N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date

Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14

Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Method Statement
Site Clearance Works &Topsoil Strip

Version Issue.

Issue Date Version Details Revised by

0 8/5/14 First Issue

Acceptance / Approvals.

Name Signature Date

Prepared by: M Blackweir 08/05/2014

Reviewed by: A McGinley 08/05/2014

Accepted by: D Meade 08/05/2014

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 1

 N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Title: Site Clearance Works & Topsoil Strip

Location: N60 Balla to Claremorris Road Realignment at Heathlawn Scheme

Task at Hand
This method statement outlines the procedure and methodology for site clearance works and
topsoil stripping including removal/demolition of existing buildings, road signage and trees which
interfere with the new road alignment.

Timing of Task
To be advised subject to Contractor appointment.

Supervision of Task (Typical)

Name Contact Number
Contracts Manager: TBC
Site Agent: TBC
Foreman: TBC
Site Engineer: TBC
Suitably Qualified Ecologist: TBC

Employees Involved (Typical)

Plant Operators
Banksman
Site Supervisor
General operatives

Plant & Equipment to be used (Typical)

20 T 60 T 3600 excavators
A25 A40 all terrain dumptrucks
D65 dozers
Tractor and attachments

Specific Training
All site personnel shall have FAS Safe Pass certification.
All Excavator, Dumper and Crane drivers shall have CSCS certification.
CSCS certified representative in underground service location

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 2

N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Personal Protective Equipment

Safety Gloves Hearing Eye Respiratory Coveralls Other

Protection Protection Protection
Hi Vis- Vest
Hard Hats
Boots

Yes Where Yes NO No Yes

required

Methodology

Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip

All personnel entering the site shall have received a site safety induction and have
attended a job toolbox talk.
A Permit to dig form shall be issued by the Site Engineer relating to the area where Site
Clearance and topsoil stripping is to be carried out. The Section Engineer will consult
relevant documentation for details of known services and will ensure that the required
protections are in place prior to issuing a Permit to Dig.
Access to site shall be via approved access points (Refer to Figure 2 in Appendix A for site
access points). Clearance of all shrub shall be completed using a 360deg excavator or
similar. The surplus vegetation shall be stockpiled in appropriate piles throughout the site
(at locations in accordance with Environmental mitigation shown in this Construction
Method Statement). Where appropriate this may involve the use of a dump truck or similar.
The surplus vegetation shall then be disposed of appropriately.
All works will be executed within the permanent fencing boundary.
Goal post protection system to be installed around any ESB & Eircom overhead lines
which cross works areas prior to any works in these areas.
Site clearance will also take place along the proposed fencing, with works undertaken from
within the permanent boundary fencing. Openings between the landowners adjacent to the
works will be fenced and left stock proof by the end of each working day unless otherwise
agreed with the Landowner.

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 3

N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Potential Ecological / Environmental Impacts, including impacts on Balla Turlough cSAC

and/ or other European sites

NIS / EAR: Relevant Extracts:

Potential Impacts (in the absence of below Mitigation):

Surface & groundwater contamination during construction.
Potential Increase in run-off volumes to Turlough during construction.
Pollution from Surface Water run-off during Construction.
Direct Loss of Habitats/Flora species during Construction.
Indirect Loss of Habitats impacts during Construction.
Impact on Mammals during Construction (Other than bats).
Impact on Protected Mammals during Construction (Bats).
Impact on Birds during Construction.

Mitigation:

Construction works carried out in the vicinity of the turloughs will be monitored by a
suitably qualified ecologist.
To reduce potential increases in flows into the drainage system and downstream
turloughs during construction, the period of exposure of bare areas and uncontrolled
runoff from new hardstanding areas will be limited. Early covering/seeding/planting of
exposed surfaces will be undertaken.
Material stockpiles will be kept to a minimum size, covered and located at least 10m from
the drainage system and 100m from turloughs.
To prevent contaminated or silt-laden runoff from entering the turloughs, a range of
temporary measures will be implemented, such as silt fences, cut-off ditches, silt traps,
straw bales, entrapment matting and drainage to vegetated areas.
Runoff will be controlled and, if required, directed to settlement ponds or sumps. Any
temporary attenuation and treatment facilities will be designed and implemented in
accordance with CIRIA C697 (2007). All temporary treatment systems will be regularly
inspected and maintained.
The extent of construction activities will be controlled to limit vegetation removal and the
exposure and/or compaction of soils. Land surrounding the immediate construction area
will be fenced off, or otherwise demarcated, to prevent inadvertent intrusion from
construction plant.
Construction works will be avoided during prolonged periods of very heavy rainfall
adjacent to the Balla Turlough cSAC and Un-named Turlough.
No construction plant or construction vehicles to enter the Balla Turlough cSAC boundary
other than where this boundary has already been generally encroached by the existing
road.
Refuelling of machinery shall be carried out off-site, or when on-site not within 100m of
Turlough habitat.

