Always ensure all who erect, adapt and dismantle the scaffold are trained and competent to do so.
Always ensure all risk assessments and method statements have been carried out, then communicated to those concerned, and understood.
Always ensure that there is adequate storage for the materials.
Always ensure that there is clear access to the work area and that the ground is level and suitable for the scaffold.
Always work to the current edition of the NASC guidance note SG4 – “Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations”.
Always ensure that there are adequate tying points.
Always ensure loads are evenly distributed.
Always ensure scaffold inspections are carried out and recorded as per current legal requirements.
Always ensure that all defects are notified to the site management.
Never let untrained persons erect, modify or dismantle the scaffold.
Never remove guardrails, toe boards or brick guards.
Never remove ties without prior approval.
Never create gaps in platforms by removing decks or boards.
Never remove restrictions or warning signs from the scaffold structure.
Never undermine the scaffold by digging trenches underneath or near the base.
Never add sheeting or netting without prior approval.
Never use damaged materials.
Never allow unqualified / unapproved personnel to repair damaged equipment.
Never load directly on to the access scaffold’s working platform (always use a loading tower).
The current edition of the Work at Height Regulations places a duty on employers to protect individuals from harm. Scaffolding inevitably carries a risk of falling from height and consequently, it is of paramount importance that all activities are assessed for risk, planned and a safe system of work is adopted during any scaffold activity. It is therefore strongly recommended that the procedures outlined in the NASC’s guidance note SG4 – “Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations” are followed. SG4 describes several safe methods of work, including the use of collective fall protection systems such as an advanced guardrail or scaffolder’s steps.
To ensure the safety of scaffold erectors, it is important that fall protection equipment is only attached to those components which are capable of withstanding any likely imposed loads. Where system scaffolds are involved, please refer to the particular user guide for the system which is being used for the relevant connection points.
While the current Work at Height Regulations requires that work at height be carried out safely, they also require that contingency plans be made for any eventuality. This extends to making plans to rescue personnel suspended by fall arrest equipment. Personnel should be fully trained to use all relevant rescue equipment for the event of a suspended casualty.
Details relating to rescue and what should be considered can be found in the latest editions of the NASC guidance notes SG4 & SG19 (SG19 – “A Guide to Formulating a Rescue Plan”).
The following basic rules should be adhered to when manually handling scaffolding equipment:
Always use the correct kinetic handling technique:
Details relating to manual handling and what should be considered can also be found in the latest edition of the NASC guidance note SG6 – “Manual Handling in the Scaffolding Industry”.
Remember – safety is no accident. Don’t risk it – if in doubt ask!
Only trained and authorised scaffold operatives should carry out the erection, dismantling or modification of any scaffold structure. Consideration must also always be given to those that may be affected by the works being carried out. To ensure that the highest standards of safety performance are maintained, attention should be given to the following:
