The next step

On construction

[Article]

Of scaffolds that should be designed

[List]

http www nasc org uk sg4 10 powerpoint

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Something to look at here

Focus area

Despite the cutbacks, HSE inspectors are still on the lookout for poor health and safety standards on display - especially on construction sites. Although they’ve focused on big sites in the past, at present they have new targets: small build, domestic projects and refurbishment sites, and, in particular, ones that are wrapped in scaffolding.

“Drive by” inspections

Inspectors aren’t booking appointments, they’re just turning up and informing the site manager that they’re going to have a look around. According to our mole at the HSE, many of these inspections are being prompted by an inspector spotting someone working unsafely on a scaffold when they’re driving past the site. In many cases, it’s the scaffolders, but it may also be painters, decorators, builders etc., who are working on it.

Tip. As we stated previously, if you keep your head below the parapet, inspectors are almost certain to leave you to it (yr.10, iss.17, pg.4, see The next step). However, if an inspector can’t fail to spot something, for example, scaffolders not wearing fall-arrest harnesses, staff working on incomplete scaffolds, waste items being thrown to the ground etc., they’re will stop and ask some searching questions.

Nothing to see here

Although we’re sure that you won’t be trying to hide anything, having an inspector poking around is something that you could do without. So don’t give them any reason to want to look at your site.

Tip 1. Unless the work being carried out is of a small scale, e.g. painting, make sure that your site is secure and out of view from the public. This could be with netted HERAS fencing panels or wood panel hoarding.

Tip 2. When staff work above the fence, i.e. on scaffolding, it’s even more important that they don’t put a foot out of line. In particular, all scaffolders should be wearing full protective equipment, i.e. harnesses, hard-hats, high visibility vests and protective footwear. If an inspector spots that they’re not, or they aren’t clipped on, it will prompt a inspection.

Tip 3. Employ a reputable scaffold company. In particular, you should ensure that they work to the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) safety guidance document, SG4:10. This identifies how the scaffolders should work safely and, in particular, how falls from height should be prevented (see The next step).

Tip 4. Certain types of scaffold structure, i.e. cantilevered and bridge scaffolds, should be designed before they’re constructed (see The next step). Our mole has informed us that some scaffold companies aren’t bothering to do this - especially if they’re having to be very competitive on price. Be warned that if this is identified by an inspector, even though the scaffold company will be held to account, you won’t be able to use the scaffold until a design is prepared.

For a previous article (HS 10.18.07A), a PowerPoint presentation on SG4:10 (HS 10.18.07B) and a list of scaffolds that should be designed (HS 10.18.07C), visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk.