Introduction

1.Introduction

This General Method Statement outlines safe systems of work for Security Officers (SOs) and provides guidance on identifying and controlling risks associated with security duties. It is to be followed in conjunction with the site’s Risk Assessments and Assignment Instructions.

You must:

  • Be familiar with any client-issued Method Statements relevant to your area.
  • Have received a full site induction before commencing work.

2.Emergency Situations

As a uniformed presence, SOs are critical during emergencies. While each emergency will differ, the following principles apply:

  1. Remain Calm – Prioritise your own safety and that of others.
  2. Give Priority to Personal Safety – Never risk your safety unnecessarily.
  3. Follow Training and Assignment Instructions – Adhere to procedures.
  4. Warn and Summon Help – Alert others and contact emergency services promptly.
  5. Maintain Communication – Stay in contact with the Control Room or on-site controller as events develop.

Prevention is key – familiarise yourself with site hazards and maintain good housekeeping. Always ensure emergency exits are clear.

Ask yourself:

  • Who must be informed in an emergency?
  • What information will they need?
  • Where should people be directed?
  • What actions should be taken?

If unsure, contact your Contract Manager (CM) immediately.

3.Emergency Telephone Calls (999)

If calling emergency services:

  • Clearly state which service is required: Police, Fire, Ambulance.
  • Be Accurate, Brief, and Clear (ABC).
  • Follow all instructions given by the operator.
  • If calling from an internal line, you may need to dial an additional 9 to access an outside line.

4.Fire Procedures

Follows the same principles as emergency calls (ABC). Know:

  • The fire evacuation signal and nearest escape routes.
  • The Fire Assembly Point and how to account for personnel.
  • That escape routes may be unusable – always have alternative routes.

5.First Aid

The three key aims:

  1. Preserve Life
  2. Prevent Condition from Worsening
  3. Promote Recovery

In case of unconscious casualty:

  • Danger – Assess for hazards.
  • Response – Try to elicit a response.
  • Send for Help – Dial 999 and notify others.
  • Airway, Breathing, Circulation – Perform checks and begin CPR if required.

6.Static Guarding / Reception Duties

  • Read and understand the Assignment Instructions.
  • Review previous daily logs for updates.
  • Discuss issues during shift handovers.

Higher risk if you:

  • Are unfamiliar with site-specific rules or hazards.
  • Haven’t received proper training or fail to ask questions.

7.Patrolling Duties

Before patrols:

  • Wear appropriate PPE:
    • Mandatory: High-visibility vest/coat, safety footwear, ID badge
    • As required: Clip-on tie, hard hat, ear defenders, safety glasses, coveralls
  • Carry all necessary equipment:
    • Radio, mobile phone, torch, data recorder, etc.

While patrolling:

  • Prioritise personal safety.
  • Stay within designated areas.
  • Avoid exclusion zones unless authorised.
  • Vary patrol routes (if site rules allow).
  • Remain observant – hazards can change daily.
  • Never confront intruders – Observe and Report.
  • Update patrol sheet and report hazards via Control and Hazard Report Book.

8.Inclement Weather

  • Use caution in snow, ice, and wet conditions.
  • Avoid areas with slip/trip hazards.
  • Record areas not patrolled due to risk in the site log.

9.Construction / Demolition Sites

  • Follow all Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regs).
  • Risks change frequently – stay updated.
  • Never:
    • Climb scaffolding
    • Refuel generators
    • Work at height
  • Be aware of falling object hazards and machinery use.
  • Always adhere to PPE signage.

10.Public Interaction

SOs are company representatives:

  • Always appear professional and in full clean uniform.
  • Always wear visible ID.
  • Maintain a polite, calm, and respectful attitude.
  • Don’t accuse – observe and report only.
  • Handle complaints calmly; escalate if required.
  • Challenge only if Assignment Instructions or company policy permits.

11.Confrontations and Physical Assault

SOs must be trained in Conflict Management (as required by SIA licensing):

  • De-escalate with calm, open body language.
  • Retreat if at risk – do not escalate.
  • Inform Control immediately.
  • Never place yourself in danger.
  • Read and understand company Violence and Aggression Risk Assessments.

12.Threat Scenarios

Angry Individuals:

  • Allow them to express concerns.
  • Use empathy and calm language.
  • Try to resolve peacefully.

Rowdy Groups:

  • Avoid confrontation.
  • Assess mood quickly.
  • Move away and call for backup if needed.

Criminal Gangs / Armed Threats:

  • Prioritise personal safety.
  • Do not intervene – observe from a distance.
  • Record detailed notes after the incident.
  • Assist Police with information – do not engage.

13.Searching

SOs have no legal power to search individuals or property without consent.

  • Consent must be obtained before a search.
  • A witness must be present.
  • Searches should be conducted in a designated area.
  • Apply the hands-off rule:
    • Never reach into bags or pockets.
    • Ask the person to empty them.
  • Only same-gender rubdowns permitted.
  • Never use force.
  • Log all searches in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and company policy.

14.Hazardous Substances (COSHH)

All hazardous substances in the office or site environment must be clearly identified and labelled in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended).

  • Staff must assess whether the use of the substance is necessary. If it is, ensure all precautions match the specific use case and are clearly understood by all relevant staff.
  • All hazardous substances must be stored in the manufacturer’s original packaging.
  • COSHH assessments and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available and accessible.
  • Storage must comply with COSHH requirements, including proper ventilation, segregation (where applicable), and appropriate containment.

15.Office Safety and Workstation Use

All work environments must comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992.

  • Trailing leads must not be permitted as they pose tripping hazards.
  • Spillages must be cleaned up immediately.
  • No eating or drinking at workstations with electronic equipment.
  • Damaged floor coverings must be repaired or replaced promptly.
  • Stairs and passageways must be well-lit and unobstructed; handrails must be fitted.
  • Workstations must be ergonomically arranged. Seating should be adjustable and suitable for the desk height. Footrests should be available if needed.
  • All equipment (e.g. chairs, screens, keyboards) must be adjustable and suitable for prolonged use.
  • Control rooms are designated non-smoking areas. Smoking is only permitted in designated external areas.
  • First aid kits must be fully stocked and accessible. The Appointed Person must be trained and competent to call emergency services and administer initial aid.

DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Guidance:

  • Staff must complete a DSE assessment of their workspace.
  • Adjust screens to reduce glare. Eyes should align slightly above the top of the screen.
  • Keep screens clean; adjust brightness/contrast as required.
  • Avoid sitting in a fixed position for extended periods—regular movement and posture changes are essential.
  • All staff should be aware of eye strain, repetitive strain injury, and musculoskeletal disorders, and must be provided appropriate support (e.g. wrist rests, break periods).

16.Rest Periods and Welfare

Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, rest breaks are a legal entitlement.

  • Rest breaks must be taken without compromising site security.
  • Breaks are to be taken on the assigned site; staff must remain contactable.
  • Officers must not leave the premises during rest breaks.
  • Food and refreshments are to be arranged by staff themselves; deliveries or visits from family/friends are not permitted.
  • Staff must maintain cleanliness: all waste must be cleared from rest areas.
  • Fresh drinking water and sanitary facilities must be available on every site.

17.Mobile Patrols – Vehicle Checks

In line with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998):

  • Daily vehicle checks must be completed and recorded before each shift.
  • Check oil, water, coolant, screen wash, brake fluid, tyres, and lights.
  • Any fault must be reported and logged. Vehicles deemed unroadworthy must not be driven.
  • Puncture readiness: Learn how to change a tyre safely. Use warning triangles, high-visibility clothing, and avoid unsafe areas.
  • Use the issued extending wheel brace where necessary.
  • Always notify Control of your status and location during vehicle issues.

18.Driving and Fatigue Management

In accordance with UK Road Traffic Law, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and DVLA medical fitness to drive guidance:

  • Plan rest time to avoid fatigue.
  • Take regular breaks and avoid long hours behind the wheel without rest.
  • Do not drive if impaired by medication. Always check side effects and notify Control and HR if driving is affected.
  • No alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescribed impairing medication may be used before or during shifts.
  • All vehicles must comply with national speed limits. Vans are limited to 60mph on single carriageways.
  • Smoking, eating, or drinking is not permitted while driving.
  • Patrol vehicles are GPS-tracked for safety and compliance.

19.Refuelling Procedures

Compliant with Petrol Filling Stations: Guidance on Managing the Risks of Fire & Explosion (HSE):

  • Use company-approved fuel cards only.
  • Do not use mobile phones on fuel station forecourts.
  • No smoking while refuelling.
  • Check fuel type before dispensing (diesel for all FKM vehicles unless otherwise noted).
  • Jerry cans are only to be used in emergencies and must be appropriate and safe.

20.Mobile Site Patrols

  • Read and understand site-specific Assignment Instructions before patrolling.
  • Acquaint yourself with site layout, hazards, fire exits, and handover notes.
  • Always wear PPE: high-visibility vest or coat, safety boots, and other items as required by the site.
  • Always carry the following items:
    • Hard hat
    • Safety glasses
    • Hi-Vis vest and coat
    • Life vest (if applicable)
    • Stab vest (if issued)
    • Torch and rechargeable batteries (use only approved rechargeables)

21.Alarm Response Protocols

Based on BS EN 50131-1 (2006) Intruder Alarm Systems:

Alarm grades (1–4) are based on risk and determine the required response:

Grade Risk Level
Grade 1 Low: Unskilled intruders
Grade 2 Low–Medium: Basic tools
Grade 3 Medium–High: Sophisticated tools
Grade 4 High: Professional attackers

Response Categories:

Category 1:

  • One SO to attend.
  • External inspection: enter only if no break-in signs.
  • Keep Control updated.

Category 2:

  • Two SOs to attend.
  • Exterior inspection together.
  • If safe, enter together.
  • Call police if any signs of forced entry.

Category 3:

  • Two SOs attend.
  • Request police backup immediately.
  • Wait for police before entering, even if there’s no visible damage.
  • Maintain contact with Control throughout.

22.Locks and Unlocks

High-risk period. SOs must:

  • Survey the area before entering.
  • Never enter alarm codes when observed.
  • If forced to unlock under duress, use the distress code and notify Control using the agreed code word.
  • Secure all barriers with padlocks and chains. Report if not possible.
  • Never store codes on your person. Lock them in the vehicle when not in use.

23.Portable Electrical Equipment

In line with Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and HSE INDG236 (PAT Testing):

  • All portable appliances must be subject to regular visual inspection and PAT testing where required.
  • Before use, inspect for:
    • Frayed cables
    • Loose wires or plugs
    • Signs of overheating
    • Damaged casing or housing
  • Do not use defective equipment. Report and remove from service.
  • Training must be provided for all staff using electrical equipment.

24.COSHH Compliance – Site Operations

Refer to site-specific COSHH assessments and SDS (Safety Data Sheets).

  • Know the location and hazards of any chemicals stored on-site.
  • Use all PPE provided, especially eye protection and gloves.
  • Avoid unauthorised use of chemicals or cleaners.
  • Never patrol through hazardous substance areas unless trained and equipped.
  • Report any spills or leaks immediately to Control.
  • COSHH guidance must be read and understood by all staff.