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Method Statement 2.23 - Contaminated Ground

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 2.23
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
2.23 Contaminated Ground As defined by on-site risk assessment Decontamination unit, Air monitoring equipment, Spill kits, Sealed containers N/A

Hazards

  • Chemical exposure
  • Asbestos fibers
  • Biological hazards
  • Skin contamination
  • Inhalation of vapors

Environmental Impacts

  • Contamination spread
  • Groundwater pollution
  • Air quality impacts

Customer Impacts

  • Extended work duration
  • Access restrictions
  • Health concerns

Training Required

  • Contaminated land awareness
  • Asbestos awareness (Category B for AC pipes)

Additional Plant and Equipment

  • Disposable coveralls
  • Chemical-resistant gloves
  • RPE (minimum FFP3 for asbestos)
  • Boot washing stations

Permits Required

  • Site-specific contamination permits
  • Waste disposal permits

COSHH Assessment Required

  • Site-specific contamination assessment
  • Material Safety Data Sheets review

Sequence of Operations and Control Methods

Pre-Work Assessment

  • Review contamination reports and surveys
  • Complete site-specific risk assessment
  • Establish exclusion zones
  • Set up decontamination area
  • Plan waste disposal route
  • Brief all personnel on hazards

Site Setup

  • Install perimeter barriers
  • Set up decontamination unit
  • Position boot wash stations
  • Establish clean/dirty zones
  • Prepare waste storage area
  • Install air monitoring equipment

During Work

  • Minimize ground disturbance
  • Dampen down to control dust
  • Monitor air quality continuously
  • Segregate contaminated materials immediately
  • Use appropriate PPE throughout
  • Prevent spread beyond work area

Personal Protection

  • Don appropriate PPE in sequence
  • Check PPE integrity before use
  • No eating, drinking or smoking in work area
  • Regular PPE changes as required
  • Monitor for breakthrough

Decontamination Procedures

  • Follow specific PPE removal sequence
  • Use boot wash stations when exiting
  • Shower if high contamination levels
  • Bag contaminated PPE for disposal
  • Clean all tools and equipment
  • Prevent cross-contamination

Waste Management

  • Classify waste correctly
  • Use appropriate containers
  • Label all contaminated waste
  • Use licensed carriers only
  • Complete waste transfer notes
  • Keep disposal records

Emergency Procedures

  • Stop work if unexpected contamination found
  • Evacuate area if necessary
  • Report to supervisor immediately
  • Implement emergency decontamination
  • Seek medical attention if exposure occurs