Preventing Falls in Scaffolding(1)

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SG4:10

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Preventing Falls

in Scaffolding

Safety Guidance 4: 2010

National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC)

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Copyright Preventing Falls in Scaffolding

Published by:

National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC)

4th Floor, 12 Bridewell Place London EC4V 6AP

Tel: 020 7822 7400 Fax: 020 78227401 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nasc.org.uk © NASC 2010 First published 2010 I S B N 978-0-9549515-5-9

Printed by Lithoflow Limited, London

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher and copyright owner.

This guide has been prepared by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). The preparation o f this N A S C Guide t o Preventing Falls in Scaffolding was entrusted t o T h e NASC SG4 Working Party by the Council of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation.

Technical A u t h o r

Simon Hughes CMIOSH, MIIRSM Simian Risk Management Limited

This guide takes the f o r m of recommendations and guidance. It should not be quoted as if it w e r e a specification. It does not p u r p o r t t o include all the necessary provisions for a contract and users are responsible for their application.

The guide has been w r i t t e n on the assumption that the execution of its provisions is entrusted t o appropriately qualified and experienced people and that construction and supervision of scaffolds will be carried o u t by capable and experienced organisations.

NASC and Simian Risk Management Limited shall be under no liability of whatsoever kind however caused w h e t h e r o r not due t o the negligence o r wilful default of N A S C o r their servants o r agents arising o u t of o r in connection w i t h this document or any part thereof.

Amendments issued since publication A m d . N o .

Date Comments

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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding

_Contents

Jj||JIW^B^Mllj|| HI % I vii F o r e w o r d viii P r e f a c e I I n t r o d u c t i o n 3 S e c t i o n I - P l a n n i n g f o r w o r k a t h e i g h t 6 C o m p e t e n c e and capability

6 Training and instruction 7 Supervision

8 Site inspection and risk assessment 8 Rescue planning 8 Weather conditions 8 Temporary w o r k s design 9 Scaffolders' responsibilities 11 S e c t i o n 2 - T h e S c a f f o l d e r s ' ' S a f e Z o n e ' 12 Working platforms

16 Methods of creating a 'Safe Z o n e ' 17 Mobile elevating w o r k platform

18 Proprietary advanced guardrail systems ( A G S ) 20 Proprietary advanced guardrail tools ( A G T ) 21 Advanced guardrail methods ( A G M ) 23 Horizontal type A G M

24 System scaffold A G M ' s 25 Short lift system 25 Scaffolders' Step-up 26 Alternative Step-up's 28 Protected traversing

2 9 S e c t i o n 3 - C o l l e c t i v e fall a r r e s t s y s t e m s

31 S e c t i o n 4 - P e r s o n a l fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t 34 Single fall arrest lanyards

34 Double fall arrest lanyards

35 A n c h o r points, connectors and anchor devices 35 Anchorage to tube and fitting scaffolds 36 Suitable scaffold anchor points 36 Unsuitable scaffold anchor points

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C O

t i

f l

_j

NASC Members Falls from Height 1999 - 2009 I Guardrails attached to pre-cast concrete 3 staircase sections before being lifted into place

Pre-assembled guardrails - fixed to structural 4 steelwork ( T beams) prior to craning into

position

Scaffolder protected by a guardrail in the 4 scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

Work at Height Regulations 2005 hierarchy 5

CISRS cards 6 Example from a drawing showing hazard warning 9

Inherent risk of a fall in scaffolding 11 Scaffolder exposed to a risk of falling 12 A temporary scaffolders working platform 12 A finished working platform for users 12 A scaffolder reaching below the single guardrail 13

must be clipped on

Safe handling bay 14 Fully boarded platform 14 Fully boarded platform 15 Restricted access 15 Hemping a standard over a guardrail 16

Using a MEWP to erect a hung scaffold 17 Fall restraint and combination lanyard 17 Frame type advanced guardrail systems 18 Telescopic advanced guardrail systems 18 Modified sequence of erection to allow 'push-up' 19

AGS's to be used on the inside face

Horizontal type advanced guardrail system 19 Pivoting type advanced guardrail tool 20 Push type advanced guardrail tool 20 Example of a system-scaffold-specific advanced 21

guardrail tool

AGM frame constructed on the ground 22 Releasing the advanced guardrail from the ledger 22

Raising advanced guardrail to the next level 22

Horizontal type AGM - Step I 23 Horizontal type AGM - Step 2 23 Horizontal type AGM - Step 3 23 Horizontal type AGM - Step 4 24 Horizontal type AGM - Step 5 24 Horizontal type AGM - Step 6 24 A frame system scaffold with an integral 24

advanced guardrail

Modular system scaffold innovative system of 24 work

Short-lift System used to erect a system scaffold 25 tower

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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Foreword V l l

Foreword

HSE

H e a l t h & S a f e t y E x e c u t i v e

Every year t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n industry is responsible f o r causing deaths and serious injury, w i t h falls f r o m height accounting f o r m o r e than 5 0 % o f all fatalities. Scaffolders, w h e n erecting, altering o r dismantling scaffolds are often faced w i t h t h e risk o f a fall b u t w i t h p r o p e r planning and

preparation, selection o f t h e c o r r e c t e q u i p m e n t and p r o p e r use, t h e risk o f a fall can be eliminated.

T h e industry has d o n e m u c h t o i m p r o v e its p e r f o r m a n c e and this is verified by t h e N A S C ' s o w n accident statistics. These s h o w that, since its major revision in 2000, SG4 has significantly reduced t h e incident rates of falls f r o m height by scaffolders and thus has inevitably saved lives. H o w e v e r , t h e r e is always r o o m f o r i m p r o v e m e n t .

O v e r t h e last five years t h e N A S C has c o n t i n u e d t o fulfil t h e i r c o m m i t m e n t f o r t h e ongoing d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e SG4 guidance, e m b r a c i n g collective p r o t e c t i o n t e c h n o l o g y and innovative m e t h o d s o f w o r k , as t h e y have evolved. This latest version o f SG4 clearly defines t h e installation and use o f t h e 'Scaffolders Safe Z o n e ' f o r t h e lifespan o f any scaffolding s t r u c t u r e as essential. T h e 'Scaffolders Safe Z o n e ' ensures collective fall p r o t e c t i o n is insitu f o r t h e vast m a j o r i t y o f scaffolding operations. So, w h e t h e r it is during o r post installation o f any scaffolding w o r k s , t h e HSE's Inspectors will expect t o see clear evidence o f compliance.

Since t h e publication o f SG4:05, t h e choice and availability o f collective p r o t e c t i o n measures have developed. This n e w guidance aims t o give a balanced v i e w o f collective fall p r e v e n t i o n m e t h o d s for creating t h e 'Scaffolders Safe Z o n e ' , n o t f o r g e t t i n g that these should be considered ahead of systems t h a t solely rely u p o n personal fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t . T h e HSE w i l l n o longer accept t h e u n p r o t e c t e d traversing e l e m e n t o f t h e tunnelling principle t h a t featured in previous versions of t h e guide.

This revision represents a step change in t h e w a y scaffold c o n t r a c t o r s should erect t h e i r scaffold structures. T h e guidance is s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d and c o m p r e h e n s i v e and represents best practice w i t h i n t h e industry.

T h e HSE will continue t o w o r k closely w i t h t h e N A S C and I hope that t h e w i d e r industry rises t o the challenge in e m b r a c i n g this revised guidance t o i m p r o v e standards o f safety.

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• • •

V l l l Preface Preventing Falls in Scaffolding

Preface

T h e N A S C acknowledges that scaffolders have t o w o r k in hazardous situations, and this guidance accepts that employers have a responsibility t o ensure that adequate measures are p r o v i d e d f o r e m p l o y e e s t o eliminate o r minimise any risks.

This edition o f SG4 addresses t h e outstanding concerns that have been raised b y industry professionals and t h e enforcing authorities regarding t h e u n p r o t e c t e d traversing element used by scaffolders at an exposed edge. It is n o longer acceptable f o r scaffolders t o traverse w i t h o u t s o m e f o r m o f fall p r o t e c t i o n .

Since t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f t h e revised SG4 in 2 0 0 5 , t h e N A S C m e m b e r s ' accident statistics s h o w that n o fatalities have been r e p o r t e d by t h e i r m e m b e r s and t h e r e has been a significant r e d u c t i o n in t h e n u m b e r o f falls r e c o r d e d f r o m a scaffold o r w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m .

T h e N A S C and its m e m b e r s are m o v i n g t h e industry f o r w a r d in t e r m s o f safety and consistency and it is o u r intention that this revised d o c u m e n t will enable scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s t o continue t o o p e r a t e at t h e f o r e f r o n t o f industry best practice.

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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding _Introduction

Introduction

1 Falls f r o m height account f o r m o r e than half o f t h e fatal accidents in c o n s t r u c t i o n and

scaffolders w h e n erecting, altering o r dismantling scaffolding are constantly faced w i t h a risk o f falling.

2 T h e N A S C acknowledges that scaffolders have t o w o r k in hazardous situations, and this

guidance note accepts that employers have a responsibility t o ensure that adequate measures are provided f o r e m p l o y e e s t o eliminate o r minimise those risks.

3 T h e N A S C also recognises that statistics 1 have s h o w n falls f r o m height rarely involve scaffolders f r o m o u r m e m b e r s h i p w h o are w o r k i n g f r o m scaffold structures t h e y have

constructed themselves. W e also recognise that t h e instances o f fatal and major injuries resulting f r o m falls o f scaffolders have reduced since the i n t r o d u c t i o n o f SG4 in t h e mid-nineties. T h e revisions o f SG4 in 2 0 0 0 , 2005 and again in 2 0 1 0 have seen significant changes t o t h e m e t h o d s o f w o r k i n g that have been a d o p t e d by t h e industry. Since 2000 t h e r e has been a 7 8 % r e d u c t i o n in the n u m b e r o f falls r e c o r d e d f r o m a scaffold o r w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m - f r o m 93 in 1999 t o 2 0 in 2009. This r e d u c t i o n is in spite o f an 1 8 . 6 % increase in t h e n u m b e r o f operatives w o r k i n g w i t h i n t h e N A S C m e m b e r s h i p , f r o m 10,679 in 1999 t o 13,124 in 2009. D u r i n g this p e r i o d , n o fatal accidents have o c c u r r e d whilst operatives w e r e w o r k i n g w i t h i n t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s o f SG4.

100 I 0.5

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

N o . o f r e p o r t e d accidents x 100,000 Frequency Rate = — —

Average N o . o f hours w o r k e d

Note 1. Figures obtained from NASC members' accident returns and annual safety report 1999-2009.

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Introduction Preventing Falls in Scaffolding

4 In recognition o f t h e significant hazards and risks t h a t scaffolders are exposed t o day t o

day, t h e N A S C have p r o d u c e d this edition o f Safety Guidance N u m b e r 4 as 'scaffolding industry best practice' f o r w o r k at height. This latest version o f SG4 addresses t h e outstanding c o n c e r n regularly raised by industry professionals and t h e enforcing authorities regarding t h e u n p r o t e c t e d traversing by scaffolders at an exposed edge, as part o f t h e tunnelling system o f w o r k . It is n o longer acceptable f o r scaffolders t o traverse w i t h o u t s o m e f o r m o f fall p r o t e c t i o n .

5 This guidance n o w also includes structures and applications n o t previously c o v e r e d and

reflects t h e challenges facing o u r industry t h r o u g h n e w t e c h n o l o g y and changing m e t h o d s o f c o n s t r u c t i o n and maintenance. T h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f collective fall p r o t e c t i o n in t h e 2005 edition and t h e f u r t h e r i n t e r i m guidance i n t r o d u c e d in 2008 are n o w also included in this guidance note.

6 T h e aim o f this d o c u m e n t remains t h e same and is t o illustrate c u r r e n t preventative and

p r o t e c t i v e measures that could be utilised w h e n establishing safe systems o f w o r k t o prevent and p r o t e c t against falls f r o m height. This edition o f SG4 focuses o n t h e steps scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s and scaffolders have t o take t o create a 'Safe Z o n e ' w h e r e t h e y are suitably p r o t e c t e d against t h e risk o f falling.

7 Employers have legal duties t o p r o v i d e safe systems o f w o r k f o r employees and t o carry

o u t suitable and sufficient assessment o f t h e risks t o t h e health and safety o f employees. This management guidance note is designed t o be used as reference by e m p l o y e r s , clients, designers, c o n t r a c t o r s and enforcing authorities w h e n preparing and r e v i e w i n g risk assessments f o r t h e e r e c t i o n , alteration and dismantling o f t e m p o r a r y access and o t h e r structures by scaffolders. This guidance note is again s u p p o r t e d by a user guide (SG4:You) t o provide essential i n f o r m a t i o n t o scaffolders.

8 T h e types o f s t r u c t u r e , nature o f w o r k and e n v i r o n m e n t a l conditions vary considerably w i t h i n

t h e scaffolding trade. H o w e v e r w i t h i n t h e guidance t h e N A S C has endeavoured t o :

• Explain t h e legal r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r w o r k at height;

. Identify and explain t h e significant hazards that scaffolders are exposed t o d u r i n g typical scaffolding operations;

Highlight t h e practical solutions available t o c o n t r o l t h e risks that arise f r o m those hazards.

9 T h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f n e w collective m e t h o d s o f w o r k i n g will n o t c o m p l e t e l y r e m o v e t h e risk

of a fall in all situations, t h e r e f o r e t h e N A S C recognises that scaffolders will still be r e q u i r e d t o w e a r and use personal fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t (safety harnesses) in accordance w i t h this safety guidance w h e n w o r k i n g at height.

10 This guidance is n o t exhaustive and does n o t feature every scaffolding application, however,

it has been designed so that t h e basic principles contained w i t h i n this d o c u m e n t can be applied as solutions t o m o s t scaffolding operations.

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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Section 1 - Planning for work at height

Section 1 - Planning for work at height

I I ' W o r k at height' is defined by t h e W o r k at Height Regulations 2005 as 'work in any place...

where, if measures required by these Regulations were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury'. T h e W o r k at Height Regulations d o n o t specify a distance that a person

could fall before specific precautions must be t a k e n .

12 Before scaffolders u n d e r t a k e w o r k at height, it is essential t o consider t h e w o r k t o be

p e r f o r m e d , taking account of any foreseeable hazards arising f r o m that w o r k and establish a p p r o p r i a t e c o n t r o l measures t o be i m p l e m e n t e d . This will ensure t h e safety of scaffolders and others w h o may be affected by t h e scaffolding operations. It is essential t h a t a c o m p e t e n t person carries o u t a suitable risk assessment and prepares t h e scaffolding plan ( m e t h o d s t a t e m e n t ) . For guidance in t h e preparing of scaffolding plans reference should made t o N A S C Safety Guidance 24 (SG24) A guide for scaffold plans (Method statements). T h e m o r e c o m p l e x o r hazardous the scaffolding s t r u c t u r e is, t h e m o r e consideration and detail needs t o be made w i t h t h e planning and preparation of t h e scaffolding plan.

13 Planning f o r w o r k at height m u s t consider t h e hierarchy o f preventative and p r o t e c t i v e

measures t h a t are central t o t h e W o r k at Height Regulations ( W A H R ) and summarised as f o l l o w s :

I. A v o i d w o r k a t h e i g h t

T h e r e are a f e w o p t i o n s available t o t h e scaffolding industry w h i c h enable t h e task t o be p e r f o r m e d w i t h o u t w o r k i n g at height e.g. fixing handrails t o pre-cast stair sections at g r o u n d level b e f o r e craning t h e m into place, thus avoiding the need f o r the scaffolder t o w o r k at height (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Guardrails attached to pre-cast concrete staircase sections before being lifted into place.

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Section 1 - Planning for work at height Preventing Falls in Scaffolding

Figure 3 Pre-assembled guardrails - fixed to structural steelwork

(T beams) prior to craning into position.

H o w e v e r , t h e r e is a greater o p p o r t u n i t y t o eliminate t h e need t o w o r k at height at t h e design and planning stages o f a project by designers and principal c o n t r a c t o r s e.g. the pre-assembling of guardrails t o steel beams p r i o r t o being installed by t h e steel erectors will eliminate t h e need f o r scaffolders t o w o r k at height (Figure 3).

If avoiding w o r k at height is n o t possible t h e n y o u m u s t consider t h e next stage o f the hierarchy - prevent falls.

II. P r e v e n t falls

Scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s should consider t h e m e t h o d s f o r creating a 'Safe Z o n e ' (see Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe

Zone') by preventing falls f r o m height,

such as p r o v i d i n g adequate w o r k platforms w i t h suitable guardrails o r o t h e r collective measures, b e f o r e resorting t o personal fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t (i.e. harnesses). Scaffolders are n o t p e r m i t t e d t o w o r k at height w h i l e being exposed t o a risk o f a fall, w i t h o u t taking a p p r o p r i a t e actions t o prevent o r p r o t e c t against a fall f r o m height.

III. M i t i g a t e t h e d i s t a n c e a n d c o n s e q u e n c e s of a fall

W h a t e v e r m e t h o d s of w o r k are chosen, if it is n o t reasonably practicable t o prevent a fall, t h e n b o t h t h e distance and consequences of a potential fall must be minimised, e.g. If a fall arrest harness is

used w i t h a fixed length lanyard t h e n it should be attached t o a suitable anchor point as high above t h e w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m as practicable, t h e n should a fall occur t h e distance w o u l d be minimal c o m p a r e d w i t h an a t t a c h m e n t at f o o t level.

Figure 4 Scaffolder protected by a guardrail in the scaffolders'

'Safe Zone'.

IV. C o l l e c t i v e o v e r p e r s o n a l

A t all stages in t h e W A H R hierarchy scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s m u s t consider collective p r o t e c t i o n o v e r personal p r o t e c t i o n . This means using measures t h a t p r o t e c t everyone w o r k i n g at height at all times w h e n in place, such as guardrails o r safety nets before specifying personal fall arrest e q u i p m e n t that is reliant on being attached.

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14 T h e diagram b e l o w (Figure 5) is a simple illustration o f h o w t h e W o r k at Height Regulations

hierarchy could be i n t e r p r e t e d f o r scaffolding operations.

A V O I D W O R K A T H E I G H T M I T I G A T E T H E D I S T A N C E A N D C O N S E Q U E N C E S O F A F A L L G I V E C O L L E C T I V E P R O T E C T I O N P R I O R I T Y O V E R P E R S O N A L P R O T E C T I O N

WAHR Hierarchy of Controls

A v o i d w o r k at h e i g h t so far as is r e a s o n a b l y p r a c t i c a b l e :

• N o t normally an o p t i o n f o r t h e scaffolding contractor.

• Designers and principal c o n t r a c t o r s should identify o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o avoid w o r k at height.

Scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s should p r o m o t e innovations t o t h e i r clients t h a t can avoid w o r k at height.

W h e r e it is not r e a s o n a b l y p r a c t i c a b l e to avoid w o r k at height you should:

Prevent all falls f r o m height w h e r e there is a risk of injury, irrespective of the height.

• Establish a 'Safe Z o n e ' w i t h a boarded platform and guardrail protection, w h e r e possible, t o prevent falls occurring. Use collective fall protection measures t o create a 'Safe Z o n e ' before resorting t o personal fall protection equipment such as harnesses and lanyards.

_ _ _ — „— „ — —„ . , W h e r e it is n o t r e a s o n a b l y p r a c t i c a b l e t o a v o i d o r p r e v e n t falls; t h e n ,

T h e distance a person can fall and t h e consequences (potential injury) must be minimised.

9 Collective p r o t e c t i o n in t h e f o r m of soft landing systems (e.g. Air-bags and safety nets) are n o t c o m m o n l y a practical solution f o r scaffolding.

Personal fall protection systems (safety harnesses) M U S T be w o r n and attached t o a suitable anchor point - in accordance w i t h this guide - w h e n at risk of a fall.

Figure 5 This diagram is a simple illustration of how the Work at Height Regulations 2005 hierarchy could be interpreted for

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C o m p e t e n c e a n d c a p a b i l i t y

15 T h e W o r k at Height Regulations require t h a t any person w h o carries o u t w o r k at height is

d e e m e d c o m p e t e n t t o d o so by t h e i r e m p l o y e r (Regulation 5). C o m p e t e n c e is defined as a c o m b i n a t i o n of relevant practical and theoretical k n o w l e d g e , training and experience. Scaffolders should be selected w h o have a p p r o p r i a t e attitude, aptitude, fitness, training ( C o n s t r u c t i o n Industry Scaffolders' Record Scheme (CISRS Card)), k n o w l e d g e and experience f o r t h e particular w o r k t o be c o m p l e t e d (Figure 6). CISRS cards should be relevant t o t h e w o r k being undertaken (e.g. Scaffolder o r Advanced scaffolder) and c u r r e n t , as t h e y require renewal every 5 years.

egp^ I Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme

Affiliated ' CISRS M R A S A M P L E

Registration No: 00000000/1 P H O T O

Expiry Date: End Jan 2015

T R A I N L K S t AFKOLDLK

« p f H Construction Industry - i Scaffoiders Record Scheme

Affiliated' ClSRS

MR A S A M P L E

Registration No: 00000000/1 P H O T O

mg Construction Industry

W - ' j Scanblders Record Scheme

Affiliated' CISRS MR A S A M P L E

Registration No: 00000000/1 P H O T C

A D V A N C E D S C A F F O L D E R

CSCS is a registered Certilic

d Ceriiliealion Mark

Part 1 (Ttihe and RKing) Part 2 (Tube rind Titling! 5/rJVO Luvel 2 Advanced Ccurse (Tube ai S'NVO level 3

i registered Cerlif enlron Mark

Figure 6 CISRS cards.

T r a i n i n g a n d i n s t r u c t i o n

16 All scaffolders should have received a p p r o p r i a t e and r e c o r d e d training in t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s

of this w o r k at height guidance, t o g e t h e r w i t h any specific instructions t o be f o l l o w e d f o r a particular task (e.g. m e t h o d statement, risk assessment, rescue plan etc.). Employers m u s t ensure training and instruction is p r o v i d e d f o r any n e w fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t o r rescue e q u i p m e n t i n t r o d u c e d t o t h e w o r k e r s . Training should be p r o p e r l y organised and include b o t h theoretical and practical elements. Line-management responsible f o r t h e supervision and m o n i t o r i n g o f scaffolding operations also need training t o raise their level of awareness o f t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r w o r k at height. Induction training and t o o l b o x talk p r o g r a m m e s should be used by e m p l o y e r s t o reinforce t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s of SG4 and maintain levels of awareness w i t h scaffolding operatives.

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In addition e m p l o y e r s should ensure t h a t refresher training is p r o v i d e d periodically. T h e N A S C r e c o m m e n d s every 12 m o n t h s , w i t h training records kept.

S u p e r v i s i o n

17 Employers should ensure a p p r o p r i a t e levels o f c o m p e t e n t supervision is p r o v i d e d

considering t h e nature o f t h e w o r k and t h e c o m p e t e n c e o f t h e scaffolders involved.

18 Supervision o n site may be a full-time role o r in a visiting capacity, t h e N A S C recognises t h a t

the core skills r e q u i r e d f o r supervision in c o n t r a c t scaffolding are c o v e r e d by t h e C o n s t r u c t i o n Industry Scaffolders' Record Scheme (CISRS) Scaffolding supervisor training course. H o w e v e r , typically t h e role o f a supervisor in scaffolding, d u e t o t h e peripatetic nature o f t h e industry, is a visiting role w h e r e t h e y may l o o k after several sites o r gangs w h o are visited periodically. For example, a supervisor w o u l d be responsible f o r a n u m b e r o f sites o r gangs, each gang should have a n o m i n a t e d charge-hand scaffolder, o r a large site w i t h a n u m b e r gangs m a y have a n o m i n a t e d f o r e m a n scaffolder in either a w o r k i n g o r n o n - w o r k i n g capacity.

19 Young o r inexperienced scaffolders require a higher degree o f supervision and d i r e c t i o n than

an experienced and trained scaffolder. For example a trainee m u s t w o r k u n d e r t h e direct supervision o f a fully qualified scaffolder.

20 Employers w h o gain high degrees o f e m p l o y e e co-operation and compliance also

d e m o n s t r a t e a positive attitude, management c o m m i t m e n t t o safety and effective supervisory c o n t r o l . Engaging w i t h employees and soliciting t h e i r opinion can help encourage s u p p o r t f o r safety initiatives and greater co-operation.

C a s e S t u d y I

A I 7 year o l d trainee scaffolder w a s tragically killed w h e n he fell a p p r o x i m a t e l y 18 m e t r e s w h i l e erecting an access birdcage scaffold.

In t h e subsequent prosecution by t h e Health and Safety Executive (HSE), t h e c o u r t heard that t h e scaffold w a s c o n s t r u c t e d w i t h i n c o m p l e t e w o r k i n g platforms, a lack o f guardrails and inadequate ladder access. T h e c o m p e t e n c e and supervision o f t h e scaffold gang w a s also inadequate. O t h e r issues included w e r e inadequacies regarding t h e use o f personal fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t (harnesses).

T h r e e companies w e r e prosecuted (including t h e scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r ) w i t h fines totalling £217,500 plus £125,000 costs.

T h e supervisor w a s f o u n d guilty o f failing t o take reasonable care f o r t h e health and safety o f others affected b y his acts o r omissions at w o r k (HSW Act 1974, Section 7(1)). H e w a s fined £7,500 and o r d e r e d t o pay £15,000 in costs.

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Section 1 - Planning for work at height _{Preventing Falls in Scaffolding}

S i t e i n s p e c t i o n a n d risk a s s e s s m e n t

21 W h e n carrying o u t a risk assessment it is r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t an inspection o f t h e site is

u n d e r t a k e n b y a suitably c o m p e t e n t person b e f o r e w o r k c o m m e n c e s . T h e purpose o f t h e assessment is t o take d u e account o f all foreseeable hazards in t h e w o r k p l a c e , in addition t o any c o m m e r c i a l considerations f o r t h e j o b . T h e risk assessment m u s t identify all o f t h e preventative and p r o t e c t i v e c o n t r o l measures r e q u i r e d t o eliminate o r reduce t h e risk o f injury. These controls should t h e n be r e c o r d e d in t h e scaffolding plan ( m e t h o d statement).

2 2 W h e n selecting t h e m o s t suitable preventative and p r o t e c t i v e measures as part o f t h e risk

assessment process, e m p l o y e r s should take i n t o account t h e logistical effort, p r o d u c t i v i t y impact and purchasing cost o f using t h e m e t h o d selected.

2 3 Special precautions m a y need t o be d e t e r m i n e d t o safeguard against falls f r o m height whilst

surveying a location f o r scaffolding e.g. accessing roofs, r e f u r b i s h m e n t w o r k , e m e r g e n c y p r o t e c t i o n , r e t e n t i o n o r shoring scaffolds f o r dangerous buildings etc.

R e s c u e p l a n n i n g

2 4 A r r a n g e m e n t s f o r emergencies and rescue f r o m height need t o be considered as part o f t h e

planning and risk assessment f o r each task by e m p l o y e r s . It is a legal r e q u i r e m e n t f o r scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s and t h e i r clients t o address t h e need f o r t i m e l y evacuation and rescue in an

e m e r g e n c y w h e n w o r k i n g at height. A l l e m p l o y e r s m u s t also consider t h e additional risks posed by evacuation and rescue f r o m height.

2 5 Further i n f o r m a t i o n f o r rescue planning can be f o u n d in Section 5 and f u r t h e r reading in

N A S C Safety Guidance SG19 - A guide to formulating a rescue plan.

W e a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s

2 6 W e a t h e r conditions m u s t be considered as part o f t h e risk assessment and planning f o r w o r k

at height. A d v e r s e w e a t h e r conditions can significantly increase t h e risk o f a fall w h e n scaffolding at height e.g. lightning, high w i n d s , rain, snow, ice, e x t r e m e t e m p e r a t u r e and t h e effects o f t h e sun. High w i n d s and icy o r w e t surfaces are especially hazardous. T h e e m p l o y e r ' s risk assessment should consider all aspects o f w o r k i n g in adverse w e a t h e r conditions, and n o t just simply specify p r o t e c t i v e clothing, f o o t w e a r o r sun c r e a m .

T e m p o r a r y w o r k s d e s i g n

2 7 W h e n designing scaffolding structures, engineers have a d u t y as designers u n d e r t h e

C o n s t r u c t i o n (Design and Management) Regulations (regulations I I and 18) t o consider t h e risks t o health and safety o f those w h o erect, alter and dismantle t e m p o r a r y w o r k s and t h o s e w h o use t h e e q u i p m e n t .

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28 Designs and calculations should consider t h e fall p r o t e c t i o n measures t h a t will f o r m part o f

the finished s t r u c t u r e e.g. scaffolder's guardrails, b o a r d bearer t r a n s o m s f o r n o n - w o r k i n g lifts and guardrails f o r internal fall hazards, w h e r e a p p r o p r i a t e . Also ensuring compliance w i t h t h e relevant generally recognised standards t o ensure scaffolds are suitably secured and stable (i.e. British and European standards, N A S C technical guidance notes and manufacturers' instruction manuals f o r p r o p r i e t a r y e q u i p m e n t ) .

29 Designers m u s t include adequate health and safety i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t any significant hazards

that remain in t h e design and t h e resulting risks. It is g o o d design practice f o r scaffolding designers t o highlight o n t h e drawings any k n o w n significant hazards o r hazardous w o r k

sequences critical t o t h e design t h a t require particular consideration. C a u t i o n signs and notes are c o m m o n l y used t o d r a w a t t e n t i o n t o i m p o r t a n t details (Figure 7). Residual risks f r o m t h e design and the c o n t r o l measures established should be included in t h e scaffolding plan (risk assessment and m e t h o d statement) by t h e scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r and c o m m u n i c a t e d t o t h e scaffolders b e f o r e c o m m e n c i n g the w o r k .

S c a f f o l d e r s ' r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s

30 All employees have general duties under health and safety law t o take reasonable care of

themselves and others w h o may be affected by w h a t t h e y do, o r fail t o d o , at w o r k and t o co-operate w i t h t h e i r employer, t o enable t h e m t o carry o u t t h e i r duties. Serious breaches of health and safety law by employees can result in t h e m being personally p r o s e c u t e d w i t h fines and possible i m p r i s o n m e n t .

3 I W i t h particular consideration f o r w o r k i n g at height and t h e potential hazards involved,

scaffolders should:

• take positive steps t o understand t h e hazards involved and r e q u i r e m e n t s of t h e risk assessment/method s t a t e m e n t (Scaffold plan);

• i n f o r m e m p l o y e r s of any medical c o n d i t i o n t h a t may affect t h e m w o r k i n g at height;

r

Caution - beam section

to be assembled on the

ground before being

craned into position.

J

Figure 7 Example from a drawing showing a hazard warning.

• n o t w o r k at height if affected by drugs o r alcohol (including prescription medication t h a t may affect t h e i r ability t o w o r k safely);

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utilise techniques and e q u i p m e n t p r o v i d e d t o p r e v e n t o r p r o t e c t against falls, in

accordance w i t h t h e instructions and training received and n o t act in a reckless o r careless manner;

• n o t t a m p e r w i t h o r m o d i f y e q u i p m e n t p r o v i d e d , o r use e q u i p m e n t that is n o t authorised by t h e e m p l o y e r ;

• check fall arrest e q u i p m e n t daily and r e p o r t t o t h e i r e m p l o y e r any damaged o r defective e q u i p m e n t identified, f o r example badly w o r n o r c u t w e b b i n g o n a harness o r lanyard; r e p o r t t o t h e i r e m p l o y e r any additional o r e m e r g e n t hazards n o t previously considered so that a p p r o p r i a t e c o r r e c t i v e actions can be taken t o avoid any potential incidents.

C a s e S t u d y 2

A scaffolder fell 8 m f r o m a scaffold he w a s erecting resulting in major injuries. H e w a s w e a r i n g fall arrest e q u i p m e n t b u t had n o t used it in accordance w i t h t h e training and instruction given b y his Employer.

T h e accident w a s investigated by t h e HSE w h o p r o s e c u t e d t h e scaffolder under Section 7 o f t h e Health & Safety at W o r k etc. A c t 1974.

In addition t o t h e lost wages w h i l s t recovering f r o m his injuries he had t o pay a fine o f £ 1200 and received a criminal r e c o r d .

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_ zr.zir.z in Scartolding Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

32 This section considers t h e measures available t o t h e scaffolding industry f o r providing t h e 'Safe Z o n e ' .

33 Scaffolders must focus o n creating a 'Safe Z o n e ' w i t h collective fall p r o t e c t i o n , as a p r i o r i t y w h e n w o r k i n g at height, w i t h a m i n i m u m of:

a fully boarded and c o r r e c t l y s u p p o r t e d p l a t f o r m w i t h o u t gaps w h e r e s o m e o n e could fall; and,

a single main guardrail ( 9 5 0 m m above t h e p l a t f o r m ) w h e r e t h e r e is a risk o f a fall. 3 4 T h e W o r k at Height Regulations require that a hierarchy f o r w o r k at height be f o l l o w e d , w h e r e collective fall p r e v e n t i o n and p r o t e c t i o n measures should take p r i o r i t y over personal measures, f o r example t h e use o f t e m p o r a r y w o r k i n g platforms w i t h guardrails w o u l d take priority over personal fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t (harnesses).

35 Employers should choose t h e m o s t suitable m e t h o d o f achieving t h e 'Safe Z o n e ' , w h i c h best suits t h e scaffolding application c o n t e m p l a t e d .

3 6 It is n o longer p e r m i t t e d f o r scaffolders t o traverse along a p l a t f o r m w i t h o u t any f o r m o f fall p r o t e c t i o n , as stated in earlier editions o f this guidance, in t h e tunnelling m e t h o d . T h e change f o r scaffolders, b r o u g h t about by t h e removal o f t h e u n p r o t e c t e d traversing system o f w o r k , only affects a small percentage o f t h e i r n o r m a l w o r k i n g day. This i m p r o v e d guidance identifies m e t h o d s that replace systems o f w o r k and ensures scaffolders can be c o m p l i a n t w i t h t h e law. 37 It must be recognised that t h e m e t h o d s o f achieving t h e 'Safe Z o n e ' d o n o t c o m p l e t e l y eliminate t h e risk o f a fall f o r all scaffolding operations, f o r e x a m p l e w h e n raising o r l o w e r i n g

tvorking p l a t f o r m boards as t h e erection o r dismantling o f t h e scaffold progresses. Personal fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t w i l l still be r e q u i r e d t o be used at s o m e point in t h e system o f w o r k unless every lift remains fully b o a r d e d .

Figure 8 These pictures show examples of the inherent risk of a fall in scaffolding where personal fall protection equipment will be the primary method of fall protection (e.g. raising and lowering boards and working without a 'Safe Zone').

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12

Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone' Preventing Falls in Scaffolding

38 W h e n scaffolders are w o r k i n g w i t h o u t a

fully boarded p l a t f o r m (e.g. raising o r l o w e r i n g p l a t f o r m boards) o r w i t h o u t guardrail

p r o t e c t i o n t h e n they must remain clipped o n t o a suitable anchor point.

3 9 W h e n scaffolders encroach f r o m a 'Safe

Z o n e ' t o w i t h i n I m o f an u n p r o t e c t e d area by guardrails they are considered 'at risk' and personal fall p r o t e c t i o n equipment must be used (Figure 9).

W o r k i n g p l a t f o r m s

4 0 It is i m p o r t a n t t o identify that t h e r e a r e

different types o f w o r k i n g platforms used in scaffolding. T h e t e r m ' w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m ' applies t o a t e m p o r a r y p l a t f o r m p r o v i d e d f o r access at various stages o f t h e erection, use, alteration

Figure 9 Shows a scaffolder exposed to a risk of falling at a

and dismantling o f scaffolding, these include: leading edge (within I metre of the edge from the 'Safe Zone').

T h e finished w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m (used by others);

Platforms f o r o t h e r purposes (e.g. loading t o w e r s f o r materials that require personnel access);

Platforms f o r erection, alteration o r dismantling o f scaffolding O N L Y ! ( T h e scaffolders' 'Safe Z o n e ' ) .

Figure 10 A temporary scaffolders' working platform to form the Figure 11 A finished working platform for users,

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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

41 Scaffolders m u s t consider t h e f o l l o w i n g w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r creating t h e

Safe Z o n e ' :

• Scaffolders should install a m i n i m u m o f a single guardrail, at least 9 5 0 m m above t h e p l a t f o r m , o n each face o f t h e scaffold w h e r e a fall could occur. O n finished w o r k i n g platforms, f o r use by o t h e r s , progressively install t h e d o u b l e guardrails ( w i t h no gap greater than 4 7 0 m m ) .

• Inside gaps b e t w e e n t h e w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m and facade/structure o r openings in t h e facade (e.g. w i n d o w s ) , w h e r e scaffolders face a risk o f falling, need t o be p r o t e c t e d w i t h

guardrails in same m a n n e r as t h e o u t e r faces o f t h e p l a t f o r m .

• Guardrails m u s t be p r o v i d e d o n all lifts, w h e r e possible, t o provide fall p r o t e c t i o n whilst traversing and w o r k i n g .

Guardrails should be e r e c t e d and left in place, in addition t o any o t h e r fall p r o t e c t i o n system used.

Scaffolders' guardrails should be installed o n all lifts w h e r e t h e lift height is greater than 9 5 0 m m (e.g. progressive bricklayers lifts 1.35 -1.5m).

• W h e n necessary t o reach b e l o w a single guardrail, scaffolders must be clipped o n (e.g. t o fix bracing o r handle materials b e l o w the height o f t h e single guardrail - see Figure 12).

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• W h e n raising o r l o w e r i n g materials scaffolders should b e clipped-on o r create a safe handling p l a t f o r m w i t h double guardrails, including stop-ends so that t h e r e is n o gap greater than 4 7 0 m m w h e r e a scaffolder could fall (Figure 13).

• W h e n m o v i n g , raising o r l o w e r i n g p l a t f o r m boards, w o r k i n g less than I m f r o m an exposed edge o r outside o f guardrail fall p r o t e c t i o n , w h e r e exposed t o a risk o f a fall, scaffolders must be clipped o n

(Figure 9 ) .

• T h e w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m should be fully b o a r d e d w i t h o u t gaps w h e r e a person could fall, e x c e p t w h e n access is r e q u i r e d t o a ledger b e l o w t h e lift f o r attaching fall arrest e q u i p m e n t ; t h e n o n e board m a y be o m i t t e d (Figure 14).

-1

:

1

Gap t o one side

\

Boards centralised

1

Figure 14 Fully boarded platform with a maximum of one board gap (225mm) may be permitted only if required to access the ledger

below the platform as an anchor point.

• Scaffold boards must be c o r r e c t l y s u p p o r t e d by transoms o r bearers in accordance w i t h N A S C technical guide T G 2 0 : 0 8 (Tables I and 8) e.g. 3 8 m m thickness t i m b e r scaffold boards f o r scaffold load classes I t o 3 must be s u p p o r t e d every 1.2m f o r visually graded boards and 1.5m f o r machine graded boards. Exceeding t h e specified m a x i m u m span o f scaffold boards increases t h e risk o f a fall d u e t o t h e board failing.

• In t h e case o f p r o p r i e t a r y system scaffolding battens and decks, these must b e used in accordance w i t h t h e supplier's instructions.

Figure 13 Safe handling bay. This drawing

shows a scaffolder using a safe handling bay with double guardrails (including stop-end returns) for raising or lowering materials.

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- reveriting Falls in Scaffolding Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

• Ensure boards are suitably stable and trap-ends avoided b y n o t exceeding m i n i m u m o r m a x i m u m specified overhangs ( T G 2 0 . 0 8 Table 8) e.g. 3 8 m m thick t i m b e r scaffold boards (BS 2482) have a m i n i m u m overhang o f 5 0 m m and a m a x i m u m overhang o f 1 5 0 m m . If a gap exists, o r is created in t h e decking as part o f t h e erection/dismantling process, w h e r e scaffolders are exposed t o a risk o f a fall t h r o u g h t h e p l a t f o r m , t h e n a personal fall p r o t e c t i o n system must be used. e.g. w h e n raising o r l o w e r i n g p l a t f o r m boards o r decking as t h e erection/dismantling progresses (see Figure 8).

I Gaps f o r m e d in w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m s t o create ladder access traps should be p r o t e c t e d against accidental falls once t h e scaffold is c o m p l e t e d . Scaffolders should install these measures progressively t o p r o v i d e p r o t e c t i o n f o r themselves as t h e j o b progresses (see Section 6 - Methods of access and egress).

a m _{s »}

1

i m

, f

Figure 15 Boarding out first lift from below.

T h e first lift should, w h e r e possible, be b o a r d e d o u t f r o m b e l o w t o avoid t h e risk o f a fall w h e n w o r k i n g at l o w level (Figure 15).

• A l l o t h e r lifts, w h e r e practical, should be b o a r d e d out and r e m o v e d f r o m below.

All guardrails should be secured so t h a t t h e y cannot b e c o m e accidentally displaced should s o m e o n e fall against t h e m .

Lateral gaps in guardrails are only p e r m i t t e d at a point o f access t o a ladder o r stairway w h e r e a gap is necessary (see Section 6 - Methods of access

and egress).

• A n y i n c o m p l e t e scaffold w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m , w h e r e s o m e o n e m a y fall o r w h e r e an object could fall and injure s o m e o n e , needs t o be clearly identified w i t h w a r n i n g signs, and access restricted by suitable physical measures t o p r e v e n t

unauthorised access (e.g. guardrails, ladder access r e m o v e d o r b o a r d e d over) (Figure 16).

®

W\ / 1 / W\ / 1 / W\ / 1 /

7

_l

Figure 16 Restricted access. Shows an example

of an incomplete scaffold with access restricted by physical means and a warning sign restricting access to authorised scaffolders ONLY!

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16

M e t h o d s of c r e a t i n g a ' S a f e Z o n e '

4 2 This section highlights t h e various safe m e t h o d s available t o scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s f o r

creating t h e 'Safe Z o n e ' . T h e r e are various p r o p r i e t a r y collective fall p r o t e c t i o n systems and m e t h o d s o f w o r k available using standard scaffolding materials that enable scaffolders t o position t e m p o r a r y guardrails in advance d u r i n g scaffold e r e c t i o n and t o maintain guardrails d u r i n g dismantling o r alteration.

4 3 W h e n selecting t h e m o s t a p p r o p r i a t e system o r m e t h o d o f w o r k i n g , e m p l o y e r s m u s t

consider:

• T h e suitability o f t h e method(s) chosen f o r t h e scaffolding application.

• T h e r e q u i r e m e n t s o f t h e manufacturer's instructions f o r p r o p r i e t a r y e q u i p m e n t .

• Changes t o t h e n o r m a l sequence o f w o r k e.g. positioning advanced guardrails t o t h e inside face o f t h e scaffold before fixing transoms o r tie assemblies.

N e w techniques r e q u i r e d e.g. h e m p i n g a standard o v e r a guardrail (see Figure 17).

• A r e all fall risks p r o t e c t e d e.g. stop-ends, inside face o r leading edge?

• Is additional personal fall p r o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t r e q u i r e d f o r safe use?

Can t h e e q u i p m e n t be used as an anchor point f o r personal fall p r o t e c t i o n equipment? A n y training o r instruction t h e scaffolders may need t o ensure safe use.

• A r r a n g e m e n t s f o r t h e handling, delivery and storage o f special e q u i p m e n t .

• A n y inspection and maintenance arrangements r e q u i r e d f o r special e q u i p m e n t used.

Rescue planning and t h e need f o r special rescue e q u i p m e n t , training and instruction.

4 4 N o t e t h a t s o m e systems d o n o t p r o v i d e

full collective p r o t e c t i o n e.g. stop-ends o r at a leading edge. N A S C r e c o m m e n d s that w h e r e a scaffolder can encroach w i t h i n I m o f a leading edge (Figure 9) o r an area n o t p r o t e c t e d b y guardrails, t h e n t h e y are considered at risk o f a fall and must b e clipped o n (see Section 4

-Personal fall protection equipment).

Figure 17

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ins Falls in Scaffolding Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

M o b i l e e l e v a t i n g w o r k p l a t f o r m ( M E W P ) 45 Mobile elevating w o r k platforms ( M E W P s ) are also c o m m o n l y r e f e r r e d t o as ' C h e r r y : ;<ers. B o o m s o r Scissor lifts.' M E W P s are

; ; 23 e in all shapes and sizes and are often

: : - 3 zered t o be a c o m p e t i t o r t o t h e : vv: : ng ndustry. In recent years t h e i . a lability and cost o f hiring M E W P s as a safeguard against falls f o r s o m e o f t h e m o r e

-iza-dous scaffolding operations is n o w a viable option i Figure 18).

4 6 It is i m p o r t a n t t o recognise that M E W P s are : i y suitable f o r certain scaffolding ape cat ons and cannot be considered as a : " • :: ; o ; on f o r t h e majority o f r o u t i n e scaffo ding operations.

Figure 18 Scaffolders using a MEWP to erect a hung scaffold.

4 7 '//here M E W P s are selected f o r erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolding, e m p l o y e r s - j s t have a safe system o f w o r k f o r t h e i r intended use. Care should be taken t o select t h e most s_ -.a; e type and specification o f M E W P f o r t h e o p e r a t i o n .

4 8 T h e use o f a M E W P w o u l d n o t be suitable w h e r e t h e r e is restricted access, w o r k o v e r ••• a:e- o ' at very high levels.

4 9 Only scaffolders w h o are authorised and trained (e.g. International P o w e r e d Access f e d e r a t i o n (IPAF) o r equivalent) should o p e r a t e M E W P s .

IMPORTANT

The powered access industry recommends that work restraint lanyards are used to prevent the operator being exposed to a risk of falling. However it is recommended by the NASC that scaffolders who regularly use MEWP's should consider using an adjustable fall arrest lanyard that may also be used for work restraint (Figure 19). Always check with the MEWP supplier to ensure only specified attachment points are used.

=2Jil restraint lanyard

— _ wstato = combination lanyard

Adjustable buckle

Energy absorber

Figure 19

Illustration showing i. a fall restraint lanyard only that must not be used in fall arrest, and ii. a combination lanyard that can be used in fall restraint and arrest when required.

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18

P r o p r i e t a r y a d v a n c e d g u a r d r a i l s y s t e m s ( A G S )

5 0 Several p r o p r i e t a r y collective fall p r o t e c t i o n systems recently i n t r o d u c e d have b e c o m e

k n o w n as 'Advanced Guardrail Systems' (AGS) (Figures 20 to 26).

51 A d v a n c e d guardrail systems p r o v i d e collective fall prevention f o r scaffolders w h e n traversing

along a boarded lift, erecting, altering o r dismantling scaffolding. T h e s e t e m p o r a r y guardrails remain in place w h i l s t t h e p l a t f o r m guardrails are installed o r r e m o v e d , allowing scaffolders t o maintain guardrail edge p r o t e c t i o n o n w o r k i n g platforms at all times.

Figure 20 Frame type advanced guardrail systems.

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I rCTenring Fails in Scaffolding Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

52 T h e suitability o f advanced guardrail systems needs t o be considered as part o f t h e risk assessment process w h e n planning w o r k at height. These systems a r e best suited t o straight L n i f o r m scaffold structures w i t h o u t c o m p l e x elements e.g. long straight facades w i t h m i n i m u m returns, recesses o r protrusions.

53 Some advanced guardrail systems d o n o t provide full collective p r o t e c t i o n e.g. stop-ends,

-side face o r at a leading edge. N A S C r e c o m m e n d s that w h e r e a scaffolder can encroach w i t h i n I m o f a leading edge o r an area not p r o t e c t e d by guardrails, t h e n t h e y are considered at risk o f a fall and m u s t be clipped on (Figure 9).

54 Frame and telescopic t y p e A G S a r e 0'_shed u p t h e outside o f t h e s t r u c t u r e and their o p e r a t i o n can be i m p e d e d b y protrusions from the scaffold. Scaffolders may have t o ensure that transoms, ledgers, bracing etc. a r e correctly sized so t h a t t h e y d o n o t have excessive overhang.

55 W h e r e a risk o f a fall t o t h e inside face o f the scaffold exists, scaffolders m a y need t o change t h e n o r m a l sequence o f w o r k t o r . : : : ~ i m o d a t e the AGS e.g. locate the A G S

above, before fixing transoms, hop-Up brackets Figure 22 Shows the modified sequence of erection to allow

i i. / r- 'push-up' AGS's to be used on the inside face before

or: e assemblies (Figure 22). , . ' '

v ° ' fixing transoms, ties or hop-up s above.

56 This horizontal t y p e AGS (Figure 23) is best suited t o independent tied scaffolds (facade scaffolds), it pushes along the lift, fixes t o the standards and can p r o v i d e p r o t e c t i o n t o b o t h inside and outside faces o f t h e scaffold. To p r o v i d e full collective p r o t e c t i o n it must be used in

conjunction w i t h an additional A G S t h a t can be fixed/removed f r o m b e l o w f o r t h e first bay d u r i n g e-ection and t h e last bay w h e n

z snnantling. Again, additional

precautions need t o be taken at stop-ends, w h e r e personal fall a ' o t e c t i o n e q u i p m e n t is needed

~ z : :a-'-'c de's must be clipped o n

•'a-coaching w i t h i n I m o f the s a c n g edge. C a r e needs t o be tat en w h e n t o p p i n g o u t standards : • a" :ne s-ardrail.

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P r o p r i e t a r y a d v a n c e d g u a r d r a i l t o o l s ( A G T )

5 7 This section covers p r o p r i e t a r y p r o d u c t s

that a r e designed as tools f o r positioning guardrails in advance, hence t h e t e r m Advanced Guardrail Tools ( A G T ) .

5 8 T h e pivoting t y p e A G T (Figure 24) is best

described as a ' t o o l ' o r 'lever' f o r erecting and dismantling t h e main scaffold guardrails f r o m below. This A G T is designed primarily f o r traditional t u b e and fitting scaffolds and is used on t h e o u t e r face o f the scaffold. Additional precautions need t o be t a k e n at stop-ends, w h e n w o r k i n g w i t h i n I m o f t h e leading edge o r inside face w h e r e scaffolders m u s t clip o n (also see Figure 9).

5 9 This push u p t y p e A G T (figure 25) utilises

special couplers t h a t allow t h e scaffold t u b e guardrails t o be e r e c t e d f r o m b e l o w and pushed u p into position w i t h a locating t o o l . T h e handrail is automatically locked and

remains in place t o provide fall p r o t e c t i o n w h e n scaffolders access t h e next lift. T h e sequence o f w o r k is critical as t h e advance guardrails need t o b e raised b e f o r e t h e next lift is f o r m e d . T h e t e m p o r a r y guardrail remains in place w h i l s t t h e p e r m a n e n t guardrails are fitted. Alternatively, t h e A G T couplers can be replaced w i t h n o r m a l right-angle scaffold couplers t o f o r m t h e scaffold guardrails. This system can be used o n all faces o f t h e scaffold including inside fall risks and stop-ends.

6 0 T h e positioning t o o l is also used t o unlock

t h e guardrail f r o m b e l o w d u r i n g dismantling. This system is primarily suited f o r traditional t u b e and fitting scaffolds.

1 •,

Figure 24 Pivoting type advanced guardrail tool.

Figure 25 Push type advanced guardrail tool using special

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- reventing Falls in Scaffolding Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

6 I A p r o p r i e t a r y system scaffold

manufacturer provides an A G T that is bespoke to their particular p r o d u c t (Figure 26). Special arms are used t o locate/remove t h e guardrail •'rame in t h e lift above.

Figure 26 Example of a system-scaffold-specific advanced

guardrail tool.

A d v a n c e d g u a r d r a i l m e t h o d s ( A G M )

62 T h e f o l l o w i n g cost-effective innovations have been developed by scaffolding c o n t r a c t o r s that J : se standard scaffolding materials w i t h o u t t h e need t o invest in p r o p r i e t a r y advanced guardrail systems. These innovative systems p r o v i d e t h e same level o f collective fall p r o t e c t i o n as similar p r o p r i e t a r y systems and a r e r e f e r r e d t o as A d v a n c e d Guardrail M e t h o d s ( A G M ' s ) . H o w e v e r , t h e y can be m o r e t i m e consuming t o use and t h e r e b y less p r o d u c t i v e than t h e p r o p r i e t a r y options. F r a m e t y p e A G M

63 This t u b e and fitting frame t y p e A G M functions similarly t o p r o p r i e t a r y frame t y p e systems. S t e p /

Select materials t o suit t h e length o f t h e scaffold elevation and bay sizes t o be p r o t e c t e d . T h e uprights are f o r m e d w i t h 2.7m o r 3 m (9ft o r I Oft) a l u m i n i u m o r steel scaffold tubes, and a single :_oe is used t o f o r m t h e t e m p o r a r y guardrail. A l u m i n i u m t u b e can be used t o reduce t h e handling .•.•eight.

Step 2

Layout t h e tubes o n t h e g r o u n d t o f o r m a 'goal post' frame. T h e n fix t h e guardrail t o t h e e n d o f :ue upright tubes using right-angle couplers ( E N 7 4 ) .

Step 3

N o w fix a second right-angle coupler t o each upright t u b e . Measure I 1 0 0 m m d o w n f r o m t h e centre o f the t o p coupler. N o t e that these couplers must be positioned t o t h e opposite side o f the t u b e and fixed 'up-side-down' (see Figure 27 inset - overleaf).

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Figure 2 7 AGM frame constructed on the ground and fixed to the base lift.

S t e p 4

Using t w o scaffolders, lift t h e f r a m e and fix t o the ledger. N o t e by fixing t h e c o u p l e r up-side-d o w n it will s u p p o r t itself until secureup-side-d (see

Figure 27 inset). Also n o t e t h a t an additional

guardrail is r e q u i r e d f o r t h e base lift only f o r the vertical t u b e t o act against.

Step 5

T h e couplers can n o w be secured t o fix t h e advanced guardrail in place. Scaffolders can n o w access t h e p l a t f o r m and e r e c t t h e n e x t lift once t h e collective p r o t e c t i o n is in place.

S t e p 6

W h e n t h e p e r m a n e n t guardrails have been installed, t h e advanced guardrail can be raised t o t h e n e x t level (Figure 29). This is m o r e easily achieved by pulling back t h e outside b o a r d t o access t h e coupler, f r o m above (Figure 28).

§

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Figure 28 Releasing the advanced guardrail from the ledger.

.A

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Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

64 W h e r e t i e assemblies, transoms f o r inside boards, buttresses o r o t h e r protrusions m a y obstruct t h e raising o f t h e advanced guardrail, t h e build sequence will be critical, ensuring t h e advanced guardrail is raised p r i o r t o t h e transoms etc. being installed.

65 If t h e advanced guardrail is o b s t r u c t e d by t h e facade bracing, then fix t h e brace once t h e advanced guardrail has been raised.

66 This advanced guardrail system can also be used f o r dismantling and alternations that

necessitate t h e removal o f guardrail p r o t e c t i o n .

H o r i z o n t a l t y p e A G M

67 This t u b e and fitting frame advanced guardrail m e t h o d functions similarly t o p r o p r i e t a r y

Horizontal t y p e systems. T h e Frame t y p e A G M (page 21) can be used t o p r o v i d e p r o t e c t i o n f o r the first bay.

Step I

W o r k i n g f r o m behind t h e guardrail p r o t e c t i o n , fix t w o right-angle couplers t o t h e standards above t h e existing guardrail (Figure 30).

Figure 30 Horizontal type AGM - Step 1

S t e p 2

Using a 6 m (20ft) aluminium t u b e , place it

Any Y V

j| j! I

j ', loosely into t h e t w o fittings so t h e t u b e can

still slide t o t h e side (Figure 31).

H 1

j"..1::-.-1,--- - --_-r-..-.-_--__ . . _J r.

Step 3

Push t h e t u b e o u t horizontally past t h e n e x t

;;

standard and tighten t h e e n d coupler (Figure 32).

•\

rV'l r'V.,j

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S t e p 4

W a l k o u t t o fix t h e t e m p o r a r y guardrail t o t h e standard, clipping o n if encroaching w i t h i n I m of t h e end (Figure 33).

S t e p 5

T h e w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m guardrail(s) can n o w be c o m p l e t e d and n e x t lift c o n s t r u c t e d w i t h t h e scaffolders' 'Safe Z o n e ' in place (Figure 34).

S t e p 6

T h e t e m p o r a r y guardrail can then be released and slid along horizontally t o t h e next bay(s)

(Figure 35).

S y s t e m Scaffold A G M ' s

6 8 Some proprietary system scaffold manufacturers have developed innovative Advanced

Guardrail Methods (AGM's) that are bespoke t o their specific products.

figure 36 A frame system scaffold with an integral are pre-fixed to the standard before erection and the outer

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! reventirrg Falls in Scaffolding

Section 2 - The scaffolders' 'Safe Zone'

S h o r t - l i f t s y s t e m

69 By erecting scaffolding using s - o t lift heights (i.e. I m ) t h e

edgers o f the next lift a r e e r e c t e d as normal t o f o r m a 2 m lift. T h e n a

m intermediate lift is f o r m e d . T h e r e f o r e , as t h e scaffolders access :ne next I m level t h e ledgers a r e a -eady in place and act as guardrails to provide collective fall p r o t e c t i o n

'Figure 38). D e c k i n g o n t h e

: e m p o r a r y intermediate lift ( t h e short lift) can be raised t o t h e next lift and any t e m p o r a r y transoms r e q u i r e d can be r e m o v e d later t o provide clear access o n all finished

w o r k i n g lifts f o r o t h e r trades. Figure 38 This sequence shows the short-lift system used to erect a system scaffold tower.

70 This system o f w o r k i n g is best suited t o scaffolds designed w i t h o u t ledger bracing (e.g. modular system scaffolds o r m o d u l a r t r a n s o m units used in accordance w i t h t h e manufacturer's instructions). System decking also eliminates t h e need t o install t e m p o r a r y transoms as b o a r d oearers.

S c a f f o l d e r s ' S t e p - u p

71 For scaffolds designed w i t h 2 m lift heights, this system utilises a p r o p r i e t a r y step that is fixed

to t h e standard o r guardrail I m above t h e w o r k i n g p l a t f o r m . This enables t h e scaffolder t o erect the guardrail p r o t e c t i o n o n t h e lift above in advance o r r e m o v e t h e m f r o m b e l o w during

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7 2 T h e sequence o f w o r k needs t o be considered w h e n using t h e scaffolder's step-up, as ledger

bracing o r stop-end guardrails may i m p e d e s o m e step designs. T h e r e f o r e , these items may need t o b e fixed after t h e guardrails have been e r e c t e d in t h e lift above.

7 3 N o t e t h a t guardrails w i l l need t o be fixed t o t h e base lift t o a c c o m m o d a t e t h e step-up f o r

t h e first lift. A f o o t tie may also be r e q u i r e d t o secure t h e base lift w i t h certain step-up designs. For uneven g r o u n d t h e base lift m a y need t o be b o a r d e d o u t t o ensure s o m e types o f steps a r e c o r r e c t l y s u p p o r t e d at t h e base.

7 4 T h e scaffolder is still exposed t o the risk o f a fall f r o m t h e step-up o r t h r o u g h t h e gap

b e t w e e n t h e ledger and guardrails w h i l e accessing t h e step-up p l a t f o r m .

A

I M P O R T A N T

S c a f f o l d e r s m u s t b e c l i p p e d o n , ideally t o t h e b a c k ledger, d u e t o t h e risk of falling f r o m t h e scaffold w h e n using t h e S t e p - u p s y s t e m . S c a f f o l d e r s m u s t b e c l i p p e d o n b e f o r e c l i m b i n g o n t h e t e m p o r a r y p l a t f o r m a n d m u s t n o t j u m p d o w n o n t o t h e b o a r d e d p l a t f o r m d u e t o t h e risk of b o a r d failure f r o m i m p a c t loads.

A l t e r n a t i v e S t e p - u p ' s

7 5 For s o m e m o d u l a r system scaffolding, standard hop-up brackets can be used t o create a

t e m p o r a r y p l a t f o r m , inside t h e lift, t h a t can used t o install guardrails in t h e lift above, in a similar fashion t o the scaffolders' step-up system.

Figure 40 System scaffold hop-up brackets used to create a scaffolded Step-up platform in alternate bays. The middle bays can be

reached from adjacent bays to fix the guardrails.

7 6 Progressive scaffolds f o r b r i c k w o r k are normally e r e c t e d using 1.35 t o 1.5m lift heights.

M a n y o f t h e established collective fall p r o t e c t i o n systems d o n o t easily a c c o m m o d a t e these smaller lift heights. In such cases small p r o p r i e t a r y standings o r steps may be used t o enable scaffolders t o install guardrails in advance t o the next lift (Figure 41). T h e i n t e r m e d i a t e guardrails can often be fixed simply f r o m t h e lift b e l o w as t h e y are typically only 1.75 t o 2 m above t h e lift.