The safety method statement is your action plan. It outlines the sequence of procedures necessary for the overall safe execution of a task, and takes into account the hazards identified in the risk assessment, in addition to access, egress, and permits to work. All potential rescue operations are also outlined in this document, along with a list of the equipment that should be set aside for quick deployment in the scenarios where a rigged-for-rescue system can’t be used.

During your IRATA Assessment, all levels will be asked to demonstrate awareness of the role of the safety method statement and its importance in creating a safe work environment.

L3 certifying techs will be asked to demonstrate competence implementing a safety method statement and briefing their team. They also need to be capable of identifying when to revise that statement and the procedure to follow when doing so.

This portion of the assessment may be practical or desk-based. As your TMC (training member company), we’ll make sure that you’re ready for both.

Additional resources to check out:

TACS 6.2.3 for the source material for this blog.

ICOP Part 2, 2.2.5 for a quick summary of what should be included in a safety method statement.

ICOP Part 3, Annex B for advice on preparing a safety method statement

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This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down IRATA’s syllabus and clarifying exactly what ‘demonstrating competence’ and ‘demonstrating awareness’ means, and what will be expected of you on assessment day. To access the IRATA Study Guides, click below: