Method Statement : Installation of under-floor power

Explanation

The installation of under-floor power involves the systematic placement and connection of power supply cables, encasements, and terminators or outlets beneath the flooring in both domestic and commercial settings. This process is typically undertaken as part of new build projects or refurbishment works, aiming to provide a discreet and efficient power distribution system that enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space. The task requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the power supply is safely and effectively integrated into the building’s infrastructure, meeting all relevant electrical standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Project Manager: Ensure all work is planned and executed according to the project timeline and safety regulations.
• Site Supervisor: Oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
• Electrician: Install power supply cables, encasements, and outlets safely and according to electrical codes.
• Health and Safety Officer: Conduct risk assessments and ensure all safety measures are in place and followed.
• Labourer: Assist with the physical installation tasks, ensuring safe handling of materials and equipment.
• Quality Control Inspector: Verify that installations meet the required standards and specifications.
• Client Liaison: Communicate with clients to ensure their requirements are understood and met.

Equipment

• Insulated screwdrivers
• Cable cutters
• Wire strippers
• Voltage tester
• Power drill
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Fish tape
• Safety goggles
• Hard hat
• Gloves
• Knee pads
• Dust mask or respirator
• Torch or portable lighting

Operation

• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards specific to the site.
• Ensure all personnel involved are trained and competent in electrical safety and installation procedures.
• Verify that all necessary permits and approvals have been obtained.
• Inspect and test all tools and equipment to ensure they are in safe working condition.
• Verify power isolation to prevent accidental energisation during installation.
• Inspect the work area to identify and address any potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces or obstructions.
• Gather all necessary tools and equipment, ensuring they are appropriate for the task.
• Lay out the power supply cables according to the design plan, ensuring they are free from kinks and not under tension.
• Securely install cable encasements, ensuring they are properly aligned and fixed to prevent movement or damage.
• Safely connect the cables to the terminators or outlets, following manufacturer instructions and ensuring all connections are secure and insulated.
• Conduct a thorough test of the installation to verify that all connections are correct and that there are no faults in the system.
• Replace and secure any floor panels that were removed during installation, ensuring they are level and stable.
• Perform a final inspection of the installation to ensure compliance with safety standards and rectify any issues identified.
• Restore the power supply and conduct a final test to confirm functionality.
• Record all relevant details of the installation process, including any issues encountered and how they were resolved, for future reference.

Risk Assessment : Installation of under-floor power

Who might be harmed: Electricians | Installation Technicians | Construction Workers

Type of harm: Burns | Death | Electrocution

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Occasional (3) = Medium (9) Controls

• Ensure all power supplies are isolated and locked out before commencing work to prevent accidental energisation.
• Use insulated tools and equipment specifically designed for electrical work to minimise the risk of electric shock.
• Conduct a thorough risk assessment and ensure all workers are trained in electrical safety procedures specific to under-floor installations.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves, to provide an additional layer of protection.
• Regularly inspect all electrical equipment and cables for damage or wear before use to ensure they are safe and compliant.
• Implement a permit-to-work system to control and monitor activities involving electrical installations.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Tripping Hazards : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation Workers | Other Tradespeople

Type of harm: Back / Spinal Injury | Broken Bones | Cuts and Abrasions | Head Injury | Multiple / Various Injury

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Probable (4) = High (20) Controls

• Ensure all cables and tools are organised and stored neatly when not in use to prevent obstruction.
• Use cable covers or mats to secure loose cables and minimise tripping risks.
• Designate specific walkways and keep them clear of equipment and materials.
• Conduct regular site inspections to identify and address potential tripping hazards promptly.
• Provide adequate lighting in the work area to ensure visibility of potential tripping hazards.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Musculoskeletal Injuries : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Electricians | Installation Technicians | Construction Workers

Type of harm: Back / Spinal Injury | Muscular Injury

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Occasional (3) = Medium (9) Controls

• Use mechanical aids or team lifting techniques to handle heavy equipment and materials.
• Provide adjustable work platforms to minimise bending and kneeling.
• Implement regular breaks to reduce strain from prolonged awkward postures.
• Conduct manual handling training specific to the tasks involved in under-floor power installation.
• Ensure work areas are organised to allow easy access to tools and materials, reducing unnecessary movements.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Dust and Debris : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation Workers | Other Construction Personnel

Type of harm: Asbestosis / Lung Cancer / Mesothelioma | Respiratory damage / Asthma / COPD | Eye Damage

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Probable (4) = High (20) Controls

• Workers should wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) such as dust masks or respirators to prevent inhalation of dust.
• Use dust extraction systems or vacuum attachments on tools to minimise airborne dust during cutting or drilling.
• Ensure the work area is well-ventilated by opening windows or using fans to disperse dust particles.
• Regularly clean the work area to remove accumulated dust and debris, using wet methods where possible to reduce airborne particles.
• Provide training for workers on the hazards of dust exposure and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Fire Hazards : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation Workers | Other Construction Personnel | Building Occupants

Type of harm: Burns | Death | Smoke Inhalation

Initial Risk: Severe (4) x Probable (4) = Medium (16) Controls

• Ensure all electrical components and wiring are installed by a qualified electrician to prevent faulty connections.
• Conduct a thorough inspection of all electrical installations before energising the system to identify and rectify potential faults.
• Use fire-retardant materials for cable encasements and outlets to minimise the risk of fire spread.
• Implement a permit-to-work system to ensure that all safety checks are completed before commencing work.
• Maintain clear access to fire extinguishers and ensure all personnel are trained in their use.
• Regularly test and maintain electrical equipment and installations to ensure ongoing safety and compliance with regulations.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Confined Spaces : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation Technicians | Electricians | Maintenance Workers

Type of harm: Asphyxia | Crush / Entrapment | Death | Respiratory damage / Asthma / COPD | Smoke Inhalation

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Frequent (5) = Medium (15) Controls

• Ensure adequate ventilation is provided in the confined space to prevent the build-up of hazardous fumes.
• Conduct a risk assessment prior to entry to identify potential hazards and necessary precautions.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respirators, if ventilation is insufficient.
• Establish a communication system to maintain contact with workers inside the confined space.
• Ensure that workers are trained in confined space entry procedures and emergency response.
• Implement a permit-to-work system to control access to the confined space.
• Have a standby person outside the confined space to monitor safety and initiate rescue if necessary.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Hazardous Substances : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation Workers | Maintenance Personnel

Type of harm: Asbestosis / Lung Cancer / Mesothelioma | Dermatitis | Respiratory damage / Asthma / COPD

Initial Risk: Severe (4) x Occasional (3) = Medium (12) Controls

• Conduct a thorough assessment for the presence of hazardous substances, such as asbestos, before commencing work.
• Ensure all workers are trained in the identification and handling of hazardous substances.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, when working in areas with potential exposure.
• Implement proper ventilation in confined spaces to reduce inhalation risks.
• Establish a clear procedure for the safe removal and disposal of any hazardous materials encountered.
• Limit access to the work area to authorised personnel only to minimise exposure risks.
• Regularly monitor air quality in the work area to ensure it remains within safe limits.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

COSHH Assessment : Installation of under-floor power

Asbestos

Asbestos was historically used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties in construction materials such as insulation, floor tiles, and roofing.

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Inhalation : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation workers | Site supervisors | Other tradespeople on site | Maintenance personnel

Type of harm: Asbestosis / Lung Cancer / Mesothelioma | Respiratory damage / Asthma / COPD | Death

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Probable (4) = High (20) Controls

• Use appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) that is fit-tested and suitable for asbestos work.
• Implement wet methods to suppress dust during asbestos handling and removal.
• Establish and maintain negative pressure enclosures to contain asbestos fibres.
• Ensure proper ventilation systems are in place to reduce airborne fibres.
• Conduct regular air monitoring to assess fibre levels and effectiveness of controls.
• Provide comprehensive training on asbestos handling and respiratory protection.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

Silica dust

Silica dust is not intended for use; rather, it is a hazardous byproduct generated during activities such as cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, masonry, or other silica-containing materials.

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Inhalation : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation workers | Site supervisors | Other tradespeople on site

Type of harm: Asbestosis / Lung Cancer / Mesothelioma | Respiratory damage / Asthma / COPD

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Frequent (5) = Medium (15) Controls

• Use water suppression techniques to minimise airborne silica dust during cutting.
• Ensure proper ventilation in the work area to disperse dust.
• Provide and enforce the use of appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
• Implement dust extraction systems on tools and equipment.
• Conduct regular air monitoring to assess silica dust levels.
• Train workers on the hazards of silica dust and safe work practises.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

Lead dust

Lead dust may be encountered during refurbishment projects, particularly when disturbing old paint or materials that contain lead.

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Inhalation : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation workers | Site supervisors | Other tradespeople on site

Type of harm: Asbestosis / Lung Cancer / Mesothelioma | Asphyxia | Death | Illness | Respiratory damage / Asthma / COPD | Smoke Inhalation

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Probable (4) = High (20) Controls

• Use appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) such as a P3 mask to prevent inhalation of lead dust.
• Implement local exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove airborne lead dust at the source.
• Ensure work areas are well-ventilated to dilute and disperse lead dust particles.
• Conduct regular air monitoring to assess lead dust levels and ensure they remain below occupational exposure limits.
• Provide training for workers on the hazards of lead dust and proper use of protective equipment.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Ingestion : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation workers handling materials.

Type of harm: Illness | Death

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Probable (4) = High (20) Controls

• Ensure workers wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Provide designated eating areas away from work zones to prevent contamination.
• Implement a strict no food or drink policy in areas where lead dust is present.
• Use disposable wipes for cleaning hands and face to remove lead dust.
• Provide training on the risks of lead ingestion and safe work practises.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Eye Contact : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Electricians | Construction workers | Maintenance personnel

Type of harm: Eye Damage

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Occasional (3) = Medium (9) Controls

• Wear safety goggles to prevent lead dust from entering the eyes.
• Use local exhaust ventilation to reduce airborne lead dust levels.
• Implement wet methods to suppress dust during work activities.
• Ensure proper housekeeping to minimise dust accumulation on surfaces.
• Provide training on safe handling and potential hazards of lead dust.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Skin Contact : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Installation workers handling lead-contaminated materials.

Type of harm: Dermatitis

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Occasional (3) = Medium (15) Controls

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, to prevent direct contact with lead dust.
• Implement proper hygiene practises, including washing hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling materials.
• Use barrier creams to provide an additional layer of protection on exposed skin.
• Ensure work areas are regularly cleaned to minimise lead dust accumulation on surfaces.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

Toolbox Talk : Installation of under-floor power

Introduction

The installation of under-floor power involves the systematic placement and connection of power supply cables, encasements, and terminators or outlets beneath the flooring in both domestic and commercial settings. This process is typically undertaken as part of new build projects or refurbishment works, aiming to provide a discreet and efficient power distribution system that enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space. The task requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the power supply is safely and effectively integrated into the building’s infrastructure, meeting all relevant electrical standards and regulations.

Hazards

The installation of under-floor power presents several hazards that must be carefully managed to ensure the safety of all personnel involved. The risk of electric shock is significant, particularly when working with live electrical components, necessitating strict adherence to lockout/tagout procedures. Tripping hazards are prevalent due to cables and equipment being placed on the floor, requiring vigilant housekeeping practises. Musculoskeletal injuries may occur from lifting heavy equipment and maintaining awkward postures, such as bending or kneeling for extended periods. Dust and debris generated during installation can pose respiratory hazards, necessitating appropriate personal protective equipment. Fire hazards are a concern due to potential electrical faults or improper installation, underscoring the importance of compliance with electrical safety standards. Working in confined spaces under the floor can present additional risks, including limited access and ventilation. Furthermore, in older buildings, there may be exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos, requiring thorough risk assessments and control measures.

Installation of under-floor power : Rules

• Do conduct a thorough risk assessment prior to commencing work.
• Do ensure all personnel are trained and competent in electrical safety.
• Do use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, and knee pads.
• Do verify that the power supply is isolated and locked out before beginning installation.
• Do maintain a clean and organised work area to minimise tripping hazards.
• Do use proper lifting techniques and equipment to handle heavy materials.
• Do ensure adequate ventilation to reduce exposure to dust and debris.
• Do follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation of cables, encasements, and outlets.
• Do regularly inspect tools and equipment for damage or wear.
• Do communicate clearly with team members to coordinate tasks safely.

Installation of under-floor power : Warnings

• Do not work on live electrical circuits; always ensure power is isolated before commencing work.
• Do not use damaged or faulty tools and equipment.
• Do not leave cables and tools unattended, creating tripping hazards.
• Do not lift heavy equipment without proper technique or assistance.
• Do not ignore personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, such as gloves and safety goggles.
• Do not cut corners on installation procedures to save time.
• Do not work in poorly ventilated areas without appropriate measures to manage dust and debris.
• Do not proceed with installation without a thorough risk assessment.
• Do not assume older buildings are free from hazardous materials; always conduct necessary checks.
• Do not work alone in confined spaces without appropriate safety measures in place.

Induction Record

Company name:		Project title:
Location:		Contract No:

Subject:	Risk Assessment and Method Statement : Installation of under-floor power	Tutor:
Date:		Signature:

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