< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >

METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00

Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 1 of 31

>>> READ THIS FIRST <<<

Instructions on how to convert this ‘base’ method Statement into a ‘project
specific’ method statement:

 Headers : Replace the ‘BMS’ reference # with applicable project

reference numbering
Insert issue date (DD MMM YY format)
 Cover : In Revision History panel insert same date as Header & names
as applicable
 Insertions : Follow the instructions in this document (red text) to add
project specific details
Ensure that no conflict exists between this document and the
Specification which MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE
 Review : Check for completeness, sign cover sheet as ‘Prepared’
Pass to Quality & Safety Managers for their review and to sign
as ‘Checked’
Then pass to Project Manager to sign as ‘Authorised’
 Control : Distribute document as required via the Document
Controller to log distribution made
 And finally : Delete this and other instructions (red text)
METHOD STATEMENT
FOR
< INSERT WORKS TITLE >

If, despite best endeavours, a conflict should arise between this Method Statement and the Project
Specification the requirements of the latter shall be observed and this document revised, accordingly.

Checked Authorised
Issue Date Prepared
HSE (PSM) Quality (PQM) (Project Manager)

00 DD MMM YY
 < INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 2 of 31

CONTENTS

CONTENTS................................................................................................................................ 2

1.0 SCOPE............................................................................................................................. 5

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................................................ 5

3.0 INTERFACING................................................................................................................. 5

4.0 SEQUENCING..................................................................................................................6

5.0 METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Pre-Works.........................................................................................................................................................6
Preparation of solid surfaces for plastering
Bonding Treatment
Beads Fixation
Lathing
Embedded Items
Control Joints
Submittals
Mix Designs
Alternatives
Mock-Up

5.2 Works...............................................................................................................................................................15

Mixing of Plaster
Plastering Application
Finishing Coats
Inspection
Tolerances

5.3 Post-works.......................................................................................................................................................24
Curing
Cutting and Patching
Cleaning and Protecting

6.0 PLANT & EQUIPMENT..................................................................................................26

7.0 MATERIALS...................................................................................................................26

8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................................26

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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
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9.0 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................................................26

10.0 ATTACHMENTS......................................................................................................... 26
Attachment 1: Key to Safety Symbols.......................................................................................................................27

Attachment 2: Risk Assessment.................................................................................................................................28

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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 4 of 31

Amendments History
Rev Clause Changes Made
00 Original issue of document
01
02
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 5 of 31

1.0 Scope
This Method Statement covers the application of Cement Plaster works only.

The Method Statement excludes:

- Gypsum plastering application.

- Any special type of plastering which shall be undertaken by the manufacturer or the subcontractor
and to be discussed in a specific Method Statement.

Note: Emphasis of required safety measures will be inserted throughout, generally in the
following format, pictograms are to be found in Attachment 1:

2.0 Responsibilities
 Site Manager:

o Assigning areas of responsibility of Senior Site Engineers.

o Monitoring adherence to project schedule.

o Expediting areas of concern to best achieve project schedule.

 Senior Site Engineer:

o Assigning areas of responsibility of Site Engineers.

o Overseeing overall plaster works progression and readiness to application.

o In charge of removing any obstacle that may affects the progress of work on site.

 Site Engineers:

o Assigning areas of responsibility to Foremen.

o Continuous monitoring of all aspects of Plastering works, i.e. substrates preparation before
works, embedded items installation and inspection, fixation of accessories like bead and metal
lathes, indicating locations of control joints and installation of the V-Joints, supervision on mixing
procedures and proportions of ingredients, execution of the mock-up to be approved, plastering
application taking in consideration the specifications of the project, curing for the plaster, post-
works inspection, determination of necessity for repairs, selection and overseeing the
performance of plastering repairs in accordance with prescribed methods and products.

o Inspection of all aspects of the plastering works.

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o Liaising with QC Engineers regarding works progression and availability for hold point
inspections.

o Liaising with Mechanical and Electrical Engineers for mechanical and electrical embedded items.

 Surveyors:

o Checking the locations and elevations of embedded items.

o Setting out the locations of control joints.

 QC Engineers:

o Ongoing inspection of all aspects of the plastering works.

o Assigning areas of responsibility to QC Technicians.

o Ensuring that the Project Inspection Plan (PIP) has been briefed to and is then followed by the
construction team.

o Hold point inspection of plastering works, e.g. dash coat is inspected and cured enough and first
plastering coat can be applied.

 QC Technicians:

o Continuous monitoring of and real time reporting to QC Engineers of ongoing plastering works.

 Technical Office Manager:

o Development and gaining approval of Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings showing the
locations of mechanical/ electrical embedded items and control joints, materials and other
technical submittals and their distribution as required.

 < INSERT OTHER JOB TITLES AND ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITES AS NECESSARY >

3.0 Interfacing
 Site Manager:

o Coordination with Technical Office Manager to ensure timely availability and approval of
materials, design mixes in collaboration with Quality Manager, and IFC drawings.

 Senior Site Engineer:

o Ongoing liaison with Site Engineers concerning the execution progress and obstacles they may
face.

o Liaison with Technical Office Manager for advice required regarding changes, missing
information, clarifications.

o Liaison with Quality Manager concerning the above as required.

 Site Engineers:

o Ongoing liaison with Surveyors concerning overall setting out and placing of embedded items.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
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 QC Engineers:

o Ongoing liaison with Site Engineers concerning plastering works progression and adherence to
stipulated requirements of IFC drawings, method statements, approved materials and PIP.

4.0 Sequencing
Schedule of Areas To be Plastered
Reference Area Covered

5.0 Methodology
5.1 Pre-Works

1.1.1. Preparation of solid surfaces for plastering :

- Clean substrates removing all loose material.

- Removal of any deposit that may affects the adhesion of plastering.
- If suction is excessive (for dry blocks or concrete in hot weather) , control it by dampening with
water. But avoid over-wetting for substrate.
- For dense concrete, if the surface is not rough enough, roughen it by scabbling to remove 2 mm of
the laitance to expose the aggregate and apply a bonding treatment. ( According to project
requirements )
- If the substrate is not sufficiently true to ensure conformity with the desired thickness of the plaster
system, apply additional coats to keep the thickness within the required limits, thickness of
plastering after applying the additional coats must be kept within the acceptable limits.(It is not
allowed to apply additional coats all over the whole wall, it can be applied for limited areas only)
- After ensuring that the substrate surface is ready to accept plastering, apply bonding agent on
concrete or concrete masonry units. ( According to project requirements )
- In case of presence of a curing agent applied to concrete surfaces indicated to plastering, removal of
this curing agent and scabbling for concrete is highly recommended (Or according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations) , since curing agent can form a segregation layer between
plaster and substrate.
- If caulking is required in any area, it is recommended to insert sealant into gaps prior to applying
plaster.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
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Caulking with sealant Caulking of masonry to window frame

- In case of presence of any moulds, spores of these moulds must be removed by scrubbing then
hydro blasting.

1.1.2. Bonding Treatment :

- Bonding agent or Dash-Coat is applied as indicated in the project’s specifications.

- Bonding Agent:
a) Bonding agent is applied to substrates to enhance a strong bond between plaster and substrate
and to achieve uniformity of suction.
b) It is recommended in case of low-suction or sealed surfaces.
c) Surface applied to bonding agent must be clean, free from dust, or oils, etc….
d) Bonding agent can be sprayed, rolled or brushed according to the type used and its method of
application indicated by manufacturer.
e) Apply the Bonding Agent to concrete or concrete masonry units after ensuring that it complies
with specifications and after its submittal and approval by the Owner.
f) Steps of application should be tightly followed ( according to manufacturer’s written
instructions ), taking in consideration any important requirements like duration between
application of Bonding Agent and application of first plastering coat in order to get the perfect
bond between the substrate and the plastering coat.
g) Bonding agent can be added to the plaster mix if required and indicated in project
specifications..
h) Bonding agents used and their application method, mixing proportions, etc…. are indicated in
(Table 1 – Bonding Agents) below: <Insert the above required data in the table below>

Bonding Ingredients Application Plaster is

Mixing Time
Agent Method applied after:

(Table 1 – Bonding Agents)

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- Dash Coat:

a) Apply Dash Coat to concrete or concrete masonry units indicated to plastering if Bonding Agent
is not required.
b) Substrate must be dampened before applying the Dash Coat.
c) Dash coat is applied to improve the bond between plaster and the substrate and over come
suction of blocks surface compared to less suction of mortar joints.
d) Dash coat must be consistent in thickness and roughness.
e) Dash coat must have a sharp texture on the substrate.
f) The coat must cover the whole area applied to plastering with no voids.
g) Metal lath must be totally covered with dash coat.
h) Mix of Dash Coat: Ingredients of Design Mix of Dash Coat and its proportions is illustrated in
(Table 4-Mix Design).
Generally, in cement plastering the ratio between cement and sand is:

1 part Cement : 2 parts Sand

i) Mix small amounts of the mortar; do not use mortar that is older than 60 mins.
j) Sometimes bonding agent is added to the mix according to project specifications.
k) Dash Coat thickness: Thickness of Dash Coat is illustrated in (Table 5-Thickness of coats).
Generally, Dash Coat thickness = 3 – 6 mm

l) Curing of Dash Coat: view (Table 9 – Plaster Curing)

Light Dash Coat Heavy Dash Coat

1.1.3. Beads Fixation:

- Types of accessories (Beads, Control joints, metal lath) commonly used and there locations are
illustrated in (Table 2-Beads) below <Insert any type of accessory used in your project and not
mentioned in the table below>

No. Type Applied For Location

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Angle Beads
a) Designed for 2 or 3 coat application.

1 At all external corners

b) Form strong and accurate corners
resistant to chipping and cracking.

Architrave Beads a) Available with or without flange which

may be used to decorative effect.
b) Typical application includes the At wall abutments,
2 creation of clean divisions between around doors and
varying finished walls. windows frames
c) Form a plaster stop and shadow line
recess.
Stop Beads a) Can be used to provide plaster stops
for forming neat “Bell-end” shape.
At all terminations of
b) Resist impact damage.
plaster and junctions with
3
other materials or plaster
c) For reinforcement of plaster.
systems
d) For straight-edge plaster.

Corner Mesh

a) Provide reinforcement for internal

4 At all internal corners
corners of plastered area.

Control Joints (V-Joints)

a) Control and relieve stresses in plaster
membrane.
As indicated in
5
b) Reduce the possibilities of occurrence (5.1.6-Control Joints)
of cracking or buckling in big areas
indicated to plastering.

Metal Lath a) Reinforcement and provides a key for Over any waterproofed
plastering. substrates, contact
6 surfaces between any
b) Prevent cracking at contact surfaces different materials and for
between any two different materials big thickness plaster.

- On fixation:
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a) It is important to be aware of the relations between structural elements that are indicated to
plastering: Distances between walls and each others, Orthogonality between elements, etc …..

b) Checking that the accessories are fixed in the right place and position (checking level,
plumb, etc…)

c) To be fixed per standards and codes and project special requirements.

1.1.4. Lathing:

- Metal lath is fixed to masonry and concrete substrates, also to metal (by welding) and non-porous
backgrounds to provide a key.
- Used to prevent cracking that may occur at the contact surfaces between any two different
materials. (e.g. Concrete and masonry or two different types of blocks)
- Lathing must be fixed before applying plastering if the substrate is waterproofed.
- Lathing must be used in case of big thickness plastering to act as reinforcement for the plastering
layers.
- Fixation Process: should be fixed per standards, codes and project special requirements:
a) Run the long way of the mesh across supports.
b) Nailed, stapled or hog-tied to the supports.
c) Fixation at centres every 200 mm or less.
d) It should be stretched tightly as much as possible.
e) Don’t stop edges at corners; bend it around for 150 mm al least.
f) Minimum overlap between sheets is about 250 mm.
g) For fixation, use Hand-driven pins (min length= 25 mm) carrying a washer for security, or
flathead concrete nails (min length= 21.5 mm, using a 38 mm nails is preferable) carrying a
washer over the shaft. T-pins or any other devices can be used as an additional holding to the
lath, and they can be fixed between regularly fixed drive-pins or concrete nails.
(Use nails, pins or washers made from galvanized steel only)

h) Types of nails used is according to the metal lath used, refer to the metal lath manufacturer’s
recommendations.

i) Do not use T-pins in fixation alone, it will not support the weight of the metal lath.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
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Metal lath and its installation

Recommended nails for Accessories Fixation

1.1.5. Embedded Items:

- If there are water pipes, electrical conduits or any other embedded items to be fixed; finish fixation
of these items before starting the first coat of plaster.

1.1.6. Control Joints:

- Structurally, control joints are used to control and relieve stresses in the plaster membrane, thereby
reducing the possibilities of cracking and buckling.
- These stresses are found at joints of dissimilar materials or where differential deflection is
anticipated.
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- Stress is caused by expansion and contraction of structure and is usually due to settlement or
varying in climatic conditions.
- Control joints must be installed at locations indicated in approved drawings, if not indicated; install
the joints as follows:
a) Where an expansion or contraction joint occurs in the substrate’s surface with depth extended
through the plaster and reinforcement to the substrate and with width = 3 mm or the same as
substrate’s joint width (the greater of both).
b) When wall area greater than 13 m².
c) When distance between 2 joints is greater than 5.4 m.
d) Between panels, at surface penetrations (Doors, windows, etc…) and at areas of structural
stresses.
- V-joints: or expansion beads are usually manufactured in 13 mm or 19 mm profiles.
- Cut right through the plaster to the substrate at abutments with metal doors, abutments with other
finishes and junctions between different substrates.
- Don’t continue plaster across damp-proof courses.
- A groove or a cut in the plaster can not be considered as a control joint.

Expansion Joints (V-Joints) used in control joints

Control joint Installation Expansion Bead (V-Joints)

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1.1.7. Submittals:

- All accessories or materials used in plastering process to be submitted and approved by the owner
before usage.
- Do not proceed with lathing, fixing beads or plastering until all products and finish samples are
approved.
- Material and accessories should be received by a responsible Material Engineer and to be checked
on receive and checked again before usage.

1.1.8. Mix Design:

- Mix Design of the mixes used in Dash Coat, First Coat, or Second Coat and its Ingredients,
proportions, etc… are illustrated in (Table 3-Mix Design) below < insert the mixes names used in
your projects and their components in the following table>

Ingredients Proportions Mixing

Mix Name
Cement Sand Water Time Method of Mixing

(Table 3 - Mix Design)

1.1.9. Alternative Design Mixes and accessories:

- If there is an alternative Design Mix for plastering; to be illustrated in (Table 4-Alt. Mix Designs)
below: <Insert the alternatives for the Mix Design in the table below>

Ingredients Proportions Mixing

Mix Name
Cement Sand Time Method of Mixing

(Table 4 – Alt. Mix Designs)

- If there is an alternative type of accessories (beads, lathing, joints, etc….); to be illustrated in (Table
5-Alt. accessories) below: <Insert the alternatives for the Accessories in the table below>
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No. Type Applied for Location

(Table 5 – Alt. accessories)

1.1.10. Mock-up:

- Two mock-ups to be executed:

a) External plastering mock-up:

 Executing a mock-up exposed to all external factors that may affect plastering
(wind, direct sun light, high temperatures, etc….)
 Consider all precautions to keep plastering with the desired quality.
 Apply the Dash Coat rate in the mock-up to be approved.
 All approved accessories to be fixed precisely in their locations in the mock-up to
measure its performance.
 Mix Designs submitted and approved to be applied for first and second coats to test
the workability of these mix designs.
 Curing is applied according to project specifications putting the external conditions
in consideration.
 The mock-up to be inspected and accepted by QC engineer then by the owner to
approve: Workmanship, Design Mix, Dash coat rate and coat’s textures.

b) Internal plastering mock-up:

 Executing a mock-up exposed to normal conditions.

 The mock-up is kept away from external conditions.
 Apply the Dash Coat rate in the mock-up to be approved.
 All approved accessories to be fixed precisely in their locations in the mock-up to
measure its performance.
 Mix Designs approved to be applied for first and second coats to test the
workability of these mix designs.
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 Curing is applied for internal plastering according to project specifications.

 The mock-up to be inspected and accepted by QC engineer then by the owner to
approve: Workmanship, Design Mix, Dash coat rate and coat’s textures.

- Curing process for external and internal plastering is illustrated in (Table 10-plaster curing)

5.2 Works

1.1.1. Mixing of plaster:

- Select a mix that suits the conditions the plastering is exposed to.
- Measure components of the mix by volume using buckets or boxes (Its better to use a gauging
trowel)
- Ensure successive coats are no richer in binder than the coats to which they are applied.
- Mixing Procedure:
a) Put water in a clean bucket before adding the binder to avoid lumpy mix.
b) Added water to be cold, clean and free from strange materials.
c) Variation in water temperature affects the Setting Time of the cast which will lead to a direct
effect on the strength of plaster.
d) Add plastering materials (Cement, sand, lime…)
e) It’s easier to use a mixer drill instead of manual mixing, manual mixing is not permitted.
f) For mechanical mixing, use Rotary Concrete Mixer

Rotary Concrete Mixer used in mechanical mixing of plaster

g) Don’t use excessive water in the mix.

h) Sift or strew plaster into water slowly and evenly.
i) Don’t drop large amounts of plaster directly into water.
j) Allow plaster to soak for 2-4 mins, and then mix as required to obtain a creaming of plaster
slurry.
k) Mix for 3-5 mins after all ingredients is put in the mixer.
- Min and max limits of proportions are indicated in (Table 3-Mix Designs)
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- Mixing time is very important since it affects the strength developed. As mixing time is increased,
strength of the cast increases. However, long mixing time affects other properties adversely (e.g.
porosity)
- Mixing time is based on the properties needed in the cast.
- Mix small amounts of the mortar; do not use mortar that is older than 60 mins.
- Mortar that had been stiffened due to water evaporation can be tempered one time only to restore
the required consistency.
- Mixing time affects Set-Time of the cast, under mixing can lead to separation of plaster from water
prior to set. On other hand, over mixing may decrease the strength of plaster. Therefore, mixing
time must be developed and followed as standards and specifications of the project.

1.1.2. Plastering application:

- Sequencing of work is required in case of big areas to be plastered.

- Big areas must be divided into panels according to approved drawings and it’s recommended to
start plastering from higher panels to lower ones in order to protect lower panels from damage if
we start with it.
- Panels should be relatively square shaped.
- For one panel. Avoid starting the application of any plastering coat before finishing the application
of the predecessor coat.
- It is much recommended to form a “Concave shape Joints” in mortar between blocks during
masonry works. So when applying plaster, this Concave Shaped joint can provide a better bond
between plaster and substrate.

Concave Shaped Joint Formation of Concave Shaped Joint

- If there is any deviation in the wall indicated to plaster, it is required to apply a leveling coat at the
low spots after applying dash coat, to adjust the verticality of the wall or keep it plane.
- Apply dash coat, allow it to stiff and to have formed some bonding to the substrate. Then lay on the
leveling coat in low spots by hand or by machine.
- Avoid the thickness of leveling coat to exceed 10 mm to prevent delamination.
- Moist cure the leveling coat and allow it to dry to uniformly low moisture content over the whole
wall before applying the base coat.
- Delamination: It is the separation of plaster from the substrate due to incorrect preparation of
substrate, or occurs behind thick plaster layer on the substrate, or failure to press plaster strongly
into the substrate.
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Delamination for plastered surface

- Ensure of the presence of direct contact between plaster and substrate generally and especially at
Metal Lathing zones. Although lathing is installed, it is important that the plaster membrane adheres
directly to the substrate as fully and securely as possible in addition to the fixation of the metal lath
to the substrate.
- Make dots before applying plaster to be used as a guide to form a flat surface for plaster free from
curves or bends (use spirit level and straight edge to form dots)
- Make screeds by joining the dots horizontally or vertically, lay the plastering material in strips of (7-
10) cm in width and leveled off with the floats to the thickness of the dots. Screeds must have the
same thickness of the dots which is equal to the thickness of the base coat as well. Screeds are used
to fill plaster between them so the entire wall will be flat with no curves and the base coat thickness
is adjusted all over the wall.
- Dots and screeds should be made from the same material of the base coat to avoid removing them
and filling the gabs of the same plaster material after that.

Screeds on dash coated substrate

- Press the plaster through the openings of expanded metal lath and wings of beads.
- Scratch-comb each base coat in two directions when it has stiffened.
- Base coat is finished according to the required texture (e.g. Mission Texture. Do not require as much
straightening of the base coat due to absence of plane in the decorative finish coat).
- Base coat must be moist cured in accordance with good industry practice then allowed to dry to
uniform moisture content over the entire wall before application of finish coat.
- Sometimes base coat is built up in more than one coat (Scratch coat + Brown coat) but that is not
necessary over substrates that was applied to dash coat before.
- Plaster base coat must be rodded off to a true flat plane. Even and level with screeds.
- At corners; make internal corners and angles square, finish external corners flush with corner beads
on interior work. Square and true with plaster faces on exterior work.
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- During plastering works, protect the substrates that had not been plastered yet.
- Number of coats is two coats at least over block walls although it varies according to project
requirements and specifications ( insert no. of coats in your project according to project
requirements) and to be applied over the following surfaces:
(Illustrate substrates indicated to plastering in your project)

- Thickness of coats: Min and Max thickness for each coat is indicated in (Table 6-Thickness of coats)
< Insert thickness of coats according to project requirements>

Coat Min (mm) Max (mm)

Dash Coat

1st Coat

2nd Coat

Finish Coat

(Table 6 – Thickness of coats)

- If thickness of coats is not mentioned in the specifications of the project, so it is recommended to

apply plaster with thickness = (4-6) mm for dash coat, thickness = (12-20) mm for base coats and
thickness = 5mm for finishing coat.

- External Plastering precautions:

a) Cold Weather:
 Do not use frozen materials.
 Do not apply plastering to frozen surfaces or surfaces containing frost.
 Do not mix materials or apply cement plaster if temperature is less than 4.4 degrees° C.
(According to ASTM C 962)

b) Hot Weather:
 Protect cement plaster from uneven and excessive evaporation during hot, windy and dry
weather.
 Moist curing after each coat of cement plaster with water if temperature is more than 24
degrees° C. Moist cure for 48 hours after application of coats.
 In hot, or dry, or windy weather, cement plaster should be moistened down and then
covered with polyethylene plastic sheets.
 Moist curing is required at the start and the end of work day.
 Do not apply plastering if temperature exceeded 26 degrees° C.
- Duration between each coat and its successive is indicated in (Table 7 - Durations between coats)
below: <Insert duration between each coat and the coat following>
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
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Coat Duration Notes

Dash Coat

1st Coat

2nd Coat

3rd Coat

(Table 7 - Durations between coats)

- Efflorescence Phenomena:

 It is a deposit of mineral salts on plaster surface; it occurs due to presence of dissolved

salts in any of the materials used in plaster mix (Water, Cement, Sand, etc…..)

 To prevent or reduce occurrence of Efflorescence phenomena, it is recommended to

keep amount of water used in the mix as low as possible, water must be clean as
mentioned
 Use clean, washed sand; it must be free from salts that can be considered one of the
main causes of Efflorescence. It is important to use sand taken from sources free from
contamination of salt water, soil runoff, plant life and decomposed organic compounds.
 Ensure that the substrate’s surface is clean and wet the surface before applying plaster
to be sure of the removal of any mineral salts stuck to the substrate.

 Removing of Efflorescence:

 The most common method to remove Efflorescence is dry brushing followed by

flushing with clean potable water.

 In case of Efflorescence due to Calcium Chloride deposits, it is more difficult to

remove it. It causes a white bloom on the surface of plaster and in the worst
cases it leaves a hard white crust. The most effective method to remove this
type of Efflorescence is saturating the wall as much as possible with clean water
then washes it with diluted acid followed immediately with alkaline wash, then
rinse with clean water
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 21 of 31

Sources of Efflorescence

Efflorescence on plastered ceiling

1.1.3. Finishing Coats:

- Finish coat is applied after base coat is sufficiently cured (review Table 10-Plaster Curing) and
attained uniformly moisture content or suction over the entire wall.
- It must be applied with suitable thickness and with the desired texture (Float, Dash, etc…) according
to project requirements.
- If the final surface is to be somewhat smooth, plasterers must avoid manipulation for the surface
early to prevent the appearance of hair cracks or migration of fines to the surface.
- Use a finish coat according to the project requirements and specifications.
- Factory –prepared finishing coats must be used according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Types of finishing coats and their application, properties are illustrated in (Table 8 – Finishing Coats)
<Insert the type of finishing coats used in your project, ingredients and application>

No. of Thickness
Coat Name How to apply
coats (mm)
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(Table 8 – Finishing Coats)

1.1.4. Inspection :

- Before plastering:
a) Substrate:
 Ensure that substrate is clean, free from loose materials or any deterioration.
 Check verticality and the plane surface of the substrate and ensure that the surface is
free from any deviation or inclination using plump-line and straight-edge.
b) Accessories:
 Checking that fixation of the beads and metal lath is executed according to good
industry practice and project’s specifications
 Checking that accessories are fixed in the correct positions.
 Check that beads are vertical, leveled and free from defects.
 ENSURE that the Beads and the final finish coat are on the same plane and no difference
between them.

- Inspection after applying plastering coats:

a) Dash Coat:
 After passing 3 days or less; rub the dash coat surface with hands, if it is fragmented and
cement falls, so cement ratio in the mix is low or there was lack in curing.
 After more than 3 days; scratch the dash coat surface with a nail or the like to check the
strength of the coat, if cement falls, then the mix ingredients ratios is not accurate or there
was lack in curing.
 Check the texture of the dash coat; it has to be hard, sharp and consistent in thickness and
roughness.
b) Dots and screeds of base coat:
 Dots and screeds must be with the same thickness applied for the base coat.
 All dots and screeds must have the same level (height).
 Check that all dots and screeds are on the same plane by pulling a thread between the
screeds and ensure that distance between the thread and the substrate is constant.
 Check verticality or horizontality of the screeds using straight edge and spirit level to ensure
the absence of any inclination before applying plaster.
c) Plaster Coats:
 Use straight edge to check the thickness of the base coat it does not exceed its limit.
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 Check whether delamination occurred or not by knocking on the coat’s surface, if drum
sound is heard, the area should be cut and repaired.
 Pull thread all over the whole wall or use a plumb-bob and a straight edge to check if there
is any curvature or bending in the plastered surface.
 Ensure that corners are regular and free from any curves using straight edge.
 Put the spirit level on the straight edge while checking flatness of plaster.
 Ensure that the dimensions of the openings (Doors, windows…) are accurate after applying
plaster and it didn’t change.
 For typical floors:

 In case of successive openings in the typical floors, pull a vertical thread all over the
openings to check they are vertical and on the same level.
 In case of successive openings in the same floor, pull a horizontal thread all over
the openings to check they are horizontal and on the same level

Using Thread or plumb-bob to check verticality of walls

Using straight-edge to inspect flatness of plaster

1.1.5. Tolerances:

- Surfaces to receive plastering shall be straight and true within 2 mm in 1 m

- Tolerances is indicated in (Table 9 – Tolerances) below: <Insert Tolerance ranges of your project
according to specification>
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Property Tolerance
Features: Verticality in mm mm
Features: Horizontality in mm mm
Walls: Verticality in mm mm
Walls: Flatness in mm mm
Features: any plastered surface except walls.
Flatness: Measured under a straightedge laid in any direction on a plane surface.
(Table 9-Tolernaces)
- If tolerance ranges are not mentioned in specifications, then the recommended tolerances are:

Property Tolerance
Features: Verticality in 2000 mm 2 mm
Features: Horizontality in 2000 mm 2 mm
Walls: Verticality in 2000 mm 4 mm
Walls: Flatness in 2000 mm 3 mm
Features: any plastered surface except walls.

Flatness: Measured under a straightedge laid in any direction on a plane surface.

5.3 Post-works

1.1.6. Curing

- Curing of plastering depends on the mixture used, the coat to which is applied, thickness of coat and
climatic conditions, but generally the following points must be taken in consideration.
- Prevent premature or uneven drying out and protect from sun and wind.
- Using of wetted sackcloth to cover areas indicated to plaster and then cover the sackcloth with
polyethylene sheets to keep it moist for longer time, re-wet sackcloth constantly.
- Duration of curing for each coat is shown in (Table 10-Plaster Curing) below:
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 25 of 31

<Insert Curing processes and curing durations for each plastering coat in your project>

Coat Duration of Curing Notes

(Table 10-Plaster Curing)

- If there is no curing process indicated in project specifications, it is recommended to apply curing as

the following:
 Dash Coat: keep the dash coat wet for at least (3-4) days and allow drying before applying
the base coat.
 Base Coat(s): wet the base coat(s) for not less that 4 days and it has to stay wet through all
these 4 days.
 Finish Coat: wet the base coat(s) for not less that 4 days and it has to stay wet through all
these 4 days.
 It is preferred to cover these coats with wetted sackcloth and dampen this sackcloth
constantly and covering it with polyethylene sheets to keep the coats wet for the desired
duration.

1.1.7. Cutting and Patching

- Repair the cracks and indented surfaces.
- Point-up finish plaster surfaces around items that are built into plaster surfaces.
- Repair or replace work to eliminate blisters, buckles, dry outs, excessive pin holes and similar
defects.
- Repair or replace work as necessary to comply with required visual effects approved by owner.
- Check plastering surface by knocking on it; if drum sound is recognized, so this area needs to be cut
and patched.

1.1.1. Cleaning and Protection

- Remove plaster places not to be plastered.
- Cover the finished plastered areas to keep it safe from damage.
- After finishing works, remove any unused materials, containers, equipment, etc….
- Protect plaster work from damage or deterioration till completion of works.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 26 of 31

6.0 Plant & Equipment

Rotary Mixer Shovels Mortar Buckets Bucket Trowels

Plastering trowel Gauging Trowels Plasterers Hawks Taping Knifes

Floats Straight edge Plumb-bob Spirit Level

7.0 Materials
 Portland cement

 Sand

 Lime

 Bonding Agents

 Embedded Items

 Accessories (Beads, Metal lath, Control Joints)

 Sack-cloth

 Polyethylene sheets
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8.0 Environmental Considerations

All as per OC procedures:

9.0 Special Considerations

< INSERT ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO YOUR PROJECT HERE,
IF NONE STATE ‘None.’ >

10.0 Attachments
o Key to Safety Symbols

o Risk Assessment
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref ??? Rev 00
Plastering Works Date DD MMM YY Page 28 of 31

Attachment 1: Key to Safety Symbols

Use safety boots Use safety harness

Use hard hat Use lifejacket

Use protective clothing Use welding helmet

Use high visibility jacket Lift heavy objects correctly

Use eye protection Stack correctly

Use safety gloves Wash hands

Use ear protectors Use guard

Use face guard

Use face mask

Use respirators
 < INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
Ref BMS-?? Rev 00
METHOD STATEMENT: Plastering Works
Date DD MMM YY Page 29 of 31

Attachment 2: Risk Assessment

Unmitigated Mitigated
Persons at Risk Risk
Task Hazards Proposed Mitigation Measures
Risk
L S R L S R
Brining into Poor management of vehicles All Employees 3 4 12 Designated walkways and designated road for vehicles to be used by trailers and dump trucks. 1 4 4
site cement and personnel and inadequate Flagmen to control the intersections, unloading and offloading areas.
bags and access lighting leading to
sand using collision with other vehicles or Adequate lighting to be provided at the access ways and storage areas.
trailers and personnel which may result into Unloading and movement of vehicles on firm level ground away from excavations and unprotected
dump trucks personal injuries and damage to edges.
vehicles, properties and
materials Load to be inspected to avoid falling of materials
Loose ground, unprotected Safe distance to be kept away from vehicles and equipment to avoid crushing hazards
edges, faulty equipment leading
to equipment overturning
resulting in equipment and
material damage and serious
injuries and possible fatalities.
Unsafe, unprotected load leading
to falling of materials, serious
injuries and possible fatalities

Unloading of Ergonomic hazards from unsafe Workers 3 4 12 1 4 4

cement and manual handling, poor body
sand posture and unsafe lifting Unloading area to be barricaded, only authorized personnel to be allowed in the area.
technique leading to Working area to be controlled by competent flagman.
musculoskeletal disorders, back Workers to be trained on safe lifting technique. Manual handling training and job rotation to
pain, hernias, tissue damage.
be provided to avoid ergonomic hazards.
Hazard of getting buried under
unloaded sand leading to Proper PPE to be worn such as hard hats, goggles, hi-visibility vests, safety boots, gloves
fatalities by asphyxiation and soil and dust masks.
pressure Nobody to be allowed around the trailers and dump trucks
Health hazards from contact with
dry cement which may result in
skin and lung irritation.
 < INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
Ref BMS-?? Rev 00
METHOD STATEMENT: Plastering Works
Date DD MMM YY Page 30 of 31

Moving of Unsafe storage of materials in Tech. 3 3 9 Designated areas to be prepared for the cement bags and sand in the working area away from 1 3 3
cement to the working area by blocking accesses.
the working access ways. Gloves and dust masks, goggles, ear muffs and rubber boots to worn to avoid skin and eye irritation
area. Contact with dry cement causing and corrosion.
Preparing of skin, eye and lung irritation. Loose clothes to be avoided, engine guards to be used and only competent trained workers to use the
mortar using Contact with wet cement causing mixer.
cement skin and eye corrosions.
mixers Mixer to be checked prior to use, all cables to be insulated and kept away from wet soil to avoid electric
Noise of the cement mixer shock hazard.
affecting the hearing and causing Cement mixers to be refueled and used in open or well ventilated areas.
tinnitus.
Earthing rods to be used.
Corrosions, entanglement with
rotating drum, engine. Plastic sheets to be used to avoid soil contamination
Electrical shock hazard from bad
wiring, bare wires of the
electrical driven mixer.
Explosions, fumes from the use
of petrol driven mixers.
Ergonomic hazards while manual
handling of cement bags and
sand.
Environmental hazards from
contaminated soil

Application, Ergonomic hazards from poor Plasterers 3 3 9 Job rotation, safe handling and proper body posture to avoid fatigue, muscle and ligament injuries 2 3 6
finishing and body posture and repetitive work Area to be cleaned from all debris, cement waste on daily basis
curing leading to fatigue, muscle and
ligament strains. MSDS to be available with master seal, master cure and other chemicals used, eye wash and suitable
PPE to be worn, spill kits to be provided
Slipping and tripping hazards
from poor housekeeping.
Health hazards from chemicals
 < INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
Ref BMS-?? Rev 00
METHOD STATEMENT: Plastering Works
Date DD MMM YY Page 31 of 31

Working at Overloading, unsafe scaffolding Plasterers 3 4 12 Only competent scaffolder to erect the scaffolding and to make the necessary modifications if needed. 1 4 4
height using erection, moving equipment, Scaffolding to be inspected by competent scaffolding inspector.
scaffolding damaged scaffolding materials
and unsafe use of scaffolding Scaffolding to be green tagged if safe to use.
leading to scaffolding collapse, Equipment and vehicles to be kept away from the scaffolding.
materials and equipment
damage serious injuries and No storage of materials on the scaffolding, no overloading; materials to be kept to minimal.
possible fatalities. No work under the scaffolding to be allowed to avoid falling materials.
Working underneath or around Unsafe scaffolding to be red tagged.
the scaffolding, falling of
materials from the scaffolding Safety harness to be worn when necessary.
leading to injuries such as cuts Cleaning of scaffolding on regular basis to avoid tripping hazard
and bruises.
Poor housekeeping leading to
slips, trips and falls

EXPAND TABLE AS NECESSARY

L (Likelihood) X S (Severity) = R (Risk) If MITIGATED RISK = UNMITIGATED RISK contact Safety Manager
1/2/3 X 1/2/3 = 1 - 9 Workforce to be briefed with findings before work