important approval note

This method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point, not a pre-approved document. Before use on any project, all content must be reviewed and approved by the relevant parties (superintendent, principal contractor, or client representative) in accordance with your contract and project quality plan.

For example: if your specification requires a departure from a referenced standard, that departure must be documented and approved separately — this method statement will not capture that automatically. Always verify against your applicable drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Method statement content

Scope

Work Summary

Supply, prepare, and install a torch-applied SBS-modified bituminous sheet waterproofing system to external faces of basement concrete retaining walls.
Activities include: substrate cleaning and repair, surface priming, corner fillets, membrane installation with torch application, laps and detailing at joints/penetrations/terminations, protection and installation of dimpled drainage boards, interfaces to slab/kicker, quality control inspections and tests (including high-voltage holiday detection), and coordination with backfilling.

Included Elements

Concrete substrate acceptance and moisture assessment
Bituminous primer application
Torch-applied membrane installation (nominal 4 mm thick SBS-modified, polyester-reinforced) [Verify per project specifications]
Minimum laps: side laps ≥100 mm; end laps ≥150 mm [Verify per project specifications]
Detailing: corners, internal/external angles, pipe/steel penetrations, terminations, construction joints, tie-in to slab membrane
Protective dimpled drainage boards with geotextile, connection to footing drain, and terminations
Watertightness verification by high-voltage holiday (spark) testing prior to protection
Hold/witness points and records

Exclusions

Structural concrete works and curing beyond acceptance criteria checks
Backfilling operations (by others) except coordination and protection requirements
Internal tanking or cavity drain systems unless stated in project documents

Constraints/Interfaces

Coordinate with excavation support/backfilling sequence, drainage installation at footing, and penetrations by MEP.
No torching during rain, on wet substrates, or in confined unventilated spaces without controls.
Do not backfill until waterproofing is inspected and accepted.

References

Document Type	Reference / Number	Notes
Standard	BS 8102:2022	Select Grade per design [Verify per project specifications].
Standard	ASTM D41
Standard	ASTM D5147	For manufacturer compliance certificates.
Standard	ASTM D903	Used as guidance for site peel checks; acceptance per manufacturer [Verify per project specifications].
Standard	ASTM D4263	Site moisture indication prior to priming.
Standard	ASTM D7877 / D8231	Apply high-voltage holiday test methodology for vertical membranes where feasible.
Standard	ISO 9001/14001/45001	Apply via project QMS/HSE plans [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations].
Project Doc	As submitted/approved	Follow approved submittals; do not mix systems.

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility	Name / Party
PM	Ensure approved materials/method; coordinate with excavation/backfill.	Main Contractor
Engineer	Verify wall readiness, details at slab tie-ins, penetrations.	Main Contractor
QA/QC	Implement ITP; verify primer/membrane/drainage board installation; manage holiday testing.	Main Contractor
HSE	Hot work permits, fire watch, gas cylinder control, ventilation, scaffold/edge protection compliance.	Main Contractor
Supervisor	Execute sequence, manage torching quality, protect finished work.	Subcontractor
Inspector	Witness substrate acceptance, membrane trial area, holiday testing.	Third Party

Resources

Resource Type	Description	Quantity
Personnel	Leads crew, interfaces QC/HSE.	1/crew of 5–8 [Verify per project]
Personnel	Membrane torching, seam control, detailing.	3–5/crew [Verify per project]
Personnel	Cleaning, handling, protection, drainage board install.	2–3/crew [Verify per project]
Personnel	Inspections, tests, documentation.	1 shared
Personnel	Permit control, monitoring, extinguishers readiness.	1 HSE + 1 fire watch per active torch team [Verify]

Materials

Material	Specification / Grade	Quantity	Remarks
Membrane roll	Width ~1.0 m; side lap marks at 100 mm; end lap marks at 150 mm [Verify].
Primer	As per membrane manufacturer.
Mortar	Fillet size 25–50 mm leg.
Mastic	Cold-applied.
Termination kit	Sealant UV-resistant.
Drainage board	Overlap 100–150 mm; connectors per system.
Drainage	Typically 100–150 mm dia perforated pipe [Verify].

Equipment

Equipment	Capacity / Type	Quantity	Inspection Required
Torch kit		1 per torch applicator
Spark tester		1
Prep tools		As required
QA kit		1 set
Access		As required
Extinguishers		As required

Prerequisites

Submittals and Approvals

Approved product data sheets, MSDS/SDS, application method statements, and samples/mock-up of minimum 2 m x 2 m including one internal and one external corner [Verify per project specifications].
Approved ITP with defined hold/witness points; calibration certificates for spark tester and measurement devices.

Permits and Coordination

Hot Work Permit for torching, including fire watch arrangements and gas cylinder handling plan.
Confirm scaffold/access certifications and tagging current.
Coordinate with drainage installation, penetrations, and tie-ins to horizontal waterproofing at slab/raft.

Site & Substrate Readiness

Concrete cured: typically ≥14 days for normal concrete prior to membrane application [Verify per project specifications].
Substrate temperature: typically >5°C and rising; ambient wind <25 km/h for safe torch control [Verify].
Moisture: No free water; surface moisture acceptable only per manufacturer limits (e.g., <5% mass or ASTM D4263 no condensation after 24 h) [Verify].
Surface flatness: deviations ≤5 mm under 2 m straightedge; honeycombs/voids repaired; edges chamfered/arrises rounded.
Internal corners built with 25–50 mm cementitious fillet; external corners eased.
Confirm location of services; protect combustible or heat-sensitive adjacent materials.

Method Sequence

Step	Activity	Description	Responsibility	Inspection / Hold Point
1	Pre-Start Briefing and Area Handover	Conduct toolbox talk focused on hot works and confined/excavation interfaces; verify permits; inspect access and exclusion zones; confirm area handover from civil team.	Supervisor / HSE / QA	Permit check, scaffold tag
2	Substrate Cleaning and Repairs	Remove laitance, loose particles, form-release agents; grind high spots; fill blowholes/honeycombs with polymer-modified mortar; vacuum clean to dust-free finish; form 25–50 mm fillets at internal corners; ease external corners.	Subcontractor	Visual; straightedge; repair records
3	Surface Priming	Apply bituminous primer by roller/spray at 0.25–0.40 L/m²; ensure even, pinhole-free film; allow to dry to tack-free (typically 30–90 min depending on product and weather).	Subcontractor	Wet film coverage check
4	Starter/Detail Strips	Install 300 mm wide reinforcement/detail strips at corners, terminations, and along base kicker; torch lightly to bond; ensure full adhesion without scorching.	Subcontractor	Visual
5	Main Membrane Torching – First Rise	Start at base; align roll vertically; torch underside sweeping to achieve uniform melt; press with roller to ensure total bond. Provide side laps ≥100 mm and end laps ≥150 mm; stagger end laps ≥300 mm. Achieve 3–5 mm bitumen bleed along seams.	Subcontractor	Continuous
6	Detailing at Penetrations and Joints	Install prefabricated collars or field-fabricate reinforcement; round edges; seal with compatible mastic; ensure 100% bond. Treat construction joints and tie-in to horizontal membranes per approved detail.	Subcontractor	Visual
7	Termination at Top of Wall	Terminate membrane minimum 150 mm above finished ground level or per detail; fix termination bar with corrosion-resistant fasteners at ≤200 mm c/c; seal upper edge with sealant; protect transition.	Subcontractor	Visual; pull check on fixings
8	Holiday (Spark) Testing	Perform high-voltage holiday detection across 100% of membrane surface prior to protection. Set voltage per manufacturer/thickness (typ. 6–10 kV for 4–5 mm) [Verify]; earth to substrate; sweep at controlled pace ≤0.3 m/s; mark defects for repair and retest.	QA/QC with Subcontractor	Witness
9	Repairs (If Required)	Cut out blister/defect to sound area; re-prime if needed; insert patch with ≥150 mm overlap in all directions; torch to full bond; re-test repaired area.	Subcontractor	Visual + holiday re-test
10	Install Protective Dimpled Drainage Boards	Place HDPE dimple board with geotextile facing soil side; overlap adjacent sheets by 100–150 mm; fix using compatible spots/term bars without puncturing membrane; ensure continuity to footing drains and outlets; cap top edge with termination strip or flashing as per system.	Subcontractor	Visual
11	Final QA/QC and Area Protection	Finalize documentation; protect exposed terminations; install temporary protection from site traffic; issue Request for Inspection (RFI) for acceptance prior to backfill.	QA/QC / Supervisor	Documentation review
12	Backfilling Coordination	Authorize backfilling only after acceptance; ensure suitable backfill (rounded, free of debris); place in layers to avoid impact on boards; maintain drainage outlets free.	Main Contractor (Earthworks)	Visual

