Scaffolding is vital when working at height. It also contributes to thousands of injuries every year. Proper training, equipment and procedures are essential to minimise the risk of harm.
Know the laws and regulations
There are strict rules set out in law and official guidance, governing when and how to use scaffolding. Everyone should be familiar with these regulations and their application.
Inspect thoroughly
Inspect your site and materials before erecting the scaffolding, and repeat regularly as long as it remains in place. It may help to have a safety checklist. PASMA courses such as those available at Global FLT may guide you on effective inspection procedures.
Build safely
Manufacturers generally provide instructions to help build scaffolding. Follow these instructions closely, without improvisations or shortcuts, to ensure anchors, fastenings and braces are correctly situated.
Know how to climb
Certain principles guide safe climbing. This includes sticking to ladders and ramps, ensuring three points of contact at all times, including any combination of feet and hands, and tying off when appropriate.
Wear appropriate PPE
Correct safety gear when working at height includes hard hats, non-slip footwear, non-slip gloves and lanyards to help secure tools. You also need equipment to stop you from falling.
Keep the area clear and tidy
Tidy away tools, debris and rubbish so they cannot cause a hazard. Ensure the area around the base of the scaffolding is clear of vehicles, heavy machinery and other potential obstructions.
Know your load limits
Load limits should be included in the instructions for the scaffolding. Remind yourself of these regularly, and be organised regarding any weight placed on the scaffolding so you do not push these limits.
Beware inclement weather
Wind, heavy rain, lightning, snow or ice could all make scaffolding much more dangerous. Monitor weather reports and ensure the scaffolding is cleared and protected, and no one is working at height during adverse weather conditions.
Ensuring that proper safety procedures are followed at all stages of erecting, using and dismantling any scaffolding is the best way to prevent damage to equipment or injury to workers.
What homeowners should check about scaffolders
If you are having building work done at home, the decision on whether scaffolding is needed rests with the tradesperson, who should assess the risks of the job. Every trader must keep the workplace safe for themselves and for you, and where work at height is involved, such as roofing, they should reduce the risk of falls by using existing safe areas or putting up scaffolding.
Scaffolding should only be erected by trained scaffolding contractors, who have the skills to do it in line with health and safety rules. Check that they hold a valid Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme card. By law, the scaffold must be inspected before first use, every week while it is in place, and after any change such as damage or severe weather.
Ask about insurance before work begins. Reputable scaffolders carry public liability cover in case a member of the public is hurt, plus employer’s liability for their own workers, given the particular risks of working at height.
Licences, inspections and insurance for homeowners
On a domestic job it is usually the tradespeople who decide whether scaffolding is needed, based on the work and the risk of falls. Most houses take a standard structure built up from the ground to a set design, but an awkwardly shaped property may need a designed scaffold made to measure so it stays rigid and stable.
If the scaffold sits entirely within your property, no special licence is needed. If it extends onto the pavement, the road or a neighbour’s land, a licence from the local council is required, and the homeowner should make sure the paperwork is in place. Businesses, landlords and developers with scaffolding on site are responsible for the safety of anyone it could affect, including passers-by.
Scaffolding should only be put up by trained contractors, and it is worth checking that they hold a valid industry card. By law it must be inspected before first use, every week while it is up, and after any alteration, damage or severe weather. Check too that the firm carries public liability and employer’s liability insurance.