Method Statement 2.21 - Use of Road/Footway Plates¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | MS 2.21 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
| Task No | Task | PPE to be worn | Plant required | Reference is made to the Team Pack risk assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.21 | Use of Road/Footway Plates | As defined by on-site risk assessment | Mechanical lifting equipment, Load-rated plates, Anti-skid materials, Securing fixings | N/A |
Hazards¶
- Plate failure under load
- Vehicle skidding
- Trip hazards
- Manual handling injuries
- Noise from loose plates
Environmental Impacts¶
- Noise from traffic over plates
- Visual impact
Customer Impacts¶
- Access maintenance
- Noise disturbance
- Journey comfort
Training Required¶
- Manual handling
- Lifting operations
- Traffic management
Additional Plant and Equipment¶
- Ramps for raised edges
- Warning signage
- Plate lifting attachments
- Edge protection
Permits Required¶
- Highway authority permissions
- Temporary traffic management approval
COSHH Assessment Required¶
- Anti-skid coating materials
Sequence of Operations and Control Methods¶
Plate Selection¶
- Verify load rating for expected traffic
- Check plate certification
- Ensure minimum 300mm bearing beyond excavation on all sides
- Select plates with anti-skid surface for vehicle areas
- Consider pedestrian-specific plates where appropriate
Pre-Installation Checks¶
- Inspect excavation edge stability
- Check ground bearing capacity
- Verify excavation dimensions
- Ensure adequate support beneath plates
- Plan lifting operation
Installation¶
- Use mechanical lifting for metal plates
- Position carefully to avoid damage to excavation edges
- Ensure level installation (no rocking)
- Secure plates against movement
- Install ramps if edges not flush with surface
- Add anti-skid treatment if required
- Install appropriate warning signage
- Mark plate edges clearly
Traffic Management¶
- Implement Chapter 8 compliant setup
- Install advance warning signs
- Provide adequate delineation
- Consider speed reduction measures
- Maintain pedestrian routes
Monitoring Requirements¶
- Daily inspection in high-traffic areas
- Check after adverse weather events
- Monitor for movement or noise
- Clean surface to maintain grip
- Check securing arrangements
- Record inspection results
Removal Operations¶
- Only remove when ready to immediately backfill
- Ensure traffic management in place
- Use mechanical handling for heavy plates
- Install barriers immediately after removal
- Never leave excavation unprotected
Related Risk Assessments¶
- RA21 — Use of Road Plates Risk Assessment
- RA01 — Excavation - up to 1.2m deep
- RA10 — Manual Handling
Related Documents¶
- Chapter 8: Traffic Signs Manual
- Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice