Method Statement for Blinding (Lean Concrete Works)

The Method Statement for Blinding defines the rules to be applied during all the blinding concrete (or lean concrete) activities to ensure that all the works are properly executed in accordance with project specifications, applicable standards, and health, safety & environmental requirements.

Methodology

A. Pre-pour Concrete Works:

1. Prior to commencing work, an inspection shall be raised for the checking of formation level, formworks, and level pads.
2. All compaction test reports shall be approved before proceeding with the blinding activity.
3. Anti-termite applications shall be performed at the readied area. Anti-termite treatment shall be applied if required based on the project specifications. Whereas a separate method of the statement will be submitted for the application of anti-termite.
4. The newly placed anti-termite treatment shall be properly covered by using an approved polythene sheet commonly with a 1000 gauge thickness.
5. The concrete must be poured within 24 hours after the anti-termite application.
6. Setting out shall be carried out by Surveyor at the formation level for blinding concrete.
7. Visual inspection of strata at the formation level will be carried out by the Engineer for necessary approval.
8. Shuttering shall be installed for concrete blinding and ensure the correct location of the construction joint was provided.
9. Proper ramps/approaches to be made for the concrete pump & concrete mixers to the location of pouring.
10. Sketches showing concrete pump allocation/traffic management plan will be prepared for each pour & will be monitored by Safety Officer for safe movement.
11. The area to be concreted will be cleared from any loose materials; as well as the area will be signalized as prohibited to unauthorized personnel.
12. A blinding concrete mix of grade C30/20N/mm² SRC will be supplied to the site. (Trial mix approval details shall be made available on-site before commencing the work)
13. The blinding concrete shall be cast in strips not more than 4.0 m wide, in alternating sequence for the width of pouring. Contracting joints shall be provided at no more than 5.0 m spacing in length. Construction joint shall be provided between adjacent strips with contraction joint at every 4th construction joint.
14. A minimum of 3 days shall elapse between the castings of adjacent strips.
15. Level pads with cement mortar on top levels of the blinding will be established prior to the inspection. Spot reference level marks are to be provided using sand and cement mortar (1:3 mix) or steel pieces. The top level of the reference point indicates the designed blinding finish level. The spacing between reference points shall not be more than 3 meters in any direction.
16. All QC checks such as temperature, slump, etc. will be carried out before placing concrete. Concrete cube samples will be taken for 7 & 28 days of compressive strength testing.
    If any field test indicates that the concrete may be deficient, the QC will report this to the Lab. and PM, immediately. The PM will review the test results and take the required action.

B. Placing of Concrete:

1. Where concrete is conveyed by the pump, access to the pump will be checked prior to the pour. Where concrete is conveyed by a chute, the slope of the chute will allow the concrete to flow without the use of any additional water.
2. The necessary approvals will be obtained from the Engineer for the proposed arrangements before concreting.
3. All placing of concrete will be carried out under the direct supervision of competent staff and in the presence of a Supervision Consultant.
4. The Site Engineer and the Quality Control Engineer will monitor the concrete placement and will notify the Site Agent of any unacceptable materials or operations for action. Also, they will conduct the sampling and testing of fresh concrete according to the Quality Plan.
5. For night concreting operations, adequate illumination of the working area will be arranged.
6. Blinding concrete will be placed to the specified thickness over inspected surface up to the level as shown in the IFC & approved Shop Drawing. Any over-excavation will be filled with blinding concrete of the same grade.
7. The concrete surface will be leveled/finished properly using an aluminum straight edge.
8. Concrete will be protected immediately after finishing for the duration of the curing period of the environment, including sunshine and dry winds by covering it with a polyethylene sheet.
9. After the final set of concrete has taken place, an approved curing procedure shall be done using an approved curing compound and be covered with polyethylene sheets.
10. The polyethylene sheet should be of sufficient size so that the sheeting shall be returned up the outside faces of the concrete and suitably sealed.

Responsibilities

The responsibility for blinding concrete works rests primarily with the Site Engineer and Discipline Foreman with assistance from an audit by the Site Agent and inspectors.
The Site Engineer and Discipline Foreman shall ensure that the required Quality Control procedures and forms are available in place on a daily basis. Similarly, they shall ensure that the needed drawings are of the latest revisions.

The HSE inspection shall take place before concrete works start to ensure that the work area is safe i. e. adequate access, adequate illumination if working on the night shift, good concrete pump arrangements, checking the formwork and supports, and scaffold inspections, if applicable.

Project Manager
Responsible for accomplishing the stated project objectives which include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the constraints of the project management triangle, which are cost, time, scope, and quality.
The Project Manager shall be responsible for ensuring that the Project Quality Plan and the Inspection and Testing Procedures, method statement for blinding, HSE safety, and all contractual documentation are maintained up to date and accessible to all parties

Construction Manager
Responsible for overall construction activities ensuring that all method statements for blinding, quality, and safety procedures are implemented and required approval permits are obtained.

Site Engineer
Supervise operations in accordance with the approved method statement for blindings, shop drawings, specifications, material submittals, and schedules to achieve the acceptance of the project deliverables.

Site Supervisor
Supervise closely, the activities designated to them and ensure that all instructions and safety procedures are followed and strictly adhered to.
Supervise the work to ensure that technical, quality, safety, and purchase order requirements are met; Attend daily site meetings and communicate his daily report with the Project/Site Engineer; Participate in the training and development of his subordinates; Organize with the Project/Site Engineer to ensure the availability of plant, equipment, and labor to his designated work activities;
Closely monitor the usage of consumables and materials by his crew in order to minimize wastage; Assess the craftsmanship of subordinates under his control.

Site Foreman
To liaise with the Site Engineer and Supervisor for the work execution.

QA/QC Engineer
Ensure the proper implementation of the quality system and monitor the overall quality of the work is maintained. Conduct inspection and monitor tests. Determine and report any nonconformance and recommended corrective actions. Ensure that all personnel is aware of the quality requirement.
Training of relevant personnel.
Conduct surveillance and inspection duties at various stages to ensure compliance with QA/QC plan.

HSE Manager
Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) managers generally plan, coordinate and implement issues and directives within the organization. They ensure safe environmental working conditions for all employees.

HSE Engineer
Ensure enforcement of safety procedures in accordance with the approved HSE Plan.
Will be closely monitoring the site engineer’s strict implementation of the Method Statement for Blindings and Risk Assessment, the use of proper tools and equipment to maintain safety, certifications of equipment and their adherence to safety regulations, reporting of any unsafe work or stopping work that does not comply with ES&H procedures.

Advises on Health & Safety requirements and monitors the Hazard controls implemented on-site as per the Method Statement for Blinding and Risk assessment.

Chief Surveyor
Carry out a pre-construction survey to fix the locations and corresponding elevations as per the approved shop drawings.
Ensure quality and compliance during phases of surveying works and the regular checking of the surveying equipment or a periodic calibration from a third party.
Ensure the validity and the serial number of calibration certificates are available and posted on the survey equipment.
Ensure proper safety guarding of surveying equipment.
To maintain the records of all surveying equipment handled.

Survey Aide
Maintain and use Surveying equipment. Assist Surveyors in taking measurements, record measurements manually or electronically, and peg out boundaries.

Equipment Operator
The only authorized person to operate any equipment to be used in the project.

Rigger
The rigger assists in the movement of heavy equipment and loads to be lifted. A rigger set ups machinery and secures it in place and signals or verbally directs workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads, in order to ensure the safety of workers and materials.

First Aider
The first aider responds promptly when requested, operates with competence, knows how to secure additional help when needed, reports incidents and actions taken, and complies with requirements for certification.

Banksman
The role of a banksman is to provide additional eyes and ears to assist the operator of the equipment to navigate or operate safely.

Carpenters
A carpenter construct erects, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboards using the carpenter’s hand tools and power tools.

Helpers/Laborers
Perform tasks involving physical labor in the building, assists the skilled workers, and remove the trash, and residual building debris.
Assist in constructing and later disassembling reinforcement braces, concrete forms, scaffolds, and temporary structures.

Resources

Plant and Equipment:

1. Transit Mixers and Accessories
2. Concrete Pumps
3. Concrete Vibrators
4. Wooden Float
5. Steel or Plastic Finishing Float
6. Power Trowel (if needed)
7. Aluminum Straight Edge
8. Leica TS 15m Total Station
9. Leica NA2 Automatic Level

Note:
All 3rd Party Certificates shall be inspected prior to commencing work.
Survey Equipment Calibration Certificate

Work Force

Site Engineer
Land Surveyor
Survey Aide
Foreman
Machinery Operator
Banksman
Security Guards
Steel Fixers
Carpenter
Helpers/Laborers
HSE Engineer
First Aider

Light Tools

Power Tools (Various)
Hand Tools (Various)

Materials

1. Ready Mixed Concrete Grade 30/20 SRC Blinding Concrete
2. Shutters/Formworks
3. Steel Reinforcement
4. Shoring
5. Approved Curing Compound
6. Polyethylene Sheet
7. Test Certificates
   All Test Certificates for the above materials shall be provided.

Reference

1. Excavation Specification
2. Concreting Specification
3. Design Mix C30/20 SRC Blinding Concrete
4. Health and Safety Plan

Note: All concrete blinding works shall comply fully with the applicable laws, client’s
requirements and as per project specifications.

Pre-Start Safety Briefing Arrangements

Protective and Safety Equipment-
All workers involved shall be equipped with adequate PPE as stated below:

1. Safety Helmet with Company Logo
2. Safety Boots
3. High Visibility Vest
4. Safety Goggles
5. Hand Gloves
6. Coveralls

Information to Personnel

Safety Induction

Job training

1. Superintendent’s Notices/Memos
2. Toolbox talks
3. STARRT Card
4. Workers shall remove or take off immediately any clothing that becomes wet. Wash off the concrete with plenty of water and seek First Aid Treatment, if necessary.
5. The site-specific risk assessment shall be briefed to all personnel prior to the commencement of concrete works

Special Safety Requirements:

1. All necessary personal/protective equipment (PPE), as well as harness, be provided.
2. Banksman, wearing distinctive vests, shall be assigned to help operators maneuver their equipment.
3. The equipment operators shall possess the required licenses and certificates.
4. Generated dust (by end or equipment operations), shall be controlled by periodic water spraying.
5. The required TSTI will be prepared prior to the commencement of work and positively implemented.
6. The project safety officer is responsible along with the project zone site engineer for ensuring that all operations are carried out with due regard to the safety of all project personnel & property.
7. First Aid Material.
8. All lifting works shall be done as per the approved General Lifting Plan.
9. General management of protection/operation hazards is to be observed.
10. In case of working at night, please refer to Method Statement for Night Works

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