🏠 Heritage Boards Method Statement

The way we do things

< BACK  | NEXT  >

Method Statement

Bognor Heritage Boards Pilot Project - Installation at Waterloo Square Hoardings

Project Name: Bognor Heritage Boards Pilot Project

Location: Existing Hoardings, Waterloo Square, Bognor Regis

Date: July 11, 2025

Prepared by: Matt Gover (Economic Development Projects Officer, Arun District Council, Matt.Gover@arun.gov.uk , 01903 737679) and John Parsons (Project Community Co-ordinator, info@creativebognor.com,  07760 349640)

Website: Creative Bognor

Version: 1.0

1. Introduction

This Method Statement outlines the procedures and controls for the safe and efficient installation of pilot heritage interpretation boards onto existing hoardings at Waterloo Square, Bognor Regis. The aim of this pilot project is to test the design, materials, and installation method prior to a wider rollout of heritage boards across the town.

2. Project Scope

The scope of this Method Statement covers:

  • Site survey and risk assessment.
  • Delivery and temporary storage of heritage boards and fixings.
  • Preparation of hoarding surfaces.
  • Installation of pilot heritage boards.
  • Post-installation inspection and snagging.
  • Waste management.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Project Manager: Overall responsibility for project delivery, health and safety, and liaison with relevant stakeholders (e.g., Arun District Council, Bognor Regis Town Council).
  • Site Supervisor: Direct supervision of installation team, daily health and safety briefings, quality control, and management of materials.
  • Installation Team: Carrying out the physical installation work in accordance with this Method Statement.
  • Health and Safety Officer (if applicable): Ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and best practices.

4. Risk Assessment

A site-specific risk assessment will be conducted prior to commencement of works. Potential hazards identified include:

  • Working at Height: Use of step ladders or platform ladders (if required) for accessing higher sections of the hoarding.
  • Manual Handling: Lifting and positioning of heritage boards.
  • Public Access: Minimising disruption and ensuring public safety in a public thoroughfare.
  • Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, and extreme temperatures affecting installation and safety.
  • Existing Structures: Damage to existing hoarding structure or surrounding public realm.
  • Tools and Equipment: Safe use of power tools (if required) and hand tools.

Control Measures:

  • Working at Height: Only trained and competent personnel will work at height. Use of appropriate access equipment, inspected prior to use. "Buddy system" in place.
  • Manual Handling: Manual handling assessments will be carried out. Use of two-person lifts where necessary. Correct lifting techniques to be employed.
  • Public Access: Clear demarcation of work area using barriers and appropriate signage. Maintain clear pedestrian routes. Installation during off-peak hours where feasible.
  • Weather Conditions: Works will be halted during adverse weather (e.g., strong winds, heavy rain, excessive temperatures).
  • Existing Structures: Careful assessment of hoarding condition prior to installation. Use of non-destructive fixing methods where possible.
  • Tools and Equipment: All tools will be inspected before use. PAT testing for electrical tools. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as detailed below.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel involved in the installation will wear the following minimum PPE:

  • High-visibility clothing
  • Safety footwear (steel-toed boots)
  • Safety gloves
  • Safety glasses/goggles (when using power tools or drilling)
  • Hard hats (if overhead hazards are identified, though unlikely for this scope)

Additional PPE may be required based on the specific risk assessment.

6. Materials and Equipment

  • Heritage Boards: Delivered pre-fabricated, to specified dimensions and materials (e.g., dibond, aluminium composite panel, with printed graphics).
  • Fixings: Appropriate fixings for securing boards to existing hoarding (e.g., screws, bolts, security fixings – details to be confirmed after hoarding material assessment). Note: Fixings will be chosen to minimise damage to the hoarding and allow for potential future removal without significant impact.
  • Drills/Impact Drivers: Cordless preferred for ease of use and safety.
  • Measuring Tapes, Levels, Pencils/Markers: For accurate positioning.
  • Step Ladders/Platform Ladders: As required for safe access to installation height.
  • Hand Tools: Screwdrivers, spanners, wrenches.
  • Barriers and Signage: For cordoning off the work area.
  • Waste Bags/Skips: For waste management.
  • Cleaning Supplies: For preparing the hoarding surface.

7. Pre-Commencement Procedures

  1. Site Reconnaissance: Final site visit to confirm exact hoarding dimensions, material, condition, and identify any obstructions or specific challenges.
  2. Permits/Approvals: Confirm all necessary permits or approvals from Arun District Council, Bognor Regis Town Council, or other relevant authorities are in place (e.g., working in public spaces).
  3. Utility Checks: Confirm no underground or overhead services are present in the immediate work area that could be affected by drilling or access equipment.
  4. Public Notification: If significant public disruption is anticipated, appropriate signage or communication will be implemented to inform the public of the works.
  5. Tool and Equipment Check: All tools and equipment will be inspected to ensure they are in good working order and have valid safety certificates (e.g., PAT testing).

8. Installation Procedure

  1. Establish Work Area:
    • Erect safety barriers and "Work in Progress" signage around the immediate work area to prevent public access.
    • Ensure clear pedestrian routes are maintained outside the work zone.
  2. Surface Preparation:
    • Clean the section of the hoarding where the board is to be installed, removing any dirt, dust, or loose debris. A damp cloth may be used.
    • Ensure the surface is dry before installation.
  3. Positioning the Board:
    • Carefully lift and position the heritage board onto the hoarding. This will likely require two persons due to the size and weight of the boards.
    • Use measuring tapes and a spirit level to ensure the board is correctly aligned and level. Mark the fixing points.
  4. Drilling (if required):
    • If drilling into the hoarding material is necessary, use the appropriate drill bit for the material.
    • Drill pilot holes at the marked fixing points, ensuring not to over-drill or damage the hoarding structure.
    • Consideration: If the hoarding is a temporary structure, non-invasive fixing methods (e.g., clamps, adhesive strips suitable for outdoor use and removal) will be prioritised to minimise damage upon de-installation. The final fixing method will be determined after the initial site survey.
  5. Securing the Board:
    • Secure the heritage board to the hoarding using the chosen fixings.
    • Ensure fixings are tight but do not over-tighten, which could damage the board or the hoarding.
    • If security fixings are used, ensure they are correctly installed to deter vandalism or theft.
  6. Repeat for Additional Boards: If multiple pilot boards are being installed, repeat steps 3-5 for each board, ensuring consistent spacing and alignment.
  7. Final Inspection:
    • Visually inspect all installed boards to ensure they are level, securely fixed, and free from damage.
    • Check all fixings are correctly installed.

9. Post-Installation Procedures

  1. Site Clean-up:
    • Remove all tools, equipment, and waste materials from the work area.
    • Dispose of all waste responsibly in designated waste receptacles.
    • Remove all barriers and signage.
  2. Documentation:
    • Record completion of works, including any observations or issues encountered.
    • Take clear photographs of the installed boards for project records.
  3. Reporting:
    • Report any snags or outstanding issues to the Project Manager for resolution.

10. Environmental Considerations

  • Waste Management: All waste materials will be collected and disposed of responsibly, recycling where possible.
  • Noise Pollution: Minimise noise disruption to the public and nearby residents, particularly during peak hours. Cordless tools will be prioritised.
  • Visual Impact: Ensure the installation process maintains a tidy and organised work area to minimise negative visual impact.

11. Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency:

  • First Aid: A designated first-aider will be present or readily available. A fully stocked first-aid kit will be on site.
  • Accident/Incident: Any accident or incident, no matter how minor, will be reported immediately to the Site Supervisor and Project Manager, and an incident report will be completed.
  • Fire: In case of fire, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services. Do not attempt to tackle a fire unless trained and equipped to do so.
  • Public Safety: In the event of an immediate threat to public safety, work will cease, the area will be secured, and emergency services contacted if necessary.

This Method Statement will be briefed to all personnel involved in the installation and adherence to its contents is mandatory. This document may be subject to review and amendment as required by site conditions or project requirements.