Method Statement for Cement Plastering – Architectural Finishings Concrete Work

What is the method statement for cement plastering work?

This method statement for cement plastering work describes the process to be implemented during the entire plastering activity in a safe and quality manner. This also outlines and describes the procedure such as plaster preparations of the surfaces, mixing of cement plaster or mortar, rendering coat of wall, an inspection of the plasterwork, and all other related activities.

This activity should be performed with strict compliance and implementation of safety requirements and project specifications to complete the plastering work both for concrete and blockwork.

What is plastering?

Plastering is the application of a thin layer of mortar/plaster over the surface of walls, ceilings, moldings and architectural decorative elements, and even structural members such as columns, beams, panels, etc.

Plastering provides a finishing over the applied surface which enhances its appearance. The other objectives of plastering are to protect the surface from atmospheric exposures, to cover the defective workmanship in block works/masonry, to conceal porous concrete materials, and to provide an acceptable surface for painting application.

What are plaster and what the type of plastering used in this method statement?

Plaster is formed through the mixture of dry materials either by the use of these components of sand, gypsum, lime or cement together with water to form a stiff but workable paste before it is immediately applied to the surface.

This method statement will mainly focus on the cement plastering application. Whereas, cement plaster is defined as a homogenous mixture of Portland cement, fine aggregates, and water. Generally, sand is used as fine aggregates in cement plaster hence it is also called sand-cement plaster.

The adopted codes govern on this method statement is the British Standard (BS) but it should be based on the order of precedent with the Project Specifications, Contract Agreement, Addendum Special Provisions, etc.

This method is not fully comprehensive but helpfully provides ideas on how the concrete works associated with the risk assessments and related requirements are outlaid.

Same with the method statement for in-situ concrete, this presentation can be formatted to help the Technical Department/Construction Department/QA Department prepares the required method statement for concrete plastering which is being submitted to the Consultant for review and approval as part of the project’s QA documentation.

How is the method statement for plastering being prepared and structured?

The free presentation below is an outlined method statement for a particular process. It is made up of various sections as emphasized in the article about flowchart and procedure on how to write the method statement properly.

This can also be used as a template for method statement submittal as part of project requirements documentation.

Method Statement for Cement Plastering – Architectural Finishings

I.Description of Works

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Reference
4. Responsibilities
5. Interfacing with Other Operations
6. Duration, Phasing with the Subcontractors
7. List of Subcontractors

II. Resources

1. Plant and Equipment
2. Work Force
3. Light Tools

III. Materials

1. Aggregates
2. Cement (OPC & SRC)
3. Water
4. Lath, Beads, and Stops
5. Fixtures and Fastener
6. Bonding Compound
7. Approved Mortar mix
8. Approved Curing Compound

IV. Site Planning 

1. Preparation
2. Site Clearance
3. Traffic Management
4. Pre‐construction Safety Meetings
5. Operating Procedures

V. Methodology

VI. Risk Assessment and Job Hazard Analysis

VII. Permit and Licensing Requirements

VIII. Drawings, Diagrams, and Maps

IX. Pre-Start Safety Briefing Arrangements

1. Protective and Safety Equipment
2. Information to Personnel
3. Special Safety Requirements
4. Emergency Procedures
5. Emergency Contact Numbers

X. Supervision and Monitoring Arrangements 

1. Construction Manager
2. Site Engineer
3. Site Foreman
4. QA/QC Engineer
5. HSE Engineer
6. Chief Surveyor

XI. Environment and Quality Issues 

1. Precautionary Measure
2. Disposal Requirements
3. Inspection, Test, and Sampling
4. Quality Assurance Requirements Table

XII. Attachments

1. Risk Assessment
2. Reference Documentation
3. List of Appendices

APPENDIX A: Drawings, Diagrams, and Maps Site Location
APPENDIX B: Risk Assessment
APPENDIX C: Permit & Licensing Requirements Permit to Work
APPENDIX D: Inspection & Testing Plan (ITP) 

I.Description of Works

1.Introduction

This Method Statement defines the sequence and describes the control procedures to be followed for Architectural Finishes – Plastering Work. The purpose of this Method Statement is to establish the rules to be applied during wet-applied plaster finish for the wall, block works,  and structural members.

This method statement covers:
1. Smooth plaster finish to the substrate as indicated.
2. The system includes all the necessary trims and accessories necessary to complete the work.

This method statement ensures that all the plastering works are properly executed in accordance with Project Specifications and applicable standards.

2. Definitions

SE Site Engineer
QC Quality Control Engineer
SF Site Foreman
PM Project Manager
SA Site Agent representative from the Lab
HSE Manager Health, Safety & Environmental Manager
HSE Officer Health, Safety & Environmental Officer
CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan
QCP Quality Control Plan
HSE Plan Health, Safety, and Environment Plan

3. Reference

Information sources may include, but not be limited to, verbal or written and graphical instructions, signage, work schedules/ drawings/specifications, work bulletins, charts and hand sketches, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Project Specifications
Tender Documents
Approved Mortar Mix Design
Health and Safety Plan
HSE Plan
Baseline Schedule- Detailed

All masonry blockwork and plastering shall comply fully with the applicable laws, client’s requirements, and specifications as per Project Specifications.
Note: All dimensions are in mm unless specified. All temperature values are in degree centigrade unless specified.

4. Responsibilities

The responsibility for inspection and testing of masonry block work 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 night shift, checking the formwork and supports, scaffold inspections, etc. 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, 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 plastering works, quality, and safety procedures are implemented and required approval permits are obtained.

Site Engineer

Supervise operations in accordance with the approved Method Statement, 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 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

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 non-conformance 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.

H.S.E. 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.

H.S.E. Officer

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 Cement Plastering 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/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 periodic calibration from the 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 setups 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.

Carpenter

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

Mason

A Mason is a tradesman in building units of various natural or artificial mineral products, such as stones, bricks, cinder blocks, hollow blocks, or tiles, usually with the use of mortar or cement as a bonding agent. This also includes the concrete plastering ability.

Helpers / Labors

Perform tasks involving physical labor at the building, assist 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.

5. Interfacing with Other Operations

Completion of RC and Masonry works with required embedment

6. Duration, Phasing with the Subcontractors

Refer to the approved Baseline Schedule for the duration of Plaster Works.

7. List of Subcontractors

Main Contractor
Subcontractor – As per the approved subcontractor

II. Resources

1. Plant and Equipment

Note:
All 3rd Party Certificates shall be inspected prior to commencing work.
All machines shall fulfill Project Specification requirements if required.

2. WorkForce

3. Light Tools

III. Materials

1. Aggregates

Should meet the requirement in the project specifications.

2. Cement (OPC & SRC)

Should meet the requirement mentioned in the project specifications.

3. Water

Should meet the requirement mentioned in the project specifications.

4. Lath, Beads, and Stops

1. Beads and stops are to be manufactured from stainless steel to BS EN ISO 2081:2008;2082:2008.

2. Corner bead and edge trim shall be a minimum of 4mm thick, rigid PVC plastic.

3. Expanded mesh metal lath is to be manufactured from galvanized steel as per BS EN 10346:2009, minimum zinc coating or 225 g/m² with an aperture of 5mm (the short way) and thickness of 3mm.

5. Fixtures and Fasteners

Nails, screws, and washers are to be stainless steel as indicated in the drawing. Pins for shot-firing to be steel with a tight coating of cadmium or zinc complying with BS EN ISO 2081:2008; 2082:2008.

Wire ties are to be galvanized with a minimum diameter of 1.20mm.

6. Bonding Compound

Bonding compounds shall comply with the relevant provisions of BS 5270.

7. Approved Mortar mix

As per the approved material submittal.

8. Approved Curing Compound

Refer to the attached Materials Submittals referring to applicable standards and Project Specifications.

IV. Site Planning

Refer to the approved baseline schedule for the duration of plastering works.

1. Preparation

The contractor shall ensure that all gate passes, permits, tools, materials for safety precautions, manpower, and equipment are available before the commencement of work.
The Site Team shall make sure that access roads are always clear from any obstruction and site is always accessible.

2. Site Clearance

Before commencing the work, the area shall be cleared of all debris, materials, or other obstructions.

Required levels are to be confirmed and verified by Site Engineer and QC Engineer before commencing the work.

It is the responsibility of the CM to ensure that any preceding activity is completed.
If the block work is required to be done on earlier concrete work, it is the responsibility of the QC Engineer to approve that concrete had hardened (% Strength) enough to withstand a load of manpower, formwork, scaffolding, block work material dead load, and concerning operations.

3. Traffic Management

Other than some special cases no special traffic management plan is required.
Special cases can be identified on individual bases and related actions can be taken accordingly.

4. Pre-construction Safety Meetings

The meeting shall be scheduled prior to the beginning of the work and before any Subcontractor starts on the project.

Safety awareness meetings will be conducted every working day morning/every other day to brief the workforce on the safety prevention measures. The equipment check for safety shall be recorded/ documented during the daily Safety Awareness Meeting.

Traffic safety will be discussed to emphasize these meetings.

Each worker will be instructed to follow specific safety requirements related to his trade. They will be required to follow installed safety signs, observe barricades and use opens.

Contractor Safety will perform hazard risk analysis by identifying all steps, and hazards identified in those steps, with a focus on the relationship between the work task, the tools, and the work environment. After identifying uncontrolled hazards; the Contractor will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.

General contractual Safety, Health, and Environmental requirements.
Roles of the contractor, subcontractors, authorized representatives, and all project workers.
Accident reporting requirements.

Specific details of the work to be performed along with the use of personal protective equipment.

Emergency procedure.

5. Operating Procedures
Site work shall be done as per the ongoing safety procedures being implemented on site. All throughout the duration of work, the required supervision shall be considered to ensure the completion of the activity in a safe and orderly manner.

V. Methodology

1. It is to be ensured that before seven days of planned plastering work, the water penetration test is carried out successfully.

2. Plastering works shall only commence after acceptance of the CMU/ block work installation (with tolerance applicable) and after acceptance, the plaster preparations such as the complete installation of inserts and plaster accessories, and plaster guides shall commence.

3. The materials and Mortar mix design must be approved and available at the site. Any change in source shall be reported to Engineer. Use approved material and store it in a dry place, away from the ground, moisture, dirt, and other contaminants. The expired material shall be removed from the site.

4. Except for fair-face concrete, plaster works are applied on all hollow blocks and concrete works conjunctionally forming the required smooth surface.

5. Corners of columns and walls adjacent to columns shall be covered with steel angle plates with a protective rubber finish.

The edge protection must not permit the passing of a 100mm diameter ball and must exceed 1100mm above the top of a separate barrier beam or the top of the up-stand of the integral barrier.

6. Rendering coat shall be applied prior to starting the plastering layer.

7. The thickness of plaster shall be 20 mm for external and 15mm for internal works. The plaster thickness includes a layer of rush coat and one layer of the final coat. The external plaster layer and internal plaster layer will be of the same mix design. The in-plane tolerance of plastering work shall be less than 6.5mm.

8. The compressive strength of cement finish coat plaster shall be 20 MPa when tested in accordance with ASTM C 472.

9. The proper and unvarying thickness of the plaster layer should be maintained.
Applying sufficient guide pads of required thickness on the wall at reasonable distances to allow proper guidelines and infill of plaster sustaining a consistent thickness.

10. Corner bead and edge trim shall be a minimum of 4mm thick, rigid PVC plastic fixed inside.

Outside beads and edge trim shall be of 4mm thick stainless steel as mentioned above in the materials. Flanges of the bead or trim not less than 22mm wide with punch outs are to provide a plaster bond.

11. Approved skim coat shall be applied on exposed ceiling work with a thickness of 10mm.

12. Beads stops and the like is to be fixed plumb, square, and true to the line with 40mm galvanized clout nails or plaster dabs at not more than 600mm center to each mesh wing.

13. Smooth or non-absorbent solid surfaces, such as cast-in-place or precast concrete, shall be prepared to receive Portland cement plaster either by bonding compound or by metal lath or both referring to the approved drawing.

14. Each plaster coat shall be applied to an entire wall or ceiling panel without interruption to avoid cold joints and abrupt changes in the uniform appearance of succeeding coats. Wet plaster shall abut set plaster at naturally occurring interruptions in the plane of the plaster, such as corner angles, rustications, openings, and control joints where this is possible.

Joinings, where necessary, shall be cut square and straight and not less than 152 mm away from a joining in the preceding coat.

15. After plastering completion any additional services in the wall shall be cut by a saw machine to cover the metal lath then plastering shall be done.

16. In case a construction joint is needed, the joint will be saw-cut and wire mesh will be placed.

17. Control Joints shall be located as per the approved Shop Drawing.

18. The distance between control joints shall not exceed 5.5 m in either direction or a length-to-width ratio of 2-1⁄2 to 1. A control joint shall be installed where the ceiling framing or furring changes direction.

19. A control joint shall be installed where an expansion joint occurs in the base exterior wall. Wall or partition-height door frames shall be considered control joints.

20. Lath shall not be continuous through control joints but shall be stopped and tied at each side.

21. Where load-bearing walls or partitions butt into structural walls, columns, or floor or roof slabs, the sides or ends of the wall or partition lath shall be terminated at the internal angles with a casing bead, expansion/control joint, or similar device designed to keep the sides and ends of the wall or partition lath free of the adjoining elements as shown on the drawings.

22. Partially completed walls shall be covered at all times when work is not in progress.
Protection shall be maintained for at least 24 hours after masonry placement and grouting operations are completed, and water curing for at least 3 days after plaster installation.

