By Md Iftakhar Ahmad | FreeDocumentsHub.com Systems Integration Engineer — 19+ Years Gulf Industrial Experience
If you have ever been asked to submit a Method Statement on a project and did not know where to start — this guide is for you.
Whether you are working in oil & gas, petrochemical, construction, fabrication, or any industrial sector — anywhere in the world — a Method Statement is one of the most important documents you will ever write. Get it right and your work gets approved. Get it wrong and your entire project stops.
This guide will walk you through exactly what a Method Statement is, when you need one, what it must contain, and how to write one that gets approved the first time — every time.
What Is a Method Statement?
A Method Statement (also called a Safe Work Method Statement or SWMS in some countries) is a formal document that describes how a specific task or activity will be carried out safely and correctly on a project site.
It is not a general safety plan. It is not a risk assessment. It is a specific, step-by-step written description of exactly how your team will execute a defined piece of work — from mobilisation to completion — while managing every identified hazard.
Think of it as a written contract between you and your client that says: “This is exactly how we will do the work, this is how we will keep everyone safe, and this is how we will meet the specification.”
When Is a Method Statement Required?
A Method Statement is required in virtually every industrial project worldwide. You will need one for:
- Any work in a hazardous area or classified zone (ATEX, NEC, IECEx)
- Hot work — welding, cutting, grinding near flammable materials
- Work at height — scaffolding, rope access, elevated platforms
- Electrical installation and termination work
- Excavation and civil works
- Lifting operations — crane lifts, rigging, heavy equipment
- Confined space entry
- Pipeline pressure testing — hydrostatic and pneumatic
- Panel installation, cable pulling, and termination
- Testing and commissioning of safety-critical systems
- Shutdown and isolation (LOTO) activities
- Any activity your client or HSE authority designates as high risk
In the Gulf region, Method Statements are mandatory for all work packages on Aramco, SABIC, ADNOC, and similar major operator projects. In the UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe they are required under local health and safety legislation including the UK Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations, Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, and similar frameworks.
Bottom line: If you are doing serious industrial work anywhere in the world, you need a Method Statement.
The 10 Sections Every Method Statement Must Have
A professional Method Statement is not a paragraph or a bullet list. It is a structured document with clearly defined sections. Here are the 10 sections that every Method Statement must contain to be accepted by a professional client:
Section 1 — Document Information
This is the header block of your Method Statement. It must include:
- Document title and number (e.g. MS-ELEC-001-Rev01)
- Project name and number
- Client name
- Contractor / supplier name
- Prepared by — name and title
- Reviewed by — name and title
- Approved by — name and title
- Revision history — date and description of each revision
Why it matters: Without a proper document number and revision control, your client cannot track which version is current. Professional clients will reject any document without proper document control information.
Section 2 — Scope of Work
This section defines exactly what work this Method Statement covers. Be specific. Write it in clear, simple English.
Example: “This Method Statement covers the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the Gas Automatic Cutoff Panel System at Jafura North Camp, Kitchen Area 054, including panel mounting, conduit installation, cable pulling and termination, solenoid valve installation, MCCB installation with shunt trip coils, and final functional testing and handover.”
Common mistake: Engineers write the scope too broadly — “electrical works” or “panel installation.” This is not acceptable. Your scope must match exactly with the work package in your contract or service order.
Section 3 — Reference Documents
List every document, standard, specification, and drawing that governs your work. This shows the client that you know what standards apply and that you are committed to following them.
Include:
- Client specifications and project specifications
- International standards (IEC, ISA, NFPA, ASME, API, BS, AS, etc.)
- Approved drawings and datasheets
- HSE regulations applicable in your country
- Manufacturer installation manuals
Example references:
- IEC 61511 — Functional Safety for Process Industry
- NFPA 72 — National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- IEC 60079 — Explosive Atmospheres
- Project Specification: SCE-QCAT-0226068-Q02 Rev 02
- Approved Drawings: Panel GA Drawing Rev B
Section 4 — Responsibilities
Name the people responsible for each aspect of the work. This section shows your client that you have a clear management structure and that every activity has an accountable person.