Health, Safety, and Environment - Safety Controls

Principal Hazards and Controls

Hazard: Torching/open flame near combustible materials and bituminous primer vapors
Likely consequence: Fire, explosion, burns, smoke inhalation
Engineering/procedural control: Hot Work Permit; segregate flammables; remove/cover combustibles with fire blankets; maintain minimum 3 m separation between LPG cylinders and ignition sources; use flashback arrestors; leak-test hoses; control flame direction; prohibit torching on wet primer; designate exclusion zone.
Required PPE: Flame-resistant clothing, heat-resistant gloves, eye protection, safety boots; half-mask respirator with organic vapor filters if ventilation is limited [Verify per project HSE plan].
Collective preventive measure: Fire watch during and 60 minutes after works; minimum two serviceable 6 kg dry powder/CO₂ extinguishers within 15 m; spill kits for primer.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Hot Work Permit each shift; pre-use torch/LPG check; HSE supervision and documented fire watch log.
Hazard: Work at height on vertical walls/scaffolds
Likely consequence: Falls, dropped objects, severe injury
Engineering/procedural control: Certified scaffolds/towers with guardrails, toe boards, and access ladders; tether tools; exclusion zone below; material hoists rather than manual passing.
Required PPE: Full-body harness with double lanyard when guardrails absent; hard hat with chin strap; safety shoes; gloves.
Collective preventive measure: Scaffold inspections and tagging; debris netting; edge protection.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Formal scaffold inspection per schedule and after alterations; work-at-height permit where applicable.
Hazard: Working adjacent to open excavations/basement perimeters
Likely consequence: Falls to depth, entrapment, plant strike
Engineering/procedural control: Barriers 2 m from edge; safe access/egress; coordinate plant movements; spotter for reversing plant.
Required PPE: Hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety boots.
Collective preventive measure: Edge barricades and signage; lighting.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Daily inspection of excavation support by competent person [Verify per local regulations].
Hazard: Inhalation of VOCs from primers/bitumen fumes
Likely consequence: Respiratory irritation, dizziness
Engineering/procedural control: Use low-VOC products where feasible; ensure cross-ventilation; restrict torching in confined areas; follow SDS exposure limits.
Required PPE: Respirator with organic vapor cartridges where ventilation inadequate; gloves resistant to solvents.
Collective preventive measure: Forced ventilation if required; atmospheric monitoring in poorly ventilated spaces.
Inspection/permit/supervision: SDS available; HSE monitoring; confined space permit if applicable.
Hazard: Manual handling of rolls and boards (≈35–45 kg)
Likely consequence: Musculoskeletal injury
Engineering/procedural control: Team lifts; lifting aids/hoists; store rolls upright on level pallets near point of use.
Required PPE: Gloves, safety footwear.
Collective preventive measure: Manual handling training; job rotation.
Inspection/permit/supervision: Supervisor to plan lifting; spot checks.
Hazard: Heat exposure and burns from torches and hot bitumen
Likely consequence: Burns, heat stress
Engineering/procedural control: Torch stands; cool-down areas; keep flame away from body; schedule breaks; hydration plan.
Required PPE: Heat-resistant gloves, FR clothing, eye/face shield when needed.
Collective preventive measure: Shade, water stations.
Inspection/permit/supervision: HSE to monitor heat index; first-aid kit accessible.
Hazard: Puncture/tear of membrane by fixings or sharp substrate
Likely consequence: Water ingress post backfill
Engineering/procedural control: Remove protrusions; use compatible fixing methods for drainage boards; no direct nailing through membrane unless per approved detail; immediate repair of any puncture.
Required PPE: Gloves, eye protection.
Collective preventive measure: Protected laydown zones; supervision during protection board install.
Inspection/permit/supervision: QA inspections; holiday re-testing on repaired areas.

Health, Safety, and Environment - Environmental Controls

Environmental Aspects and Controls

VOC emissions from primer and fumes from torching
Control: Select low-VOC primer where possible; avoid enclosed spaces or provide mechanical ventilation; schedule works during favorable wind conditions; maintain SDS limits.
Spill risk of primer/solvents
Control: Store in bunded area; use drip trays; have spill kits; train crew in spill response; prevent discharge to soil/drains; collect contaminated rags in sealed containers for proper disposal.
Waste generation (membrane offcuts, release film, containers)
Control: Segregate recyclable packaging; collect offcuts for proper disposal; return unused sealed materials per supplier take-back where available; maintain waste transfer notes.
Noise
Control: Limit work hours per permits; maintain equipment; provide hearing protection where necessary; position noisy operations away from receptors.
Dust from surface preparation
Control: Vacuum extraction on grinders; damp wiping where acceptable (not during torching); maintain housekeeping.
Fire water/runoff in case of incident
Control: Protect drains with booms/socks; have emergency response plan; coordinate with site emergency services.
Material storage
Control: Store rolls upright on pallets under cover; protect from UV and heat; segregate LPG cylinders in ventilated cages with signage; maintain MSDS on site.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

General

Works to comply with BS 8102 and approved manufacturer system. Do not mix materials from different systems.
Use only approved batches; record roll numbers and areas installed per day for traceability.
Calibration: Holiday detector and measuring devices to have valid calibration certificates.

