Book: How & Why Chapter: How to dry stone wall Section: Project leader's notes Metadata: Details Buy this book

Site visit

Visit the work site in advance to gain a clear idea of what you will be doing on the day.

Meet with the client on site to discuss the project. Assess the suitability of the project for the group you will be leading and the time available.

Consider the following questions: what resources are required for the project and who will supply and deliver them? Are there any access difficulties? Consult plans or drawings to establish the location of underground services.

Undertake a risk assessment for both project and site.

Tools & equipment

Depending on the size of the team adjust the quantity of equipment taken to site.

Ensure the tools are in good condition before using them.

• First aid kit
• Appropriate protective gloves
• Impact grade goggles
• Tape measure
• Lines and pegs
• Line and spirit level
• Fencing pliers
• Batter frame (already made according to wall specifications)
• Walling, sledge, club and claw hammers
• Chisels (including bolster chisels)
• Garden spades
• Crowbar
• Mattocks
• Buckets
• Wheelbarrows
• Bowsaws
• Site safety signs

Ensure all team members are wearing appropriate footwear and clothing and issue the specified safety equipment.

Introduction

Introduce the site, the work and the reasons for doing it.

Walk around the site explaining what work will be undertaken. Identify potential hazards and explain how to work safely around them.

Demonstrate tool use

Demonstrate and explain the safe use, carrying and on-site care of the tools before starting work.

Refer to the BTCV Hand Tools booklet.

Demonstrate work techniques

Demonstrate all new work techniques as you come to them. This will save mistakes and avoid accidents.

Plan the movement of stone to avoid lifting and to use whellbarrows where possible.

Demonstrate the correct lifting technique (bending the knee and keeping the back straight so that the leg muscles are used and the back is not strained).

Refer to the BTCV Basic Safety Leaflet.

Organisation of team

Talk about how a wall is built, show everyone an existing piece of wall, point out the details of construction and identify and describe the regional style.

Divide the team into pairs, teaming beginners with experienced wallers. Allocate and mark a two to three metre section of wall per pair, one person on either side. A group of 12 should be able to build around four to six metres of wall per day.

Leave some people free to collect 'new' stone from surrounding site and ensure that the different types of stones are evenly distributed.

Stress the basic rules:

1. Each stone should rest on two others and two should rest on it.
2. Where possible put the longest length of stone into the wall.
3. Keep the courses level and build up both sides at the same rate.
4. Keep to the correct batter.
5. Grade the wall - largest stones at the bottom, smallest at the top.
6. Never hammer on the wall.
7. Step back at regular intervals to see what the wall looks like.
8. Always aim to cover any joints.

The leader should check, assist and encourage people and ensure work standards are maintained.

For more information:

Consult your local BTCV office.

All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009