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 4

N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

All fuels, oils, greases, hydraulic fluids and chemical storage areas will be stored in
bunded compounds/areas on impermeable bases at least 10m from the proposed
drainage system and 100m from the cSAC and Un-named Turlough.
No machinery to enter Turlough habitats, no temporary access or haul routes are located
in Turlough habitats and no temporary storage areas, plant or other obstacles are located
within Turlough habitats.
Monitoring of turbidity (suspended solids) levels in Balla Turlough SAC and the Un-named
Turlough will be undertaken on a monthly basis for a minimum of 6 months prior to
construction and will include monitoring during the winter season when Turlough water
levels are most likely to be present. Monitoring will also be undertaken on a weekly basis
during construction for turbidity (suspended solids). In the event of suspended solids
concentrations that are higher than the 95th %ile of those monitored during the pre-
construction monitoring period, a review of the Sediment and Erosion Control measures
and plan will be implemented and additional sediment control measures put in place as
required. Daily visual inspections of Balla Turlough SAC and the Un-named Turlough will
also be undertaken during the construction phase to confirm the absence of sediment
from construction works.
The N60 Balla to Claremorris Erosion and Sediment Control Plan shall be implemented to
prevent sediment or pollutants from reaching the Balla or Un-named Turloughs.
Prior to construction, and from November-February, the single Sweet Briar bush at
Heathlawn (Ch. 3,220) shall be up-rooted and heeled-in in a suitable, dry, sheltered,
unshaded habitat outside the working area but within the permanent fenceline boundary.
This shall be supervised by a suitably qualified ecologist. The temporary planting area
shall be fenced off and appropriately labelled to inform construction staff. Following
completion of road construction, but prior to landscaping works, this bush will be removed
from storage/or habitat in which it was heeled-in, and be included in landscape
treatments.
The N60 Balla to Claremorris Invasive Species Management Plan will be implemented in
full. The Three-Cornered Garlic within the footprint of the works at Ch. 1,500 in the
abandoned garden at Garhawnagh will be dug out and either buried to depth of 2m, or
removed to licensed landfill or incinerator. The landfill will be notified of the invasive
species content. The roadside Snowberry shrubs at Ch. 2,070 will be sprayed with a
strong glyphosate-based herbicide, which must be applied when the plant is in full leaf.
Several applications may be required and care will be taken to avoid non-target species in
adjacent hedges and grasslands (Cowslips, Violets and other woodland flora).
Rhododendron is outside the working area within a private property boundary and will not
be impacted.
Invasive species may have spread or changed distribution since the summer 2012 habitat
surveys. Therefore, the Invasive Species Management Plan will include re-survey (pre-
construction) of the working area as per NRA guidelines (NRA, 2010). This survey will
include accurate 1:5,000 scale mapping for the precise location of invasive species. The
pre-construction surveys will be undertaken by suitable experts with competence in
identifying these species and ability to separate them from other species appearing similar
to a non-professional (e.g. Three-Cornered Garlic from native Ramsons Allium ursinum).
A badger derogation license application was submitted and granted license returned. The
potential disturbance of the potential subsidiary badger sett is north of Ch. 1,750, and in

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 5

N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

close proximity to the proposed Un-named Turlough swale and outfall. This mitigation
proposes monitoring of the sett prior to commencement of any construction works, and
includes for potential permanent exclusion subject to badger activity and results of this
monitoring.
Seasonal restrictions on vegetation removal will be imposed for breeding birds. This will
avoid greatest impacts to both Hedgehog and Pygmy Shrew which are likely during the
peak breeding season for these species (May-August according to Hayden & Harrington,
2001).
Two hedgehog nest boxes will be placed in existing hedges to be retained, within dense
vegetation on the side of the hedge facing away from the roadway. These shall be placed
at intact hedges where risk of Hedgehog road crossings collisions is reduced, or
(preferably) in the base of dense hedgerow at distance from the roadway outside the CPO
(subject to permission of local landowners).
There are no known bat roost features. However as a precautionary measure for the old
forge at Rathduff Roof tiles will be removed by hand in the presence of a licenced bat
ecologist. If no bats are found, the building shall be demolished immediately and
preferably during the shoulder season (i.e. September to November). Should any bats be
found during the removal of tiles, the bat specialist will consult with the NPWS and advise
the contractor on the potential for a derogation licence to be obtained from the NPWS, in
line with the NRA Guidelines for the Treatment of Bats during The Construction of
National Road Schemes (NRA, 2005).
Potential indirect impacts via loss of hedge and treeline foraging habitats will be mitigated
via hedgerow planting where practicable.
Construction lighting should be oriented away from hedges, woods, and other vegetated
areas.
Vegetation (e.g. hedgerows, woodland, trees, scrub and grassland) will not be removed
between March and August inclusive, to avoid impacts on nesting birds and breeding
small mammals. Although the Wildlife Acts provide an exemption from this seasonal
restriction for road construction, there is no exemption provided for intentional nest
destruction. Where the construction programme does not allow this seasonal restriction to
be observed, vegetated areas will be inspected by a suitably qualified ecologist for the
presence of breeding birds prior to clearance. Where nests are found, the appointed
ecologist will recommend whether a licence is required for vegetation removal from the
NPWS. Areas found not to contain nests must be cleared within 3 days of the survey, or
further surveys will be required to be undertaken.
All mitigation contained within the N60 Environmental Assessment Report and NATURA
Impact Statement shall be implemented in full.

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 6

 N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Specific Idendified Residual Risks for Civil Works

The following is a list of identified particular risks associated with above works

Underground Services
Plant and Equipment
Biological Substances
Manual Handling

Appendix B (attached) gives detailed risk assessments for risks identified above.

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 7

N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Relaying of Information; to each operative:

I wish to confirm that the information in this method statement has been communicated
to me and I have understood it. I shall bring to the attention of the supervisor any
issues, which may affect Safety whilst carrying out the task.

Information provided by Supervisor;

NAME (BLOCK) Signature DATE

In the event of the need for a deviation from the Method Statement, no further work will
be done until agreement has been reached and recorded in writing between the client &
the contractor on the method of work to be followed in the new circumstances.

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 8

N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Appendix A

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 9

 


v u t s r
w 



k

q p o

% $

' &
R






l k j

m


n




R
r

g f e

z




 

 

{

|

i h

~



"
#

m l

 
 


1



V 

5
T

r


8 




k

 

1 u

n o
v





M L

K
b


m

o n

 

 






c


  

 

O
N

 j







 






p


 




R S




 

U
T
 






<


 





 

b
i

d
>

<



<


 j

>



V
m

W 

[Z

k
b

m b

d c

n
o

) (

+ *

e






 

  

 

M
L
l

d
^

,
_


Y X

 

B
f

d
l

C C

y
  d

C C

a`

D D

|
c

C C

] \

 

E E

G
m

 a

J
 


  

k p

F
q

J I

B

s

g
 

H
r h

n
o

 

yx

d c b z

f e

 

x
x



C


F

m
l

x {

|
x M L



C
P O N





R Q




D







*
)

G 
H





r


B


F
E

(
'
&



L




K 

+ ,


^




O
%




P


R Q

T

R


S




U 

V


T


 

 

?


   

K J I

] \

K J I

^
]

f e

#
/ 





:
2

0
2

4
1

/
3 2 2
W


X

5



2 5

6
/ 6

7


[ 



0



x

\

w
E


/
<

7 ! E

)



C

*

C
2 }
+


,

/ 8

7
1






x
 

,

E

9

D C B
x

-





: 2
. 0

7

2

/ 

3
|




7
;
E

9






y
0  
|

% "

7 @
2

x
C

#

:

/ 




0
:

}



~

E



;

@
:

y
:
9 {
}
</




{

|
|
$
~
z

0

%

 y

= 9

E


: %

&

>

6


8 7

{
0

H

:
C

# " !



t

0 t

 

}
v

C
9 s


|
t s

'
C

u t


x

 


! H

:
E
 

7


2


 t




{

r

A @ ?
3


u

'


6
:

(
/

2


3


{ {



7
?


r
}

<

<: x

E


> = {

7 |

5

N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

APPENDIX B
Risk Assessments
Hazard/Risk Assessment Proforma
Project: N60 Balla to Claremorris Road Risk Assessment No: N60/RA04 Rev 0 Review Dates: May 2014
Realignment at Heathlawn
Scheme
Operation/Task Site Clearance Method Statement Initial Site Clearance
: Title:
Location/Area: All areas Method Statement No: MS-N60 03 Rev 0

CATEGORY OF PERSONS AT RISK AND MEANS OF BRIEFING

Means of Briefing
CATEGORY OF PERSONS
RAMS SCS Other
Occupations involved in Activity
Plant operators, general operatives , Y
(Specify):
Others Persons at Work (Specify): N/A
Public or Other Parties (Specify): NA

Description of the task/operation

1. All aspects of excavations .
2. Lifting operations

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 10

 N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

KEY: S = Severity Rating L = Likelihood of Occurrence

RR = Risk Rating 9 Unacceptable risk, plan out or add further controls

1. Negligible 1. Improbable 4- Acceptable only if no other method viable and with high level controls in
3 3 6 9

Severity
6 place
2. Minor 2. Reasonably likely 2-
2 1 4 6 Acceptable if suitable controls
3
3. Notifiable/Major/Fatal 3. Certain or near certain 1 1 2 3 1 Acceptable, no further action required
1 2 3
Likelihood

Risk Assessment Prepared by Signature: Date:

(Name):

Risk Assessment Reviewed by Signature: Date:

(Name):

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 11

 N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Hazards/Risks Pre-Control Risk Residual Risk

Ite Responsibilit Monitoring
Activity Identified Rating Control Measures Rating
m S L RR S L RR
y Responsibility
01 Existing Work near significant 2 2 4 Detailed Method Statements and Risk 1 2 2 Full site Team BBI
Services existing services ie Assessments to be carried out for all
- ESB services activities which have potential to impact on
- Watermains existing services
- Telecommunications - Request temporary outages on services
- Worker Briefings to be carried out
- Adhere to Codes of Practice for avoiding
dangers from under ground services
- Trial holing in advance
- Permit to Dig system to be implemented
- Use of Catscan equipment
- Use of trained plant operators
- Use of Banksman
- Request temporary outages on affected
utilities
-

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 12

 N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Hazards/Risks Pre-Control Risk Residual Risk

Ite Responsibilit Monitoring
Activity Identified Rating Control Measures Rating
m S L RR S L RR
y Responsibility
02 Heavy Plant Working adjacent to Heavy 3 2 6 - Detailed Method Statements and Risk 3 1 3 Full site Team Contr
and Plant and Assessments to be carried out for all
Equipment machinery including activities to address the movement use of
excavation plant heavy equipment.
and lifting appliances - Worker Briefings to be carried out
Hazards - Plant to be operated by Competent
Noise. Personnel
Operated by untrained - Plant to be in good order and inspected prior
individual to commencement of any works on site
Incorrect use. - Auxiliary devices and visual aids on plant as
Speeding. highlighted in Schedule 6 of 2006
Poor maintenance. Construction Regulations.
Unsupervised reversing. - Carry out plant checks and record on plant
Overloading checklists
Risks - Vehicle Banksmen to be utilised where
Struck by site transport required
Falls from vehicles. - Segregate traffic from public and workforce
Splashed by fuel during where possible
refuelling. - Implement work exclusion zones where
Tipping or overturning of appropriate
vehicles. - Implement Traffic Management Plans
Contact with moving parts - Ensure all personnel were appropriate PPE
of machinery. and high visibility clothing
Struck by mater dropped
while in lift.

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 13

 N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Hazards/Risks Pre-Control Risk Residual Risk

Ite Responsibilit Monitoring
Activity Identified Rating Control Measures Rating
m S L RR S L RR
y Responsibility
03 Biological Works which put person 3 2 4 - Detailed Method Statements and Risk 3 1 2 Full site Team Contr
Substances at work at risk Assessments to be carried out for all
from Biological activities where biological substances are
substances envisaged including contaminated ground
- Leptospirosis /Weils and dealing with asbestos gaskets
Disease - Areas of potential contaminated ground to
- Contact with be tested and areas segregated
contaminated ground or - COSHH Assessments to be carried out and
objects or materials briefed to workers
- Working on existing - MSDS Sheets to be available for
streams and construction chemicals in use
drains, particularly foul - Ensure adequate assessment of PPE
drains. requirements for surfacing operations
- All operatives engaged in sewer tie in works
to wear appropriate PPE which will include
gloves and disposable overalls.
- All operatives to be briefed and trained
- Adequate washing facilities to provided
- Ensure adequate ventilation is provided
provide to avoid Asphyxiation
- Adequate awareness of and protection
against Weils disease

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 14

 N60 Balla to Claremorris Issue Date
Road Realignment at 0 08/5/14
Method Statement:
Heathlawn Scheme Site Clearance & Topsoil Strip
Ident No.
MS-N60-03

Hazards/Risks Pre-Control Risk Residual Risk

Ite Responsibilit Monitoring
Activity Identified Rating Control Measures Rating
m S L RR S L RR
y Responsibility
04 Manual Fractures, Strains, Sprains 3 2 6 -Use of mechanical assistance wherever possible, 3 1 2 Full Site Team Contr
Handling e.g. forklift, plant, lifting appliance etc.
Cuts, Lacerations, - Reduce loads by making them smaller or lighter.
Abrasions - Ensure the working environment is suitable i.e. -
-- - Access ways are unimpeded and properly
Injury through aggravation lighted. - Working platforms should be non-slip
of previous/existing medical and kept clean
condition Ensure that the individual is lifting correctly,
maintains good posture, and lifts with knees bent
and back kept straight.
All loads should be assessed individually for
size and weight, but generally loads greater
than 25kg should be handled by more than
one person or mechanical means employed.
Operatives must wear appropriate gloves and
other clothing to reduce the risk of injury.
Ensure that all previously experienced back
complaints are brought to the attention of
management, in order that allowances may
be made in ascertaining the safest method of
manual handling.

Date : 8/5/2014 Page 15