Mock-Up/Trial Area

Execute a minimum 10–15 m² trial area including one internal and one external corner to demonstrate workmanship and torching parameters. Approval is a hold point prior to full production [Verify per project specifications].

Inspection & Test Frequency (typical)

Substrate acceptance: 100% of surfaces; HOLD.
Primer coverage: 1 check per 50 m² minimum (area vs consumption) and visual 100%.
Seam dimensions and bleed-out: Continuous visual; record checks at least every 10 m of seam.
Peel adhesion check: 1 per 200 m² or per shift, whichever is greater [Verify per project specifications].
Holiday test: 100% of membrane area prior to protection; HOLD.
Drainage board installation: 100% visual; HOLD prior to backfill.

Acceptance Criteria (summary)

Surface: Clean, sound, dry within manufacturer limits; flatness ≤5 mm over 2 m [Verify].
Primer: Uniform film; tack-free; consumption within ±10% of target [Verify].
Membrane: Side laps ≥100 mm, end laps ≥150 mm; continuous 3–5 mm bleed; no fishmouths/blisters; peel ≥0.5 N/mm or TDS value [Verify].
Holiday test: 0 defects after repair/retest.
Protection/drainage boards: Continuous coverage; correct overlaps; secure without puncturing membrane.

Documentation

ITP and checklists; daily logs; photographic records; material COC/TDS; PTW; calibration certificates; NCRs and corrective actions; as-built redlines with termination levels and interfaces.

Nonconformance and Repairs

Stop work and raise NCR for systemic defects; repair localized issues per Step 9; repeat testing; document closure prior to backfill.

Attachments

Approved product datasheets (membrane, primer, mastic, drainage boards)
Manufacturer installation guidelines and safety data sheets
Typical details: corners, lap joints, penetrations, terminations, tie-in to slab
Hot Work Permit template; Fire watch log; LPG handling procedure
Substrate acceptance checklist; Primer log; Daily installation log; Peel test form; Holiday test report template
Calibration certificates for holiday detector and measuring equipment
As-built redline drawing template with termination elevations and drainage connections

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ITP preview

The first inspection activities from the linked ITP for Method Statement: Torch-Applied Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing for Basement Concrete Retaining Walls:

Activity	Inspection / Test	Acceptance Criteria	Responsibility	Record
Pre-start approvals [HOLD]	Verify approved materials, MS/TDS, PTW, calibrations	All approvals current; equipment calibrated; permits in place.	QA/QC Engineer	ITP checklist, approvals register
Substrate acceptance [HOLD]	Flatness (2 m straightedge), moisture (ASTM D4263 or meter), surface soundness	Clean, sound, dry within limits; flatness ≤5 mm/2 m; repairs completed.	QA/QC Engineer	Substrate acceptance form, photos
Primer application [WITNESS]	Coverage vs consumption; tack-free status	Uniform film; consumption within target; tack-free before membrane.	QA/QC Engineer	Primer log, photos

Showing 3 of 8 inspection activities. View full ITP →

Related Inspection and Test Plan

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is available for Method Statement: Torch-Applied Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing for Basement Concrete Retaining Walls. The ITP defines the inspection activities, acceptance criteria, hold and witness points, responsible parties, and records required to verify the work described in this method statement.

View the Method Statement: Torch-Applied Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing for Basement Concrete Retaining Walls ITP →

Frequently asked questions

Typical minimums are 100 mm for side laps and 150 mm for end laps. Confirm exact values with the membrane manufacturer and project specifications.

Perform 100% high-voltage holiday (spark) testing prior to protection. All indicated defects must be repaired and retested to achieve zero holidays.

No. Substrate must be cured per project requirements and within the manufacturer’s moisture limits (e.g., <5% or ASTM D4263 no condensation).

Only after completion and acceptance of membrane installation, successful holiday testing, installation of drainage boards, and closure of all ITP hold points.

Install HDPE dimpled drainage boards with geotextile facing soil side, overlapped 100–150 mm and connected to footing drains, to protect the membrane and relieve hydrostatic pressure.