The installation of aluminium sliding doors is a routine but operationally significant activity across facilities management. Whether you are fitting new entrance systems in a commercial office, replacing worn track assemblies in a healthcare facility, or installing full-width glazed sliding partitions in a retail unit, the task carries a defined set of risks — from manual handling and working at height to glazing breakage and structural interface hazards — that must be managed through a documented method statement before work begins.
A method statement for aluminium sliding door installation is both a safety tool and a contractual requirement on most managed sites. It communicates the planned sequence of work, the controls that will be in place, the competency of the workforce, and the emergency arrangements should something go wrong. It gives the client, principal contractor, and regulatory authority confidence that the work has been planned, not improvised.
This guide is written for site managers, project supervisors, HSE officers, and facilities management compliance teams. It walks through every element your method statement must address — from scope and roles to step-by-step sequencing, plant and materials, control measures, training requirements, and review obligations — so you can produce a document that is fit for purpose, site-specific, and legally defensible.
What Is an Aluminium Sliding Door Installation Method Statement?
A method statement — sometimes called a Safe System of Work (SSoW) or Method of Working document — is a written plan that describes how a specific piece of work will be carried out safely. Unlike a risk assessment, which identifies hazards and evaluates risks, a method statement explains the practical sequence of operations that control those risks. The two documents are complementary and are typically read together as a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) pack.
For aluminium sliding door installation, the method statement will set out how frames, tracks, and glazed panels will be delivered, handled, positioned, fixed, and tested — and what safety precautions will be applied at each stage. It must be task-specific and site-specific: a generic template without reference to the actual site conditions, access constraints, and team composition is unlikely to satisfy a principal contractor or HSE inspector.
⚠ Legal Basis
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), principal contractors are required to plan, manage, and monitor construction work so that it is carried out without risks to health and safety. For notifiable projects, method statements must form part of the Construction Phase Plan. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all employers must establish and implement appropriate procedures — including safe systems of work — for every hazardous activity. Failure to produce an adequate method statement may constitute a breach of these regulations, potentially resulting in enforcement action by the HSE.
Scope and Applicability
This method statement applies to the installation of aluminium sliding door systems — including single-leaf, bi-parting, telescoping, and full-height glazed configurations — in commercial, healthcare, retail, industrial, and educational facilities management environments. It covers installation from structural opening preparation through to final commissioning, testing, and handover.
- Who must prepare it: The method statement must be prepared by the responsible contractor or specialist subcontractor undertaking the installation. It must be authored or reviewed by a competent person with direct knowledge of the task and site conditions.
- Who must approve it: On managed sites, the method statement must be reviewed and approved by the principal contractor or facilities management client before work commences. On CDM-notifiable projects, it must be incorporated into the Construction Phase Plan held by the principal contractor.
- Who must be briefed: All operatives, supervisors, and relevant subcontractors who will carry out or directly supervise any part of the installation must be briefed on the method statement contents and confirm their understanding, typically by signature on an attendance and briefing record.
- Applicability to occupied premises: Where installation is to take place within or adjacent to an occupied facility — such as a live hospital corridor, operational office floor, or trading retail unit — the method statement must include specific provisions for managing the interface with building occupants, including pedestrian exclusion zones, noise and dust controls, and out-of-hours working arrangements where required.
Key Information the Method Statement Must Include
A legally adequate and operationally useful method statement for aluminium sliding door installation must contain the following core elements:
- Project details: Site address, client name, project reference, scope of works, planned start and completion dates, and the name of the responsible contractor and supervisor.
- Description of work: A clear narrative of the installation activity — door type, opening dimensions, glazing specification, fixing method, and any structural or builder's work interfaces.
- Sequence of operations: A step-by-step description of how the work will be carried out, in the order it will be performed, with safety precautions embedded at each stage.
- Personnel and responsibilities: Names or roles of all persons involved, with their specific responsibilities defined.
- Plant, equipment, and materials: Full list of tools, access equipment, lifting aids, and materials to be used, including inspection status.
- Control measures: Specific measures for each identified risk, structured around the hierarchy of controls.
- Emergency arrangements: First aid provision, emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and incident reporting procedures.
- Communication arrangements: How the method statement will be communicated, including toolbox talk records, briefing sign-off sheets, and supervisory communication channels.
Step-by-Step Sequence of Work
-
1
Site Set-Up and Exclusion Zone Establishment Before any materials are unloaded or work begins, the supervisor must inspect the work area and establish a clearly demarcated exclusion zone around the installation opening using barriers, signage, and, where required, hoarding. Verify structural opening dimensions against the door specification drawings. Confirm that adjacent systems — electrical, fire detection, access control — have been isolated or made safe in coordination with the facilities manager. Conduct a toolbox talk and obtain signed briefing records from all operatives.
-
2
Delivery, Unloading, and Material Handling Coordinate delivery to avoid conflict with site traffic and pedestrian movement. Aluminium sections and glazed panels must be unloaded using a mechanical aid (pallet truck, A-frame trolley, or suction-cup lifters) wherever possible. All panels must be stored vertically in purpose-made stillages or padded A-frames. Operatives must wear cut-resistant gloves and safety footwear during all handling operations. Inspect all components for transit damage before proceeding — cracked glazing or distorted frames must be reported and replaced before installation.
-
3
Head Track and Sill Track Installation Fix the head track to the structural soffit and the sill track to the floor in accordance with the manufacturer's fixing schedule and the structural engineer's specification. Use appropriate fixings for the substrate — chemical anchors in blockwork, mechanical anchors in concrete, or timber screws in timber-framed openings. Verify track alignment using a spirit level and laser level before any fixing is made permanent. All drilling into structural elements must be preceded by a scan for concealed services using a cable and pipe detection device.
-
4
Frame and Panel Installation Lift door panels and frames into position using appropriate manual handling techniques or mechanical assistance. For panels exceeding 25 kg, a two-person lift or vacuum lifter is mandatory. Hang panels onto head track rollers and locate into sill guide channels. Adjust roller height and lateral alignment to achieve correct panel operation. Ensure all glazing beads are correctly seated and all security fixings are in place before the door is operated. Do not leave unsecured glazed panels unattended at any point during the installation process.
-
5
Sealing, Ironmongery, and Ancillary Fitting Apply sealant to all perimeter joints between the frame and the structural opening in accordance with the specification, ensuring compatibility between the sealant and the aluminium finish and any adjacent materials. Fit all ironmongery — handles, locks, closers, and access control interfaces — in accordance with the door manufacturer's hardware schedule. Where an automatic operator or activation sensor is being fitted, this must be carried out in coordination with the responsible electrical contractor and tested against the fire alarm and building management system integration requirements.
-
6
Testing, Commissioning, and Handover Test all panels for smooth and consistent operation through their full travel range. Verify that all locking and latching mechanisms engage correctly. Confirm that fire door versions meet the required fire rating and self-closing performance in line with BS EN 1154. Clean down the installation area, remove all waste including glass offcuts and packaging, and complete the handover documentation — including the operation and maintenance manual, warranty information, and any building log book entries required by the facilities manager.
Plant, Equipment & Materials
| Item | Type / Specification | Pre-Use Check Required |
|---|---|---|
| Access equipment | Step ladders, podium steps, or low-level platform (MEWP if above 2 m) | Pre-use inspection; LOLER/PUWER tag current |
| Vacuum glass lifter | Suction-cup panel lifter rated to panel weight + 25% safety margin | Pad condition, pump pressure, safety valve function |
| Power tools | SDS drill, rotary drill, impact driver — 110V or battery | PAT test current; disc and bit condition |
| Cable & pipe detector | Multi-mode detection (electrical, ferrous, non-ferrous) | Calibration check before each use |
| Aluminium frames and panels | Per manufacturer's specification and project schedule | Inspect for transit damage on delivery |
| Glazing panels | Toughened or laminated safety glass per BS EN 12150 / 14449 | Inspect for cracks, chips, edge damage before handling |
| Sealant and fixings | Compatible neutral-cure silicone; mechanical anchors per structural schedule | Check expiry date on sealant; verify anchor specification |
| Laser level / spirit level | Self-levelling laser or 1200 mm spirit level | Calibration check; battery status |
Control Measures and Precautions
The principal hazards associated with aluminium sliding door installation — manual handling, working at height, glazing breakage, struck-by from falling objects, and electrical contact — must be controlled through a structured hierarchy of measures.
| Control Level | Application to This Activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Elimination | Pre-glaze panels in factory where possible to eliminate on-site glazing handling. Sequence deliveries so that heavy panels are moved the minimum distance on site. |
| 2. Substitution | Use battery-powered tools over 110V trailing cables to reduce trip and electrical contact hazard. Specify lightweight aluminium sections where structurally appropriate. |
| 3. Engineering Controls | Use vacuum lifters and A-frame trolleys for all glazed panel handling. Erect physical barriers and overhead protection below elevated work areas. Install temporary edge protection on all exposed sills at height. |
| 4. Administrative Controls | Permit-to-work for any drilling into structural fabric. Two-person rule for all lifts above 25 kg. Toolbox talks before commencement and after any scope change. Supervisor present during all panel installation operations. |
| 5. PPE | Safety footwear (S3), cut-resistant gloves (EN 388 Level C minimum), safety glasses, hard hat within exclusion zone, and high-visibility vest where required by site rules. |
📌 Important Note — PPE Is the Last Resort
Personal protective equipment protects only the individual wearing it and provides no collective protection. It must never be specified as the primary control measure for any hazard associated with this installation. Always exhaust elimination, substitution, and engineering controls first. PPE supplements — it does not replace — a properly engineered safe system of work.
Roles and Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Responsible Person / Supervisor | Prepare and communicate the method statement; conduct pre-start briefing; maintain exclusion zones; supervise all panel handling operations; halt work if unsafe conditions arise; complete handover documentation. |
| Operatives / Installers | Follow the method statement and supervisor's instructions at all times; use specified equipment and PPE correctly; report hazards, damage, or near misses immediately; do not modify the sequence of work without supervisor authorisation. |
| HSE Officer / Competent Person | Review and approve the RAMS prior to commencement; conduct unannounced site inspections; verify that control measures are implemented in practice; initiate stop-work authority if non-compliance is observed. |
| Management / Client (FM) | Approve the method statement as part of contractor pre-qualification; ensure site induction is completed; provide accurate information on concealed services and structural constraints; review and accept the handover documentation. |
Traffic Management & Site Access
On facilities management sites — particularly occupied buildings — the management of pedestrian flow during aluminium sliding door installation is critical. The following arrangements must be confirmed and documented before work starts:
- Pedestrian exclusion zone: A minimum 2-metre exclusion zone must be established around the installation opening and all panel handling routes. Barriers must be physical — crowd control barriers or rigid hoarding — not just signage alone.
- Alternative pedestrian route: A clearly signed and adequately lit alternative route must be provided and communicated to building occupants and security staff prior to work commencing. This route must be maintained and monitored throughout the installation.
- Delivery vehicle access: Delivery and waste removal vehicle movements must be coordinated with the FM site manager to avoid conflict with car park traffic or building emergency vehicle access routes. A banksman must be provided for all reversing movements on site.
- Out-of-hours working: Where panel size, noise, or vibration makes in-hours installation impractical in an occupied building, out-of-hours working must be agreed with the client, documented in the method statement, and communicated to building security and facilities management.
Emergency Arrangements
The method statement must document the emergency response arrangements specific to this installation activity. These must be communicated during the pre-start briefing and displayed on the site notice board.
- Glazing breakage: In the event of a glass panel breaking, operatives must immediately withdraw from the immediate area, warn others, and await instruction from the supervisor. No operative should attempt to collect broken glass without cut-resistant PPE and a designated safe collection method. Broken toughened glass must be contained in sealed waste bags before disposal.
- Manual handling injury: In the event of a musculoskeletal injury during panel handling, the operative must be assisted to a rest position and the first aider contacted immediately. Panel handling must be suspended until the injured person has been assessed and the cause reviewed.
- Evacuation: All operatives must be familiar with the building's evacuation procedure and muster points. The supervisor is responsible for confirming that all team members have evacuated and reporting to the assembly point warden.
- First aid provision: A qualified first aider and a stocked first aid kit must be available on site at all times during the installation. The location of the nearest AED and the site emergency contact number must be posted on the site notice board.
- Emergency contacts: Emergency services (999), site FM manager, HSE officer, and the contractor's emergency out-of-hours contact must all be listed in the method statement and communicated during the pre-start briefing.
Training and Competency Requirements
- CSCS Card: All operatives on CDM-applicable sites must hold a valid CSCS card appropriate to their role — Blue (Skilled Worker) for installers; Gold (Supervisory) for the site supervisor.
- Manual handling training: All operatives must have completed a recognised manual handling training course, with training records available for inspection. Refresher training must be completed every three years.
- Working at height: Where access equipment above 2 metres is required, operatives must hold a relevant PASMA (podium/tower), IPAF (MEWP), or equivalent qualification. Ladder use above low-risk tasks must be justified and documented.
- Glazing and curtain walling: For specialist glazing operations, evidence of manufacturer's or industry training (e.g. GQA-accredited glazing qualifications) should be held by at least one operative on the crew.
- Site induction: All personnel must complete the site-specific induction before commencing work, covering emergency procedures, permit requirements, and site rules.
- First aid: At least one operative on each shift must hold a valid First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate.
Applicable International Standards
🌐 Relevant Standards and Regulatory References
- ISO 45001:2018 — Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: provides the overarching framework for planning and implementing safe systems of work, directly applicable to method statement preparation and contractor management.
- BS EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 — Windows and Doors — Product Standard: specifies performance requirements for external-facing sliding door systems, including mechanical strength, air permeability, water tightness, and load resistance.
- BS EN 12150-1:2015 — Thermally Toughened Soda Lime Safety Glass: specifies definition, properties, and conformity evaluation for toughened glazing used in sliding door assemblies.
- BS EN 14449:2005 — Laminated Glass and Laminated Safety Glass: applicable where laminated panels are specified for security or safety glazing in sliding door systems.
- BS EN 1154:1997+A1:2003 — Controlled Door Closing Devices: required for all fire door versions of aluminium sliding door systems, specifying self-closing performance and durability.
- CDM Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/51) — Construction (Design and Management) Regulations: the primary UK regulatory framework under which this method statement is prepared, governing duties of designers, principal contractors, and contractors.
- ILO Convention No. 167 — Safety and Health in Construction: establishes international duties for pre-task planning, supervision, and worker competency in construction activities — internationally applicable equivalent to CDM principles.
- PUWER 1998 / LOLER 1998: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations — applicable to all access equipment, vacuum lifters, and mechanical handling aids used during the installation.
Communication and Briefing
The method statement is only effective if the workforce understands and follows it. Communication must be structured, documented, and revisited whenever conditions change.
- Pre-start toolbox talk: The supervisor must deliver a toolbox talk before work commences on the first day, covering the full method statement including scope, sequence, hazards, controls, emergency arrangements, and reporting requirements. All attendees must sign the toolbox talk record.
- Daily briefings: A brief daily review of the planned activities, any changes from the previous day, and any site conditions or incidents that may affect the method should be conducted each morning before work starts.
- New starters and replacement operatives: Any operative joining the team after the initial briefing must receive an individual briefing from the supervisor before starting work and must sign the briefing record.
- Ongoing supervision: The supervisor must maintain a continuous supervisory presence during all high-risk phases — panel lifting, overhead fixing, and glazing operations. Supervision must be active, not remote.
- Client and FM communication: Any change to planned working hours, exclusion zone boundaries, or access routes must be communicated to the FM site manager in advance and confirmed in writing.
Reviewing and Updating the Method Statement
The method statement is a live document. It must be formally reviewed and updated — not simply reissued unchanged — whenever any of the following trigger conditions are met:
- Change in scope: If the installation scope changes — additional door openings, a change in glazing specification, or a modification to the fixing method — the method statement must be revised before the changed work begins.
- Site incident or near miss: Any incident, injury, or near miss must trigger an immediate review of the relevant sections of the method statement. Work should be suspended in the affected area until the review is complete and any revised controls are communicated.
- Change in site conditions: Unexpected discovery of concealed services, changes to traffic management arrangements, adverse weather affecting access, or the introduction of additional trades working in proximity all require reassessment.
- Regulatory change: If relevant legislation, guidance, or British Standards are updated during the project, the method statement must be reviewed for compliance with the revised requirements.
- Routine review: For projects extending beyond four weeks, a formal scheduled review of the method statement should take place at monthly intervals as a minimum, regardless of whether any trigger events have occurred.
⚠ Final Reminder — A Method Statement Is a Live Document
A method statement that sits in a folder on the site manager's desk is not compliance — it is paperwork. For it to fulfil its legal and operational purpose, it must be site-specific from the outset, communicated to and understood by every operative involved, actively supervised to ensure implementation, and updated promptly whenever work scope, site conditions, personnel, or regulatory requirements change. A generic or outdated method statement may offer no legal protection in the event of an incident and will not satisfy HSE inspection or client audit.
0 Comments