23. Where fire-rated construction is required for walls, partitions, columns, beams, and floor-ceiling assemblies, the construction is to be the same as that used in the fire-rating test. Construction requirements for fire-rated assemblies and materials shall conform to BS 476.

24. Mortar shall be made on-site by either a portable batch mixer using weigh batching or manual mix using volume batching. For larger quantities, it can be mixed in the batch plant.

25. Inspection of the plasterwork shall be carried out in strict accordance with the approved ITP for the stages mentioned and related records shall be maintained.

26. For fire-rated construction, the type and size of the fastener shall be as used in the fire-rating tests.

VI. Risk Assessment and Job Hazard Analysis

Please refer to the attached document in Appendix B.

VII. Permit and Licensing Requirements

Please refer to the attached Permit to Work in Appendix C.

VIII. Drawings, Diagrams, and Maps

Please refer to the attached document in Appendix A.

IX. Pre-Start Safety Briefing Arrangements

Refer to Risk Assessment in Appendix B.

1. Protective and Safety Equipment

All workers involved shall be equipped with adequate PPE as stated below:
a. Safety Helmet with Company Logo
b. Safety Boots
c. High Visibility Vest
d. Safety Goggles
e. Hand Gloves
f. Coveralls
g. 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

2. Information to Personnel

a. Safety Induction
b. Job training
c. Superintendents Notices/Memos
d. Toolbox talks
e. START Card
f. Site-specific Risk Assessment shall be briefed to all personnel prior to the commencement of concrete works

3. Special Safety Requirements:

a. All necessary personal/protective equipment (PPE), as well as the harness, be provided.
b. Banksman, wearing distinctive vests, shall be assigned to help operators maneuver their equipment.
c. The equipment operators shall possess the required licenses and certificates.
d. Generated dust (By the end of equipment operations), shall be controlled by periodic water spraying.
e. The required TSTI will be prepared prior to the commencement of work and positively implemented.
f. 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.
g. All working activity shall comply with the Client Safety Procedure
h. First Aid Material.
i. General management of protection/operation hazards is to be observed.

4. Emergency Procedures

The Flowchart below shows the emergency contact number during work.

5. Emergency Contact Numbers

X. Supervision and Monitoring Arrangements

Construction Manager
He is in charge of all construction activities. Schedule the project in logical steps and budget the time required to meet deadlines. Inspect and review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes and other regulations.

Site Engineer
The Site Engineer shall evaluate the number of materials consumed by each trade to be compared against the planned quantity

Site Foreman
A construction foreman is responsible for supervising the workers and also doing actual construction work. The foreman monitors employees to ensure that the work is done efficiently and within quality standards.

QA/QC Engineer
The QA/QC Engineer shall monitor whether the installation works are conforming to the required quality otherwise he shall notify the Site Engineer should he find nonconformance to the ongoing activities. The Site Engineer shall immediately rectify the work to avoid receipt of NCR from the QA/QC Engineer.

HSE Engineer
The Safety Engineer shall be full-time at the site and shall frequently visit all the ongoing works at the site. All safety violations and on-conformance of the HSE Plan shall be registered and immediate action shall be done in coordination with the Site Engineer.

Chief Surveyor
A Chief Surveyor ensures that surveying data are collected and recorded accurately and that all company procedures are followed by crew members.

XI. Environment and Quality Issues

1. Precautionary Measure

All precautionary measures shall be briefed to all workers prior to commencing activity

2. Disposal Requirements

All waste shall be disposed of as per Environmental Compliance and Management Plan and as per Government approved disposal areas.

3. Inspection, Test, and Sampling

Request for Inspection and Testing will be submitted prior to and after execution of works.
Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) shall be provided.

All necessary testing & inspection shall be carried out as per (Inspection and Testing of Concrete) Part of the Project Quality Plan. This includes:
a. Approved Method statements;
b. Approved Shop drawing;
c. Approved Inspection for formworks;
d. Approved inspection of scaffolding if applicable;
e. Approved inspection of Reinforcement;
f. Approved pre-casting inspection;
g. Approved third-party laboratory;
h. Approved mix design;
i. Approved materials
Refer to Inspection and Testing Plan in Appendix D.

4. Quality Assurance Requirements Table

a. Refer to Project Quality Plan
b. Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) shall be provided.

XII. Attachments

1. Risk Assessment
Refer to Risk Assessment in Appendix – B.

2. Reference Documentation
a. Project Specifications
List of Appendices
Appendix A: Drawings, Diagrams, and Maps
Appendix B: Risk Assessment and Job Hazard Analysis
Appendix C: Permit and Licensing Requirements Permit to Work

See Also: Method Statement for Architectural Works

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