Typical roles to include:
- Project Manager / Site Manager — overall responsibility
- Site Engineer / Supervisor — day-to-day execution supervision
- QC Inspector — quality inspection and documentation
- HSE Officer — safety monitoring and permit management
- Skilled Technicians — execution of the work
- Client Representative — approval and witnessing
Write a brief description of each person’s responsibilities. Do not just list names — explain what each person is responsible for.
Section 5 — Materials, Equipment and Tools
List everything you will bring to site to execute the work. This section proves to your client that you are prepared and that all materials and equipment are properly specified.
Divide this section into three parts:
Materials: List all materials with specification, standard, and approval status.
- Example: Solenoid Valve — ASCO Series 8220, 24VDC NC, 3/4″ BSP, LPG rated, IP67, Aramco approved
Equipment: List all plant and equipment with calibration status.
- Example: Insulation Resistance Tester — Megger MIT410, Calibration Certificate No. CAL-2026-001, valid until December 2026
Tools: List all hand tools and power tools required.
- Example: Conduit bender, cable pulling equipment, crimping tools, torque wrench
Important: For any test or measurement equipment, always include the calibration certificate number and expiry date. Clients and inspectors will ask for this.
Section 6 — Step-by-Step Work Procedure
This is the heart of your Method Statement. Write the exact sequence of activities your team will follow to execute the work. Be specific, be sequential, and be clear.
Number each step. For each step, state:
- What activity will be performed
- Who will perform it
- What equipment or materials will be used
- What inspection or check point applies
Example steps for panel installation:
Step 1 — Site Preparation The Site Supervisor will inspect the designated panel location and confirm dimensions, clearances, and access routes comply with the approved drawing. Any obstructions will be removed. Area will be barricaded with warning tape and safety signage installed.
Step 2 — Panel Delivery and Inspection The panel will be delivered to site with the delivery note and packing list. The QC Inspector will conduct an incoming inspection against the approved datasheet and FAT test certificate. Any damage or non-conformance will be recorded on an NCR and reported to the client immediately.
Step 3 — Panel Mounting The electrician will mark the panel fixing positions using the approved drawing dimensions. Anchor bolts will be installed as per manufacturer specification. Panel will be lifted using manual lifting equipment and fixed to the wall. Torque values for all fixing bolts will be verified and recorded.
Continue this pattern for every activity — conduit installation, cable pulling, termination, solenoid valve installation, MCCB installation, testing, and commissioning.
The rule: Anyone who reads your work procedure should be able to follow it and execute the work correctly without asking you a single question.
Section 7 — Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
This section identifies every hazard in your work activities and explains how each hazard will be controlled. Use the Hierarchy of Controls framework:
- Elimination — remove the hazard completely
- Substitution — replace with something less hazardous
- Engineering Controls — physical barriers, guarding
- Administrative Controls — procedures, training, permits
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — last line of defence
Present this as a table with columns: Hazard | Risk | Control Measure | Residual Risk | Responsible Person.
Common hazards for electrical installation work:
- Electric shock — LOTO procedure, test before touch, insulated tools, rubber gloves
- Falls from height — scaffolding inspection, harness, tool lanyards
- Manual handling injury — two-person lift for heavy panels, mechanical aids
- Cuts and abrasions — cut-resistant gloves, cable drum guards
- Working in confined spaces — gas testing, standby person, rescue plan
- Fire — hot work permit, fire extinguisher on standby, fire watch
Also include in this section:
- Emergency procedures — what to do in case of accident, fire, or medical emergency
- Emergency contact numbers — site emergency number, nearest hospital
- Nearest hospital location and route from site
- Assembly point location
Section 8 — Permits Required
List every permit that must be obtained before work can start. This shows your client that you understand the permit-to-work (PTW) system and will comply with it.
Common permits in industrial projects:
- General Work Permit — required for most activities
- Hot Work Permit — welding, grinding, cutting
- Electrical Isolation Permit / LOTO — any work on live or potentially live equipment
- Confined Space Entry Permit — cable trenches, manholes, enclosed spaces
- Excavation Permit — any ground breaking activity
- Lifting Permit — crane lifts and heavy lifts
- Height Work Permit — work above 1.8 metres in most jurisdictions
State clearly: “No work will commence until all required permits are in place and signed by the authorised issuing authority.”
Section 9 — Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) Reference
Reference your Inspection and Test Plan here. The ITP is a separate document that details every inspection point, test, and verification activity for your work.
State which activities require:
- Hold Points (H) — work must stop and written approval obtained before proceeding
- Witness Points (W) — client may attend but work can continue if they do not
- Review Points (R) — client reviews and signs documentation after the activity
If you do not have a separate ITP, include a simple inspection table directly in this section.
Section 10 — Attachments
List all documents attached to your Method Statement:
- Risk Assessment
- Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
- Relevant drawings (GA, single line, layout)
- Material datasheets and approval certificates
- Equipment calibration certificates
- COSHH / MSDS sheets for any chemicals
- Relevant standards extracts (if required by client)
Common Mistakes Engineers Make in Method Statements
After 19 years of reviewing and writing Method Statements across Gulf industrial projects, these are the most common mistakes I see:
1. Too vague — Writing “install panel as per drawing” is not acceptable. Write every single step in detail.
2. No document number — Every professional document must have a document number and revision. Without this, it cannot be tracked or controlled.
3. Copy and paste from another project — Clients and experienced engineers can spot this immediately. The scope, references, and drawings must match your specific project.
4. Missing calibration certificates — Any test equipment listed must have a valid calibration certificate. Expired certificates will stop your work immediately.
5. Generic hazard list — Listing “electricity” as a hazard with “be careful” as a control is not acceptable. Each hazard must have a specific, practical control measure.
6. No revision history — When you revise a Method Statement, you must document what changed and why. Clients need to know which version is current.
7. Wrong standard references — Referencing a standard that does not apply to your country or project type shows you have not done your homework.
Method Statement Approval Process — What to Expect
When you submit a Method Statement to a professional client, here is what typically happens:
Step 1 — Initial Review (1-3 days) The client’s engineer or project manager reviews the document against their requirements. They check scope, standards, and completeness.
Step 2 — Comments Issued The client issues comments — typically marked on the document or in a comment register. Common statuses are: Approved, Approved with Comments, Revise and Resubmit, or Rejected.
Step 3 — Revision You address every comment, revise the document, update the revision number, and resubmit.
Step 4 — Final Approval Once approved, you receive a stamped and signed copy. This is your authority to proceed with the work.
Important: Never start work without written approval of your Method Statement. Verbal approval is not enough. Always get it in writing.
Method Statement Template — Download Free
Writing a Method Statement from scratch takes time. Using a professional template that is already structured and formatted correctly saves you hours of work and ensures you do not miss any critical section.
At FreeDocumentsHub.com we provide a professional Method Statement template that has been used on real industrial projects across the Gulf region and internationally. It is:
- Fully structured with all 10 sections
- Ready to use — just add your project details
- Formatted to professional standards
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Download the free bundle now at: www.FreeDocumentsHub.com
The free bundle includes 5 professional industrial templates including the Method Statement template — completely free, no payment required, instant download, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the world.
Summary
A professional Method Statement is not difficult to write if you know the structure. Follow these 10 sections every time:
- Document Information
- Scope of Work
- Reference Documents
- Responsibilities
- Materials, Equipment and Tools
- Step-by-Step Work Procedure
- Health, Safety and Environment
- Permits Required
- Inspection and Test Plan Reference
- Attachments
Write it clearly. Write it specifically. Write it for someone who has never seen your project before. Get it approved in writing before you start work.
If you found this guide useful, share it with an engineer on your team who needs it. And if you want a professional template to start from — download it free at www.FreeDocumentsHub.com.
Md Iftakhar Ahmad is a Systems Integration Engineer with 19+ years of experience delivering engineering and documentation projects across Gulf industrial projects. He is the founder of FreeDocumentsHub.com — professional industrial document templates and training available 24/7 worldwide.
Tags: Method Statement, Oil and Gas, Engineering Documentation, HSE, Safe Work Method Statement, SWMS, Industrial Engineering, Project Documentation, IEC, NFPA, Construction Safety, Engineering Templates