AccessPoint Issue 08

News and views about the access and scaffolding industry

SPRING 2019 ISSUE 008 £3.75

TAF Magazine of the Year 2018

SITE REPORT –

Swift sets the standards in Motion Page 16

COMMERCIAL:

GUIDANCE:

TECHNICAL:

Project bank accounts

Scaffolding in industrial environments p12

Temporary roofs are on the up

p10

p14

www.accesspoint.org.uk

CONTENTS 04 Voice of the Sector: Prompt

payment helps to plug the skills gap

05 Opinion: A system revolution 10 Commercial: Project bank accounts – guidance for scaffolding contractors 12 Guidance: Scaffolding in an industrial environment 14 Technical: Temporary roofs are on the up 16 Site Report: Swift Scaffolding’s £1.4 million contract at the new Motion complex 18

Transport: News and information for the sector

20

Health & Safety: Is your site safe and secure?

22 Association News: Member news and Association events FRONT COVER: Swift Scaffolding is providing access and scaffolding solutions at the Motion complex in East London for main contractor Hill.

Landsec approves Scaffolding Association Audited Members Land Securities (Landsec), the largest commercial property development and investment company in the UK, has approved the inclusion of Scaffolding Association Audited Members as accredited suppliers who can bid for work on Landsec projects.

Clive Johnson, Land Securities’ health, safety and security business partner, said: “As an informed and intelligent construction client, we demand a high level of health, safety and security and we set the bar high. The Scaffolding Association’s Audited Membership is the type of scheme we will support and encourage our supply chain to use along with other industry federation bodies.”

Robert Candy, chief executive at the Scaffolding Association, said: “The move by Landsec to include Scaffolding Association members as part of their approved supply chain is further recognition of the high standards of workmanship and safety from our Audited Members.

“Increasingly, developers, housebuilders and tier 1 contractors want to work with our members and have access to specialist contractors that can demonstrate high standards and provide competitive, well-engineered solutions.”

FIND OUT MORE www.scaffolding-association.org

BrandSafway acquires Lyndon Scaffolding and merges it with SGB CONTACT US EDITORIAL

Editor: Adrian JG Marsh Assistant Editor: Jenny Gibson Telephone: 01926 420 660 Email: newsdesk@accesspoint.org.uk AccessPoint, Althorpe Enterprise Hub Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa CV31 2GB Design: Matthew Glover

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AccessPoint is distributed to members of the Scaffolding Association and other selected access and scaffolding businesses. If you wish to receive a copy of AccessPoint or would like to amend or cancel your subscription, please contact either info@scaffolding-association.org or call 0300 124 0470.

ADVERTISING

Advertising enquiries: Sally Smith Tel: 0300 124 0470 sally@scaffolding-association.org

Scaffolding Association

Access and scaffolding giant BrandSafway, which owns SGB, has acquired Lyndon Scaffolding and merged it with SGB to create Lyndon SGB by BrandSafway.

Lyndon Scaffolding was established in 1968 and has grown to become one of the largest independent UK scaffolding contractors with sales of £50m and more than 600 employees, offering a full range of tube and fitting and system scaffolding, and access solutions. Lyndon Scaffolding operates from locations in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Barry, Wales, with Taylor’s Hoists based in Duxford.

HSE fines company after scaffold collapse at school A scaffolding company has been fined after scaffolding it had erected collapsed onto a neighbouring primary school.

Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard Swain Scaffolding Limited had erected scaffolding 7m high and 8m long at the gable end of a residential property in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan. On 5 May 2017, the scaffold collapsed, landing on a single-storey roof above the playground of a neighbouring school.

At that time, a group of nursery children were in the playground just a few metres away.

Minutes before the collapse, the playground had been full of children playing.

The HSE’s investigation found the scaffolding was neither designed nor installed to withstand foreseeable loads, and it was not tied to the adjacent building, nor did it have adequate buttressing or rakers – it was essentially a freestanding structure. The investigation found that it was almost inevitable that the scaffolding would collapse, even in unremarkable weather conditions.

Swain Scaffolding Limited of Heol Y Nant, Rhiwbina, Cardiff, was found guilty of breaching Regulation 19(2) of the Construction Design and Management Regulations and was fined £24,000 and ordered to pay £3,452.50 in costs.

FIND OUT MORE www.hse.gov.uk The company has worked on many highprofile contracts across the UK and was the largest scaffolding supplier to Carillon including work on the failed contractor’s most high-profile projects: the £353m Midland Metropolitan and the £335m Royal Liverpool hospitals.

Dave Witsken, president of Energy and Industrial for BrandSafway, said: “This is an exciting combination. It allows us to bring together a full range of scaffolding solutions plus deliver excellence in a suite of other access technologies for our customers.

“By combining the assets, expertise and reputation of Lyndon Scaffolding with SGB, we will be able to expand our service solutions in key major cities in the UK, broaden our overall footprint and accelerate our growth.”

FIND OUT MORE www.lyndon-sgb.co.uk

Tel: 0300 124 0470 www.scaffolding-association.org Email: info@scaffolding-association.org ISNN: 2055-2033 (Print)

Altrad Beaver84 merges with Generation Hire & Sales

AccessPoint magazine is published on behalf of the Scaffolding Association by Campbell Marsh and the views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those held by the Scaffolding Association or the publishers. The publishers shall not be under any liability in respect of the contents of the contributed articles. The Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or alter articles for publication.

Altrad Beaver84 has merged with Generation Hire & Sales.

Beaver84 and Generation were both acquired by the Altrad Group (in 2011 and 2012 respectively) and had traded independently since the acquisitions. But the businesses have now been combined to provide better service and value to both companies’ customers, according to a statement on Altrad’s website.

© All editorial contents AccessPoint 2019

Printer: Tewkesbury Printing Company

02

ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE | NEWS

The combining of Altrad Beaver84 and Generation is expected to provide customer benefit, including additional branches and yards to support the storage and supply of equipment; a 100 plus fleet of Hiab vehicles for delivery anywhere in the country, and the largest UK stock holding of Hire and Sales materials.

FIND OUT MORE www.beaver84.co.uk

NEWS www.accesspoint.org.uk

New report provides recommendations for safer working at height

I-Scaff Access Solutions, based in Fife, has been a Scaffolding Association member for four years and completed the audit process in September 2018 to become an Audited Member.

With a company ethos of providing a fully compliant scaffold and access service in line with the leading companies in the sector, I-Scaff’s decision to go for Audited Membership was linked to its move towards larger, longer-term contracts, particularly within the commercial and industrial sectors.

Ross Brown, who is an I-Scaff director along with David Campbell, told AccessPoint: “Being an Audited Member provides a much larger scope for tendering and being recognised as a growing and specialised company in the industry.

“We have the background and experience needed for these contracts with the processes and procedures in place, but we’re always looking to improve our service and provide the best structures possible, including introducing advanced technologies and systems.”

I-Scaff has plans to expand its team to meet the increase in volume of work on current projects and in readiness for some exciting projects in the pipeline.

A report published by The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height, Staying Alive: Preventing Serious Injury and Fatalities while Working at Height, highlights the continued tragedy of preventable deaths of workers across key UK industries, including construction.

The review, which was initiated to investigate why workers fall from height and to come up with recommendations to reduce the overall number of falls, was chaired by Alison Thewliss MP and includes contributions from across the UK economy, including the Scaffolding Association.

Key recommendations include the introduction of enhanced reporting through RIDDOR, the appointment of an independent body for confidential reporting of near misses and accidents not qualifying for RIDDOR, and an equivalent system to Scotland’s Fatal Accident Inquiry process to be extended to the rest of the UK. Rob Candy, chief executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “We welcome this much-needed review into why falls from height are still far too prevalent.

“These recommendations are a good foundation for industries to further raise safety standards and ensure safer working practices for the millions who work at height every day.”

FIND OUT MORE www.scaffolding-association.org/membership-levels

FIND OUT MORE www.workingatheight.info

I-Scaff becomes Audited Member I-Scaff becomes Audited Member

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NEWS | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

03

COMMENT www.accesspoint.org.uk

Safety is creating opportunity The phrase “commitment to safety” is often an overused term – but where safety is concerned, there must be total commitment. Inside this issue, our pages are sprinkled with references to improvements in safety. Where businesses do not meet these standards, action must be taken to penalise offenders and protect workers.

The much-needed review into why falls from height are still far too prevalent by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Working at Height should be welcomed (see page 3).

The recommendations to strengthen reporting across the UK is a good foundation for industries to further raise safety standards and ensure safer working practices for those who work at height every day.

Enhanced reporting should not just end up on the shelf with other sets of statistics. The results must be reviewed and action has to be taken so that avoidable incidents don’t happen again.

In most cases, accidents involving a fall from height are needless and could be prevented with proper planning that ensures effective preventative and protective measures are in place, such as edge protection, harness use or just simple barriers built to the correct standard.

Safety is a key criteria against which potential clients assess their supply chain. If you turn up to a Pre-Qualification interview with a poor safety record, you might as well not turn up. Clients increasingly demand the highest standards and if you are able to demonstrate that your work follows rigorous procedures and you can do so via a truly independent audit, then you will stand out above your competitors.

Property development giant Landsec is the latest client to recognise that scaffolding contractors which can clearly demonstrate that they can deliver a high level of health, safety and security should have an opportunity to join the Landsec supply chain (see page 2).

The Scaffolding Association’s Audited Member status does just this and provides a much larger scope for tendering and being recognised as a true specialist in our sector.

Total safety is not the preserve of larger contractors that may have the resources to supervise and provide the necessary training.

Safety is an absolute pre-requisite for any contractor, on any contract, large or small, and it is becoming the key to opening doors to new opportunities.

Adrian JG Marsh Editor

04

ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE | COMMENT

Prompt payment helps to plug the skills gap Scaffolders could certainly teach the government a thing or two about solving problems.

At a time when most of us probably feel as though we’ve been waiting on decisions and the word ‘uncertainty’ has been a daily occurrence, it was pleasing to see the Scottish government taking action to benefit specialist contractors by lowering the threshold for project bank accounts (PBA).

Prompt payment is a crucial issue for all businesses. The collapse of Carillion highlighted how SMEs can be exposed when a contractor goes bust, and the future of some can be put into question if a main contractor does not pay.

One recent innovation has been the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group campaign around PBAs. A PBA enables all construction project participants to be paid from ‘one pot’, rather than payments having to cascade down to the supply chain through the different contractual layers. For any contractor wanting timely advice on the workings of project bank accounts, turn to page 10 and read Professor Rudi Klein’s insightful article.

Poor payment practices are a cancer at the core of construction, undermining efforts to be collaborative and destroying trust. Beyond wasted energy, legal fees and the opportunity cost of chasing invoices, poor payment practices undermine progress. Our message is simple: if we are to drive innovation and improve productivity, we need to collaborate and eliminate waste – a good start is to pay what is owed, when it is owed!

Cost pressures have encouraged a culture of lowest price and de-value engineering.

In some cases, performance does not suffer, but in others, the unintended consequences can lead to serious failings. Then, when something goes wrong, we look for someone to blame.

We know that everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility, and it will be those organisations that can demonstrate that their people, their processes and the products they use are robust and totally trustworthy that will survive and flourish.

New people skills are in short supply, so we need to offer strong career pathways that will attract new entrants and then allow them to progress.

Making the access and scaffolding sector an attractive career option will be a vital component to encourage new entrants into the sector and plug the skills shortage. But we also need to ensure that those already in the labour pool have the right skills and qualifications to stay active in the sector.

So, let’s keep shouting about the high-profile projects we’re working on, the complex designs we’re creating, and the hardworking and dedicated teams we employ. And let’s keep talking about how access and scaffolding is at the very heart of construction and how the sector provides real reward, job variety and an interesting career pathway for many.

But all of this is only possible if we get paid on time.

Robert Candy Chief executive Scaffolding Association www.scaffolding-association.org

OPINION www.accesspoint.org.uk

A system revolution There has been a long-running global debate as to the merits of tube and fittings versus system scaffold. Richard L’Herroux from AT-PAC sets out how he sees today’s access market and the very real ‘revolution’ he sees towards system.

I have been involved in the provision of access solutions to the UK market for over 19 years. It is fair to say that, during this time, tube, boards and fittings (traditional material) have been the preferred choice for a large number of contractors in England and Wales. Apart from some regional variation, system scaffold has been primarily used to provide a solution where projects require structures such as staircases and temporary roofs.

While traditional material has remained a

and can therefore provide real labour efficiencies and savings. There can be a significant reduction in the time taken to erect a structure in system, depending on the system selected and the nature of the work.

With labour cost being a major consideration, this can clearly represent a dramatic improvement in productivity coupled with the fact that the ‘new blood’ coming into the industry will increasingly be trained and more familiar with system scaffolds.

In the past the perception of system scaffold has been that it is only beneficial for straight runs of access and simpler projects. This perception is certainly not shared outside of the UK. We have personally helped to deliver access solutions in system that would historically have been considered to be “too complex”, along with a number of high media profile projects that, in the past, would have defaulted to traditional material. We therefore know that given proper pre-planning, engineering and design input, system scaffold can deliver real efficiencies in the majority of applications.

While having the correct material on-site is important, it has been proven many times that it is the few core system components that are key and that you don’t need many of the ‘specialist’ items on all jobs.

The training of operatives to use system scaffold is continually increasing along with awareness of the different systems and the components.

As a supplier of system scaffold, we have of course encountered businesses that were hesitant to push forward, but once they have product experience and a growing confidence in their operatives, they can see the range of projects that can be undertaken in system.

These ‘pioneers’ will be far ahead in the game, particularly as more and more main contractors are requesting a system scaffold solution and the ‘revolution’ gains momentum.

go-to solution for some, an increasing number of forward-thinking contractors and suppliers see system as a viable, cost-effective means of growing their business or securing a competitive advantage.

The cost of traditional components has long been seen as a cheap and widely available solution, so why the shift? Because the cost of the material is only one part of the total cost of providing access.

Richard L’Herroux There is little argument that system scaffold Regional director – England is much quicker to use than traditional material www.at-pac.com

THE GAYDON CLAMP, A SAFER WAY TO LIFT AND LOWER SCAFFOLDING TUBE It’s so simple, just use a standard scaffold spanner to secure and release the clamp on two tubes at a time, safely and with maximum efficiency.

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OPINION | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

05

PRODUCTS www.accesspoint.org.uk

SMART Scaffolder updates estimating software with invoicing link

New heavy duty ramp system designed for building sites LFI Ladders has introduced the Sheerlock Ramp System – a heavy duty ramp specially designed to withstand the demands of building sites and fit over obstacles for a robust and safer access route.

As an alternative to using toe-boards, which can be unstable and high risk, this new ramp system – designed with input from builders – is manufactured using galvanised steel mesh for excellent grip and durability and has been stress-tested to 270kg.

The design includes a saddle with cup locks to keep the ramp secure while protecting the brickwork thanks to a high-density plastic lining.

Ramp toes move to accommodate uneven ground and the highly visible reflective strips make for safer use on-site. www.britishladders.co.uk

A recent software update from SMART Scaffolder to SMART Estimator – its design, estimating and TG20:13 compliance software – now enables customers to link with their accounting software.

One of the most customer-requested features has been a link between SMART Estimator and customers’ invoicing software. In this latest software release, customers can now link to Sage, QuickBooks and Xero to provide seamless applications for payment.

Combined with the SMART Handover app that tracks extra hire and variations, customers can now more easily keep on top of project costs.

The 2019 release also provides for estimating chimney stacks for the first time. www.smartscaffolder.com

SCP Forgeco’s ReadyFix Transoms are TG20:13 compliant SCP Forgeco’s ReadyFix Transoms have been independently tested and are fully compliant to TG20:13.

All products bear traceability coding, allowing identification to manufacturing batches of under 2,000 pieces. During production, batch testing and inspection is carried out, and to ensure the best quality they are also tested again at SCP Forgeco’s UK laboratory.

The ReadyFix Transom units are available in three, four and five board configurations, and help faster erection of independent system scaffold unit with standard scaffold tube and fitting.

TG20:13 compliance allows the design of scaffolds without the need for ledger bracing in specific applications. www.scp-props.co.uk/scaffolding-products

HAKI offers CISRS System Inspection Training Scheme

Hilti launches next generation cordless impact wrench

Scaffolding system manufacturer HAKI has qualified to offer CISRS System Inspection Training at its dedicated training centre in the UK. HAKI already delivers the CISRS System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) and is adding the CISRS inspection course to its growing training matrix to help standardise the approach to system training.

Following CISRS guidelines, the one-day course will include a theory test based on general inspection and HAKI system product knowledge, as well as a practical exam based on drawing of the structure and faults provided by HAKI’s qualified trainers.

All delegates who successfully complete practical and theory assessments on the course will receive a CISRS certificate and an endorsement on their CISRS card.

To attend the course, delegates must hold either a CISRS Basic Scaffolding Inspection (BSI) or Advanced Scaffolding Inspection (ASI) card, or be CISRS Scaffolders or Advanced Scaffolders who have had their card renewed with CPD, showing the inspection endorsement.

Hilti aims to consign under- and over-torqued HST3 Stud anchors to history with the launch of the next generation SIW 6AT-A22 cordless impact wrench and SI-AT-A22 adaptive torque module.

The new lightweight SI-AT-A22 module slots into the base of the tool and has a mechatronic system that processes live data on the settings being done.

When used together, the new system creates the first impact wrench-based adaptive torque available that covers ETA approvals for HST3 stud anchors ranging from M8 to M12.

Users scan the box of the Hilti HST3 anchor with the AT module’s integrated barcode reader and the tool automatically tightens to the required torque. Once the process is complete, the AT module provides a visual and audible alert before stopping automatically, ensuring the job is completed consistently and accurately.

www.HAKI.co.uk

www.hilti.co.uk

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ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE | PRODUCTS

PRODUCTS www.accesspoint.org.uk

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Sayfa Systems UK Ltd, Jubilee House, No. 3 Gelders Hall Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 9NH PRODUCTS | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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PRODUCTS www.accesspoint.org.uk

SCP Forgeco becomes UK distributor for MPC SCP Forgeco has been appointed as the sole UK distributor for plastic scaffolding products manufacturer MPC Redditch.

MPC Redditch manufactures tube end caps, thread caps, plastic foot plates and armadillo caps.

SCP holds robust stock levels to ensure it can respond to all new product orders. MPCˊs range is predominantly available in yellow; however, SCP is able to offer other colours to suit scaffolding requirements.

Scaffolding foam tube sleeves are also available in a range of lengths.

SCP’s sales team can be contacted on 01902 884 687. www.scp-props.co.uk/scaffolding-products

CAMO Group contracted for hoarding and security at Procession House CAMO Group has completed its largest project to date – and one of the largest hoarding jobs currently installed in the City of London – for Trad Scaffolding at Procession House.

The scope of works for CAMO Group, which was born from the existing name of ADS Security Installations, was to install a full site perimeter hoarding along with various tunnels, walkways and site entrance gates. In addition, CAMO was tasked with installing non-slip plywood to all five hoist run-offs, the site entrance ramp and various sections.

Installing a gutter frame covering a large amount of the perimeter of the building presented challenges because it had to be cut to perfection around window frames, scaffolding tubes and stone columns.

CAMO also secured the entire site with its unique hardwired scaffold alarm system and 24-hour monitoring. In excess of 250 lights have been used on this project for public safety and adherence with local council regulations.

New RhinoDeck component improves safe deck access Sayfa Systems has introduced a new component to the RhinoDeck range to enable the installation of a protected ladder access at any point in the RhinoDeck installation.

The sliding hand-rail post can be fitted over any cross brace to provide an additional upright hand-rail post at any point to enable the fitting of a gate access and handrail around a ladder access point installed from below. The same principle can be applied to installing a supplementary ladder access point along an exposed edge already protected by a handrail.

Loadable to 600kg/m2, RhinoDeck is lightweight, quick to assemble and continues to be widely used as an all-metal freestanding decking system for house building.

The RhinoDeck Method Statement (which can be downloaded from the Sayfa Systems website) has been substantially revised to give clear instructions for the use of this component. www.sayfasystems.co.uk/rhinodeck

www.camogroup.co.uk

PERI introduces digital solution for industrial environments

SMARTPLY SITEPROTECT hoarding available in 16mm thickness

Formwork and scaffolding specialist PERI is combining digital technology with its PERI UP scaffolding solution to enable seamless operations and greater control for contractors on industrial construction sites.

PERI’s latest development in this field, the Integrated Scaffolding Programme, supports the entire process, from initial planning through to final implementation of a scaffolding solution.

During the planning stage, the programme can be integrated with the contractor’s predesigned 3D models or with 3D models designed by PERI, which are created by using digital tools to scan the environment. 3D modelling helps visualise the proposed scaffolding concept, and how it interacts with the site environment and construction sequence.

MEDITE SMARTPLY has introduced a new 16mm thickness to its SMARTPLY SITEPROTECT range of highly engineered, moisture-resistant, pre-primed OSB3 panel, specifically designed for demanding hoarding applications.

This new 16mm thickness will increase the versatility of SMARTPLY SITEPROTECT and is in line with the Temporary Works Forum’s Guide to Good Practice. The existing 18mm board is still available.

SMARTPLY SITEPROTECT comes pre-primed with a heavy duty, cross-linked polymer primer, is structurally sound and can be manufactured in sizes of up to three metres high, ensuring maximum security. The board only needs application of a top coat, saving contractors time and energy and making the product ideal for use either as a temporary hoarding where time is of the essence, or as a long-term security installation in high-profile locations.

www.peri.ltd.uk

www.mdfosb.com/en/smartply

08

ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE | PRODUCTS

PRODUCTS www.accesspoint.org.uk

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PRODUCTS | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

COMMERCIAL www.accesspoint.org.uk

Project bank accounts: guidance for scaffolding contractors Barrister Professor Rudi Klein provides some timely advice on project bank accounts for scaffolding firms.

It is increasingly likely that scaffolding firms will come across project bank accounts (PBA). That is, they will be asked to agree to receive their payments via a PBA because UK government departments/agencies, all the devolved governments and some councils are now using them. This article explains the benefits to scaffolding firms of being part of a PBA.

The PBA process cuts down the time taken for monies to cascade through the layers of subcontracting.

CLIENT

CLIENT 30 DAYS

What is a project bank account?

A project bank account, or PBA, has been devised to provide a measure of cashflow security for firms in construction supply chains. Once monies are certified as payable by the client, they are paid by the client into a PBA. This is a ring-fenced bank account. The monies in the account are protected by the imposition of a trust; this means that the monies are secure in the event of the insolvency of the main contractor. A trust is rather like garlic to Dracula, the latter being an insolvency practitioner.

Subcontractors on many Carillion projects where there was a PBA in place did not lose money.

How do PBAs work?

PBAs do not disrupt the usual contractual structures. The tier 1 contractor submits its application to the client as usual. The application is, of course, the aggregated amount of the subcontractors’ applications. Once the client has agreed the application, the monies are deposited in the PBA. Within five days, the monies are paid out simultaneously to the tier 1 contractor and its subcontractors.

10-15 DAYS TIER 1 CONTRACTOR PBA

60 DAYS TIER 2 CONTRACTOR 70 DAYS TIER 3 CONTRACTOR

5 DAYS

TIER 1 CONTRACTOR

TIER 3 CONTRACTOR

TIER 2 CONTRACTOR

Highways England is currently the most prolific user of PBAs. By 2020, over £20bn worth of Highways England projects will have been paid for using PBAs. All subcontractors are being paid within 18 days of the assessment date (valuation date) under the tier 1 contract.

PBA formalities

The formalities for setting up and operating a PBA are fairly minimal.

There has to be in place a trust deed. This has to be signed by the client and tier 1 contractor as trustees of the monies in the PBA and by the beneficiaries of these monies (i.e. the tiers 1, 2 and 3 contractors).

A late-appointed subcontractor can sign a joining or accession deed.

The trust deed simply confirms that the monies held in the PBA are trust monies intended for payment to the named beneficiaries.

CLIENT

PBA BANK

The PBA account holder(s) has to enter into a bank mandate or agreement with the bank. The account holder can be both trustees or, as is often the case, just one of the trustees – the tier 1 contractor.

The account holder(s) is then responsible for issuing the instructions to the bank to make the necessary payments. The bank has to be made aware that the monies in the PBA are subject to a trust arrangement.

Advantages TIER 1 CONTRACTOR

TIER 3 CONTRACTOR

Project bank accounts (PBA) are the most effective method for achieving cashflow certainty. They ensure that the monies are secure in the event of upstream insolvencies and that regular payments are made within a period that is far less than 30 days.

TIER 2 CONTRACTOR If the client hasn’t agreed the full amount of the application, there will be a shortfall in the PBA. It’s important to note that a PBA is not a pay-when-paid arrangement (which would, in any event, be unlawful under the Construction Act). The tier 1 contractor is still bound to pay its subcontractors sums which are properly due to them.

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Has any member of the Scaffolding Association had experience of PBAs and would be happy to provide some details to Rudi Klein? If so, please email rudi.klein@secgroup.org.uk

COMMERCIAL www.accesspoint.org.uk

Insurance policies: 5 things every scaffolder should know Paul Beck from specialist scaffolding insurance broker Amicus Insurance Solutions highlights the top five things to know when you’re taking out your insurance policy.

Insurance can be difficult to understand and, let’s face it, isn’t very exciting, but failing to get your head around it can prove costly. Here are five of the most common issues that Amicus comes across on scaffolding insurance policies.

1. Is your business description accurate?

Does the policy actually say what you do? You are a scaffolder, not a builder. If it doesn’t say that in the business description, the chances are that the insurer doesn’t fully understand what you do. This means you’re probably not covered.

2. Check there is no height limit

You’d be amazed how many insurance policies for scaffolding companies have a height limit on them! Many standard construction liability policies include a height limit as standard, but if the underwriter doesn’t take it off, then the policy is next to useless.

3. Know who your insurer is

Is the insurer UK-based? Are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority? If not, make sure you’re clear on the consequences of dealing with an unregulated insurer. They are often cheaper and favour the higher risk trades such as scaffolding, but non-regulated insurers fail more often than regulated ones, causing a problem if you have a large claim against your company and the insurer is no longer around to pay up or defend you. For that reason, many principal contractors will not accept them.

4. Check the exclusions

Many policies exclude work at high risk locations. Power stations and MOD premises are to be expected, but some insurers also class working on or near water, bridges, rail or any other infrastructure as ‘high risk’ sites and exclude them.

5. Check your agency staff’s policy

With an increasing trend to employ labour via an agency, it’s important to check that the insurance they come with covers them while on your site – potentially working at height for you. Make sure your broker has checked any agency staff’s policy. If there is no cover, your broker must declare their wages to your own insurer to get them covered by your policy.

Paul Beck Amicus Insurance Solutions www.amicus-insurance.co.uk

Specialist insurance for scaffolders Amicus is a specialist broker to the Construction and Scaffolding Industries.

We have been working with the Scaffolding Association since 2015 and are proud to insure many of the UK’s leading Scaffold companies.

We really understand scaffolding insurance and we love it.

We have even employed some former scaffolders within our business so you can be 100% confident that we really do talk your language!

All that expertise, enthusiasm and industry knowledge means that you can trust Amicus to not only find the best insurance to protect you, your business and your employees, but that you can also rely upon us to do it at the most competitive price.

www.amicus-insurance.co.uk

Why not give us a try!

To discuss your insurance requirements, or to find out how we can help you, contact Karl Jones, Rory Boylan or Adam Scott on: 0208 773 5395 or email us at karl.jones@amicus-insurance.com

www.amicus-insurance.co.uk Compass London Market Broker of the Year 2015/16

COMMERCIAL | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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GUIDANCE www.accesspoint.org.uk

Scaffolding in an industrial environment Scaffolding designs and systems for factories and industrial sites vary from sector to sector, but what they all demand is expertise and an awareness of the risks. Julian Sanders from VR Design & Safety outlines how to approach an industrial client and what to plan for.

are familiar with the type of work.

As mentioned earlier, try to involve the client and the plant managers in your processes wherever possible, getting them to approve all your documents and plans at every step. This means communication – before and during the contract – is the key. If a problem is hit, stop work and report it back, because on many occasions plant managers can help. We have found that plant managers often organise their maintenance departments to assist with logistics as they have greater knowledge of their plant and often prefer to keep involved and do it themselves.

From the outset, consult your engineer and get them to the plant. Quite often, a drawing is required – be prepared to do a post-erect drawing as well.

One final point. During the contract, once a scaffold has been erected, make sure that it can’t be accessed when it’s not in use. It’s not uncommon to find plant workers wandering around the scaffolds…!

Julian Sanders VR Design & Safety Limited T: 0121 707 4928 (England &Wales) T: 0141 959 0052 (Scotland) www.vrdesignsafe.co.uk

What accreditations and training are required?

When embarking on a complex or fast-moving industrial contract, risks are there at every turn of the spanner. Firstly, managing people; making sure they have the necessary skills and ensuring a safe environment is critical. Equally, in an industrial environment the risk of interrupting production can have serious consequences and expose scaffolding contractors to considerable commercial risks.

Our experience is that work programmes are often intense and demand the highest standards.

Projects often have to be undertaken outside production time, so night time and weekend working are not uncommon.

As such, pre-planning is a critical component where you can take steps to ensure that your management team and operatives have the necessary knowledge and experience of working on industrial sites. It is often the case with industrial contracts that access is restricted and your workforce may need to undertake bespoke training to understand the environment in which they will be working. Also consider what special permits to work your team will require.

Many factory managers are often unaware of what is involved in a scaffolding project, so it’s a good idea to arrange to meet with them and give them a full brief of your operations.

Industrial production spaces are dangerous places: you will be required to prepare a detailed

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risk assessment and establish if any special PPE is required. Identify the location of live electrics, moving machinery and any hazardous substances, and put in place necessary procedures to lock-off production prior to work commencing.

It will also be essential to establish vehicle access routes, unloading areas, and safe and secure storage space. In some industrial environments, you will need to establish what lifting equipment can be used in the plant, such as a fork lift truck, a pallet truck or carts, because in some instances special tyres may be needed to prevent marking or static electricity.

Time is often at a premium on industrial scaffolding contracts because of their complex or fast-moving nature. So, clearly set outline logistics plans to move materials to work areas and ascertain whether there are any restrictions surrounding material movements within a plant.

As part of your methodology, make sure you understand the plant’s emergency procedures and find out what the client’s induction process is for your operatives and permits to work. For example, you might need to send them in a week before the job starts to get inducted, obtain passes and have a familiarisation walk of the plant.

Strong supervision is essential throughout the job, so allow for a trained supervisor to be on-site whenever operatives are working. If possible, only send experienced scaffolders who

Scaffolding in an industrial environment often exposes subcontractors to risks that are unique to certain industries. Some clients require contractors to complete training specific to either their company or sector.

Scaffolders and labourers will be expected to hold a skills competence card, such as a valid AICS or CISRS card.

Teams should have confined spaces training where there are risks to health and safety from working in areas that are substantially enclosed and where hazardous substances or hazardous conditions could be present.

Scaffolders and labourers should also have carried out UKAS accredited Asbestos Awareness Training.

Certain industries demand that scaffolding contractors have secured a third-party assessment. The type of independent audits that are available include: • Scaffolding Association Audited Member Scheme • Achilles UVDB Certificate Contact the Scaffolding Association to find out more www.scaffolding-association.org

INNOVATION www.accesspoint.org.uk

Castle Scaffolding boosts safety and productivity with specialist safety netting A new specialist safety netting system designed, manufactured and tested by Castle Scaffolding is providing protection on rail projects and reducing night shift working and possessions.

This new concertina netting system – which is currently in use at Twickenham Railway Station – is clamped to the face of the scaffolding at ground level and has a telescopic attachment that allows the net to be raised above working platforms, creating a complete curtain that protects everyone who is the public side of the screen.

Castle Scaffolding managing director Ryan Jewell said: “We designed our specialist safety netting system to allow us to erect and dismantle scaffold behind a protection system. This not only puts safety first but also saves cost for clients by eliminating the need for night time working. With railway projects in particular, possessions are restrictive and can significantly lengthen projects.

“The benefits for using the system are tried and tested – the first project we used it on saved our client c.£500k. The project would have needed to be built in night shifts and only three to four possession times, which would have meant possibly three to four months of night shifts.

“With this specialist netting system, we just needed four night shifts for installation and then worked for the duration of the project in normal working hours.

“We’re currently using this new system to boost productivity and deliver cost savings in the rail and civils sector, but it brings just as many benefits in other sectors.” www.castle-scaffolding.com

INNOVATION | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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TECHNICAL www.accesspoint.org.uk

Temporary roofs are on the up With scaffolding systems that fully encapsulate a building becoming increasingly common, the onus is on everyone in the sector to understand the requirements for the design of temporary roofs. Paul Thompson reports.

Design factors

As the country gets battered by the latest winter storm, sites large and small sound to the rattle and ripple of wind-blown sheeting on temporary scaffold roof systems.

These additions to the scaffolding world have become commonplace on construction sites up and down the country as clients and contractors try to limit the number of days lost to the elements on projects by providing some shelter for workers. But with that increase in popularity there follows an increase in responsibility. It is imperative that contractors understand the importance of ensuring these temporary roofing systems are adequately designed to fit every application.

“I am surprised that temporary roofs have not been used more in the past. However, in recent years they have become increasingly popular. As an industry, we need to make sure everyone – client, main contractor, designer and scaffolding contractor – is up to speed with their design and installation,” said Robert Candy, chief executive of the Scaffolding Association.

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Increase in demand

That move towards the specification of temporary roofing is thanks largely to a desire from clients, according to industry expert and PB Scaffold Design managing director Phil Barber. The push to build quickly, safely and accurately has seen demand for temporary roofs – and their design – increase.

“Over the last four or five years, we have seen a shift. It used to be just the larger projects, but now we see temporary roofs on all but the smallest of residential projects,” he said.

That increase in demand is tied into an increase in complexity over standard scaffold that can challenge even highly experienced scaffolders. With plenty of areas of design influence to consider, many find that they need to go back to the drawing board or bring in specialist designers to ensure the temporary roofs are fit for purpose and that they comply with all the latest guidance and legislation.

“Generally, scaffolding systems are not the most complex to design. Unfortunately, temporary roofs are not quite as simple. You have to design them to similar tolerances and loading as those of a permanent building,” explained Chris Harrison, director at Apex Scaffold Design.

He highlights a raft of influencing factors that can all affect the final design, from the type of roof cover (plastic sheeting or corrugated steel) to the fixing of the scaffold (kentledged or tied). Other factors include the type of scaffold being used (tube and fitting or system scaffold) even down to the lifting operations and whether the scaffold supporting it is sheeted or unsheeted.

Mr Harrison added: “There are so many points to consider – there is no generic design for a temporary roof. These are complex structures and need to be designed as such.”

It is a point echoed by Rory Brady, principal design engineer at Node Scaffold Design. He points out that although these roofing systems are labelled ‘temporary’, they can in fact be anything but. The fluctuating fortunes of an average construction project can see the roof remain in situ for several months and often years as complications arise.

“We all know construction projects can often overrun, that’s the nature of them, but if that happens, is the temporary roof and scaffold design still valid? Has it been designed to work throughout the seasons and with the different loading that can be brought onto the structure?” he questioned.

That can depend on the size of the scheme and the awareness of the project team. On larger projects the likelihood is that the scaffold design, including that of the temporary roof, is properly controlled to accommodate any fluctuations, including those introduced post-design as the project advances. Even the simple act of cutting a section out of the scaffold sheeting to ease in supplies can significantly affect its overall performance.

Here is where contractors and clients need

TECHNICAL www.accesspoint.org.uk

to be vigilant if they are to comply with health and safety legislation, CDM regulations, and keep the structure, workforce and general public safe.

“Clients and scaffolding contractors need to understand just how much the loading on a temporary roof can change throughout a project. Cutting holes in scaffold sheeting or even removing windows and doors or altering the layout of the building can all have a dramatic effect on the capability of the temporary roof design,” explained Mr Brady.

Early considerations

Of course, all this extra design input has a cost implication. Clients need to be aware that one of the reasons a scaffolding quote from one firm might be much higher than that of another is that it has factored in design costs, rather than left them out.

But, Mr Brady argues, some of that cost can be mitigated by bringing in a designer at the earliest stages of a scheme.

“The use of temporary roofs is often a last-minute decision and that is where cost can often be an issue for a contractor,” he said. “But bringing specialists in as early as possible means designers can incorporate any requirement from the get-go. Then, they know exactly what is required and when – it makes sense.”

TECHNICAL | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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SITE REPORT www.accesspoint.org.uk

Swift sets the standards in Motion The future landscape of Waltham Forest is taking a very individual shape with three distinctive towers elegantly twisting as they rise to look out across East London.

Fundamental to the project’s success is the access and scaffolding. Jenny Gibson reports on Swift Scaffolding’s £1.4 million contract at the new Motion complex.

Swift Scaffolding is contracted to provide scaffolding and access solutions for all external facades across nine blocks at the Motion complex.

“The need to design consistency into an inconsistent building profile was a critical aspect of this contract,” said Sam Gage, contracts manager from Swift Scaffolding.

Motion is a residential development incorporating three tower blocks ranging from 12 to 18 floors overlooking Leyton in East London.

Under construction are 300 new homes as part of a £350 million regeneration venture.

Main contractor Hill appointed Swift Scaffolding – a Scaffolding Association Audited Member – to provide scaffolding and access solutions for all external facades across nine reinforced concrete frame blocks during spring 2018.

Swift developed the scaffold design in detail to ensure that the strategy was robust enough to meet stringent safety and technical demands.

Swift worked alongside the Hill team to design scaffolding solutions that met the access requirement of the key trade contractors focused around multiple access for men and materials.

Design, logistical challenges and innovative thinking have all played their part in a scaffold contract that has been running since May 2018.

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The scope for Swift includes main access tube and fitting scaffold for blocks A, B, C, D, H and J. This has been adapted in two ways to meet the project requirements: firstly, using Van Thiel sliding transoms to suit brickwork access and, secondly, to adapt to intermediate and floor-level platforms for following trades.

Three tower blocks – E, F and G – were erected in storey height lifts for cladding and facade works.

HAKI access staircases have been installed across the project to provide safe and easy access and egress to all blocks.

All elements expected on a project of this scale, i.e. lift shaft access, guardrails, birdcages and pedestrian protection gantries, are also included in Swift’s works.

One aspect requiring significant design input has been the loading platforms: 11 progressive towers and 45 cantilevered bays, mainly erected to the tower blocks. Traditional loading towers were used on the lower-level

Forty-five cantilevered loading bays are in use across the development to overcome the challenge of limited ground space available.

SITE REPORT www.accesspoint.org.uk

blocks allowing flexibility in positioning along the length of each elevation.

Mr Gage said: “Due to the limited ground space available, the need for cantilevered loading bays is paramount, as well as passenger goods hoists erected to each tower.

“The positions of the cantilevered loading platforms had to be carefully co-ordinated allowing material access to each floor level of each tower and to avoid clashes above and below as the majority of internal fit-out materials are loaded to each floor for distribution.”

The small site footprint at 97 Lea Bridge Road has presented a challenge for the Swift on-site team with daily material delivery and storage.

With such a vast quantity of material needed to scaffold nine blocks, well-planned logistics is vital to ensure productivity.

“This is down to using a tried-and-tested approach,” explained Mr Gage. “We have a good system in place along with Hill to make sure the gangs have what they need, when they need it, in the place they need it!

“On a project of this size, to date, we have delivered over 70 loads of materials with a combined weight of over 1,000 tonnes to build the job.

“Having a clear plan of how it’s all going to get on-site and where it will be stored is essential for efficient working. There’s no other way.”

More than 20 operatives have been on-site for a year already and the contract is expected to complete at the end of 2019. This type of project needs to be supported by well-trained, experienced and committed professionals. And that’s exactly what Swift have provided.

PROJECT TEAM:

More than 20 Swift Scaffolding operatives have already been on-site for a year at the Motion development.

Developer: Peabody Main Contractor: Hill Scaffolding Design Consultant: Engineered Techniques Scaffolding Contractor: Swift Scaffolding Ltd

So far, Swift has delivered over 70 loads of materials with a combined weight of over 1,000 tonnes to build the job.

SITE REPORT | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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TRANSPORT www.accesspoint.org.uk

On the move: keep scaffold secure and know your weight limits Having an overloaded scaffold lorry with unsecured boards and poles is not only dangerous but could catch the eye of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and result in a fine, or worse, your operator’s licence being revoked. Hedy Aghdam, from transport management consultancy GVL Management Limited, explains what to expect if you’re pulled over for a roadside inspection.

What mistakes do scaffolders commonly make with load securing?

When a scaffolder was recently stopped by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on the suspicion of having an ‘overloaded’ lorry, his vehicle was taken to its test centre over the weighbridge. Although the lorry was within the weight limit, the back axle was overloaded, the boards were insecure and loose tubes were rolling around. After spreading the weight by moving some of the load to the middle, and getting a slap on the wrist, the scaffolder was sent on his way.

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Assessing load security

The DVSA has produced enforcement guidance to assist examiners in assessing load securing methods. Initially, DVSA examiners carry out an assessment for the adequacy of loads secured on vehicles using a flow chart. If the load is unstable or the securing of equipment is in poor condition, the next question will be raised. Does the vehicle present an immediate likelihood of causing injury due to its load security?

If the answer is yes, a DVSA examiner will apply enforcement action and a range of regulatory powers, including prohibiting the

continued use of the vehicle.

If the answer is no, then minor issues in how the vehicles are loaded and secured can be dealt with through advice or fixed penalty notices. (As of 29 January, drivers can pay fixed penalty notices at the roadside using the DVSA’s new secure online service.)

Even though the DVSA examiner had let the scaffolder go on his way in the case described, a few weeks later, the company received a spontaneous visit from the DVSA, wanting to inspect the vehicles and maintenance records using the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system. The DVSA uses the OCRS system to decide which vehicles should be inspected and then calculate the risk of an operator not following the safety rules or the rules on roadworthiness. The system is based on data from annual tests, roadside inspections and inspections at operator’s premises. The higher the OCRS scores are, the higher the risk an operator becomes.

An operator’s licence – it’s all about trust

In similar situations, vehicle operators usually see the DVSA visit as unfair. In this case, the fact that the driver was issued with a verbal warning and then received a DVSA follow-up visit may be viewed as an isolated incident. However, the granting of an operator’s licence is based on the trust that the operator is going to be compliant with rules and regulations. Still, this does not mean that operators are immune to future actions by the DVSA. In severe cases, operators may be asked to attend a Public Inquiry and risk their licence being revoked, curtailed or suspended.

In most cases, the cost of a single roadside inspection by the DVSA is considerable.

A roadside inspection of an unsecured load can lead to the DVSA asking operators for access to their records, such as maintenance, working time and tachograph, in order to verify the operator’s compliance.

Since driving is not usually a scaffolder’s main job, many scaffolders can fail to recognise the legal requirements of operating. These legal requirements include keeping proper vehicle and driver records as well as using a tachograph to record their duties. The failure to do so can result in a warning against the operator’s licence by the traffic commissioner, which can be a costly mistake.

Taking steps to address the risks associated with load securing and obtaining a good understanding of it are critical parts of a scaffolder’s responsibilities, both as a licence holder and as a driver. Loading the vehicle properly and using adequate load restraint, not only stops danger to road users but can also save businesses a significant amount of money and time.

Hedy Aghdam GVL Management Limited Managing director www.goodsvehiclelicence.co.uk

TRANSPORT www.accesspoint.org.uk

Scaffolders at high risk of drink drive convictions

Recent analysis of car insurance quotes by MoneySuperMarket (analysis carried out on over six million car insurance quotes between 1 November 2017 and 31 October 2018) suggests that scaffolders have a higher rate of drink and drug driving convictions than most other occupations.

Scaffolders were ranked third in the analysis with 5.32 drink drive convictions for every 1,000 drivers. Only plumbers and mature students living at home showed to have higher conviction rates.

With nearly a fifth of drink drive convictions attributed to ‘the morning after’, it could be that scaffolders are being unwittingly caught out as they drive to an early job.

Mercedes-Benz Atego stands the test of time

The reassuring durability of Mercedes-Benz 7.5-tonners has been trusted for a quarter of a century by Oxford Blue Scaffolding. The Abingdon-based scaffold contractor is currently running five Atego 816s from three model generations.

The oldest entered service in 2009, while another has been on the road for more than six years.

Director Andy Durkin said: “We purchased our first Mercedes-Benz trucks in 1994 and have been buying them ever since. I can honestly say that in those 25 years we’ve never had one break down on us.

“Given the commitments we make to our customers, I cannot afford to have guys stood at the side of the road waiting for recovery trucks. With the Atego, that never happens – it’s a fantastic product.”

Oxford Blue acquired the latest addition to the line-up in January with competitive funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance. It has a ClassicSpace day cab and a scaffolding body built to the operator’s own design specification to carry tubes of up to six metres in length, as well as boards and other fixtures.

The new Atego is powered by a fuel-efficient 5.1-litre engine which produces 115 kW (156 hp) and is paired with a six-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 transmission – it is Oxford Blue Scaffolding’s first experience of the manufacturer’s smooth-shifting automated manual gearbox, which also contributes to economy.

To match the operator’s previous vehicles, the Atego was specified with a wheelbase of 4,820 mm, one of a range of wheelbase options available ex-factory.

“It means the truck carries the load really well and makes for a more comfortable drive,” explained Mr Durkin.

FIND OUT MORE www.mbtrucks.co.uk

Swift Scaffolding signs up for new FORS Fleet Management System Swift Scaffolding has become the first Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold-rated organisation to sign up for the new FORS Fleet Management System (FMS).

The software, developed by FleetCheck, was launched last September for FORS members seeking to attain and maintain FORS Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditations, as set out in the FORS Standard.

The FORS FMS software replaces Swift’s previous system of whiteboards and paper used to manage its fleet of six HGVs, 14 vans, 13 company cars and nine trailers.

Swift’s logistics manager, Mervyn Rolf, said: “Being FORS Gold accredited, we need to be on the ball with every aspect of fleet management from eyesight and health checks on our drivers to safety compliance on our vehicles and trailers.

“Having our data centralised has meant I can be 100 per cent sure that all our vehicles are being constantly monitored and that no faults or defects are missed.”

FIND OUT MORE www.FORS-FMS.org.uk TRANSPORT | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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HEALTH & SAFETY www.accesspoint.org.uk

Scaffolding and the public: is your site safe and secure?

an ‘incomplete’ scaffold, for example without a ground lift ladder, this should be recorded on the paperwork. Adding and removing a ground lift ladder is not deemed an alteration, and the scaffold tag does not need to be withdrawn if the scaffold is inaccessible.

Ladder removal

It is often possible for the ground to first lift ladder to be removed at Last year’s safety alert from the HSE highlighting the importance of the end of the working shift and secured in a locked area or preventing unauthorised access onto scaffolding has strengthened the padlocked to the scaffold requirement for scaffold contractors to review site security and make sure horizontally. It is not acceptable to simply place the removed ladder safety measures are in place. Stacey Underhill from the Scaffolding on the first lift. It is good practice Association outlines some key areas of consideration. to also block the ladder opening. an intermediate climbing point. The Ladders should not be removed fencing should be regularly checked where the route is a designated to ensure that it is in good order out-of-hours fire escape. and that there are no materials or plant in proximity that may aid Ladder guards access to a trespasser.

Ladder removal provides better control than ladder guards.

Local fencing However, a ladder guard may be a suitable alternative when it is not to vulnerable areas reasonably workable to remove the It may be necessary to fence ladder out of hours. When using a the full length of the scaffold at guard, you should note: ground level, particularly across • They must be locked or padlocked ground-level sway bracing. into place Where there is public access to • They must cover at least six rungs the scaffold at differing levels, and make each rung unusable fencing should be used to close off all access opportunities. There • They must not be able to slide required and the suitability of the Scaffolding can often be a over the ladder stile should be no projecting first lift options available will be tempting playground for children • They must not be able to tilt or transoms or ledgers that could determined by the location and and members of the public, with pull away from the ladder aid climbing – the use of fans and nature of the work, including: any resulting falls from height • Carrying slots should be vertical sheeting of lifts may help deter • Proximity to residential areas, following unauthorised access and handles should not provide unauthorised access. schools and public venues usually resulting in life-changing or an alternative foot hold Fencing should be installed as • Whether the scaffolding is inside fatal injuries.

• Guards must be suitable for the the scaffold is built, which means a construction site or on a public The Health and Safety Executive’s type of ladder being fixed to that this should be written into the boundary (HSE) recent safety alert reminded • Whether the building is occupied contract or a separate contractor contractors and those in charge of The site assessment may also engaged so that there is no delay or not scaffolding and access of the need consider additional controls to help between the scaffold being erected • The hours that the building is to assess the site and put in place prevent and deter unauthorised occupied, and whether it is part of and the fencing being installed. suitable and sufficient measures that access, including CCTV systems or Generally, any additional fencing the fire escape plan prevent unauthorised access. security personnel patrolling the Although members of the public • Length of time the site is closing for needed to secure the scaffold site. But what’s essential is that should be provided by the principal • Number of access points on the and parents have a responsibility the site assessment is regularly contractor, unless this is specifically scaffold to comply with safety signs and reviewed, with reports of damage requested within the contract. The • Whether the areas the scaffold notices, contractors are now or trespass investigated as a priority ground lift ladder and additional abuts are common areas or expected to undertake greater and actions taken to improve fencing arrangements should be privately controlled efforts to prevent unauthorised written into the scaffold contract and security where required.

• Level of lighting/privacy access. There are few ways of details added to either the drawings • Existing levels of security preventing determined individuals FIND OUT MORE or compliance sheets. Where the from gaining access to scaffolding; www.scaffolding-association.org scaffold contractor is handing over however, there are a number of Site-perimeter fencing basic measures that must be taken. Where reasonably practicable, fixed and continuous site-perimeter Scaffolding contractors are advised to check their contracts and/or Site assessment fencing should be used to prevent hire arrangement to clarify who has responsibility for security of Preventing unauthorised access onto unauthorised access. It must be scaffolding and who is responsible for any damage resulting from a scaffolding is vital for maintaining secured so as to prevent anyone security breach. site security. The level of security squeezing through gaps or creating

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INDUSTRY NEWS www.accesspoint.org.uk

Next five years critical if construction is to reap the rewards of digitalisation A new report published by CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board, shows that construction can reap major rewards from digital skills and technology, but only if it takes decisive action in the next five years.

CITB’s report, Evolution or Revolution?, looks at a range of scenarios for the pace of technological change in construction which will inform the forthcoming Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Future Skills Plan.

The research finds that as a less-automated sector, construction stands to gain much more from modernisation than other parts of the economy. Embracing digital technology and cutting-edge skills can help address ongoing industry challenges, such as wafer-thin profit margins; the need to recruit, upskill and retain the future workforce; and improving health, safety and

mental wellbeing.

The next five years will likely see technological adoption evolve, then speed up – but only when the right conditions are in place, including building a shared definition of what digital construction means and the skills it requires; sharing best practice much more widely; and liberating leaders and managers to take calculated risks and drive new approaches.

Stephen Radley, CITB director of strategy & policy, said: “Construction has lagged behind other industries in harnessing the benefits of digitalisation but is now looking to catch up. New technology has

CSCS to end Grandfather Rights From 1st January 2020, if you do not hold an NVQ you will not be able to renew your CSCS card. As a result of the move, all CSCS cards renewed under Industry Accreditation will expire on 31st December 2024 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 30th June 2024.

Industry Accreditation, also known as Grandfather Rights, allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employer’s recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. CSCS closed Industry Accreditation to new applicants in

enormous potential to make construction greener, safer and smarter, while boosting productivity.

“This research shows that while it may take two decades for the industry to achieve full technological adoption, the next five years are critical. Skills will be at the heart of these changes and we will work with government and industry

to agree digital skills goals and a plan to meet them. The CLC Future Skills Strategy (scheduled for publication in April 2019) will provide more details on how we can take this critical work forward as a whole industry.”

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2010 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis.

From 1st January 2020, all cards renewed under Industry Accreditation will expire on 31st December 2024 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 30th June 2024.

Increasingly, the construction sector has focused on ensuring that anyone working on-site can demonstrate that they have achieved a nationally recognised construction-related qualification.

With the introduction of the Labourer card, the withdrawal of the Construction Related Occupation card and the planned removal of the Site Visitor card, the next step is the withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation.

Robert Candy, chief executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “Workers wanting to stay in the access and scaffolding sector will need to hold an NVQ and those without qualifications will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024.”

Graham Wren, chief executive at CSCS, said: “Following the closure of the Construction Related Occupation card and the Construction Site Visitor card, cards gained by Industry Accreditation are the only cards in the CSCS scheme which do not require the cardholder to achieve a recognised qualification.

“Industry Accreditation does not support industry’s desire for a fully qualified workforce and as such it will be withdrawn.”

FIND OUT MORE www.scaffolding-association.org INDUSTRY NEWS | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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ASSOCIATION NEWS www.accesspoint.org.uk

WELCOME TO NEW SCAFFOLDING ASSOCIATION MEMBERS SCAFFOLD ERECTION All Seasons Scaffolding Limited www.allseasonsscaffolding.co.uk Ask Scaffolding www.askscaffolding.co.uk Atlantic Access 0151 549 1551 BCM Scaffolding Services Limited www.bcmscaffolding.co.uk City Scaffold Services (Midlands) Limited www.citygroup.org.uk DCS Scaffolding 0161 2122308 Eastlon Scaffolding Limited 01268 572209 Elco Scaffolding Limited 07825 069647 Emperor Scaffolding Limited www.emperorscaffoldingltd.co.uk Erect Direct (UK) Limited www.erectdirect.co.uk Format Scaffolding Services www.formatscaffolding.co.uk Hy-Scaff Services www.hy-scaff.co.uk KAS Scaffolding Limited www.kasscaffolding.co.uk Kings Langley Scaffolding Limited www.kingslangleyscaffolding.co.uk London & South Scaffolding Limited www.londonandsouthscaffolding.co.uk Macob Scaffolding Limited 01656 667330 Maldon Scaffolding Services Limited www.scaffolding-essex.com MBL Scaffolding Services Limited 07801 937091 MCS Scaffolding Limited 07792 252308 Sam Scaffolding (Dorset) Limited www.samscaff.co.uk Secure Scaffolding 01884 840700 Upsafe Scaffolding Limited 07496 055556 SCAFFOLD DESIGN Double Scaffold Design Limited www.doublescaffolddesign.co.uk SR Scaffold Design and Inspection Limited 07815 083001 PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Citation Limited www.citation.co.uk Industrial Textiles & Plastics Limited www.itpltd.com SMART Scaffolder www.smartscaffolder.com

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Keep an eye out for latest events at www.scaffolding-association.org/events

Elephant & Castle project underway with PSS Scaffold Group

1 May 2019

National Construction Expo Arena MK, Milton Keynes

13 June 2019

Annual Health & Safety in Housing Conference Leeds Beckett University

18–20 June 2019

Safety and Health Expo ExCel, London

19 September 2019

Scaffolding Association AGM Union Jack Club, London

Protech Scaffold Systems (London), part of the PSS Scaffold Group, has installed scaffolding for Maybank Projects at Metro Central Heights, an apartment building in Elephant & Castle – an area set to experience vast regeneration over the coming years.

To enable the refurbishment works at Metro Central Heights, which include painting and window replacements, Protech Scaffold Systems has erected full scaffold to some blocks and base scaffold for hoists and abseilers to another block.

Chris Crawley, managing director of the PSS Scaffold Group, said: “It has been an honour for us to be involved in this project. Metro Central Heights is a Grade II listed building and our experienced and professional operatives have taken great care throughout.

“I believe our team has quite enjoyed the rare opportunity of working on this brutalist architectural building.”

FIND OUT MORE www.psslondon.co.uk

Esher Scaffolding secures Trading Agreement with Thames Water

Royston Scaffolding supports specialist ambulance service Cambridge and Hertfordshire based Royston Scaffolding has provided specialised scaffolding to the East of England Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

The unique scaffolding construction required by HART, the specialist ambulance service that provides expert medical care in difficult environments, will enable the crew to practise saving people from height and in confined spaces as well as fall and arrest procedures.

Royston Scaffolding’s managing director, Elliott McGrath, said: “We worked closely with HART to replicate the typical environments they might encounter.

“While we’ve been part of many different scaffolding projects before, this was a unique case, and one that we’re really proud to have been part of.”

FIND OUT MORE www.roystonscaffolding.com

ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE | ASSOCIATION NEWS

Audited Member Esher Scaffolding, based in Surrey, has secured a Trading Agreement with Thames Water after successfully meeting the requirements and gaining the relevant qualifications to work on its sites.

Esher Scaffolding has already completed a number of contracts in the past three months for Thames Water, from design projects to those requiring confined space entry and rescue. One recent contract was at Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works, in Rickmansworth, where the Esher team erected scaffolding to enable access for the running rails to be replaced in one of the primary settlement tanks.

Kevin Withers, director of Esher Scaffolding, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us and we look forward to developing a strong working relationship with Thames Water over the next year.”

FIND OUT MORE www.esherscaffolding.com

ASSOCIATION NEWS www.accesspoint.org.uk

Contract Scaffolding Midlands gives time for Scout building makeover

A team from Contract Scaffolding Midlands joined up with other Coventry businesses to give their time for free to help renovate an old Scout Hut ahead of rehearsals for the Coventry Gang Show.

Working for HomeWorks, the in-house repairs and maintenance provider of WM Housing, the team from Contract Scaffolding Midlands provided scaffolding to enable other trades to breathe new life into the building.

The Coventry Gang Show has been staged in the city since 1961, with rehearsing held at the Satchwell Centre Scout Hut for the last 15 years.

Steve Kirk, director of HomeWorks, said: “We’re delighted with the work and thankful to all the contractors who have worked with us on the project.”

Alandale Group selects Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Testing The Alandale Group has selected the Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Test to use across its portfolio of businesses.

The innovative fingerprint-based Drug Screening System, which works by collecting and analysing tiny traces of sweat from a fingerprint to detect drugs, will be deployed at Alandale sites across the UK and Europe for random testing of its 500-strong workforce, proactively enforcing the Group’s drug usage policy and ensuring a safe working environment.

Drug testing is also a critical element of Alandale’s construction industry accreditation process, supporting the Group’s Safe Contractor, Construction Line, CHaS (Contractors Health and Safety) and the Construction Health and Safety Group accreditations.

Fingerprint samples are easy to gather as the system is portable, hygienic and non-invasive, with fingerprint collection taking just five seconds and results for all the drug groups tested available in ten minutes.

FIND OUT MORE www.alandaleuk.com

JPS Scaffolding works at Winchester’s Great Hall

FIND OUT MORE www.contractscaffoldingltd.co.uk

Moving from scaffold hire to scaffold lease

Scaffolding Association member WestWon, which provides businesses with funding and leasing options, has recently worked with a South Wales scaffolding company to help them move from hire to lease-to-own.

The contractor had a large monthly hire bill of over £5,000, and although it was expected for the size of the business, these monthly bills were causing a considerable dent in cash flow.

After speaking to WestWon and considering the financial options, they chose to move to a leasing-to-own set-up, which meant they nearly halved their monthly payments – freeing up cash in the business to invest where required – and would then own the kit outright at the end of the lease.

Southampton-based JPS Scaffolding has recently completed a scaffold installation for the Great Hall in Winchester, which sits within the grounds of Winchester Castle.

JPS Scaffolding was contracted to erect scaffold for inspection purposes to enable the condition of the roof to be checked – minor repairs were subsequently undertaken.

The hall, which is a place of great historical interest, was built by the then King Henry III between 1222 and 1235 and is a beautiful flint and stone built Grade I listed building. JPS Scaffolding used buttress and rakers as it was not possible to tie the job to the building.

AccessPoint would like to highlight the correct website address for JPS Scaffolding below. The address was printed incorrectly in the last issue.

FIND OUT MORE scaffolding@westwon.co.uk

FIND OUT MORE www.jps-scaffolding.co.uk

An assurance of quality and performance Regulating quality and high safety standards Independent audit regulates members Audit exceeds PAS 91 Matching members with new clients

Scaffolding Association 10C Abbey Lane Court, Abbey Lane Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4BY T: 0300 124 0470 E: info@scaffolding-association.org

www.scaffolding-association.org

ASSOCIATION NEWS | ACCESSPOINT MAGAZINE

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The GKR Saddle™ – a time saving fitting to improve productivity The GKR Saddle™ Fitting can be used in many situations and it has a variety of uses: • A replacement to the structural (Aberdeen) transom • One piece tie to be used with drilled anchors • Guardrail puncheons • Loading bearing birdcages • Loading bearing scaffolds • Gantry scaffolds • Loading bays • Temporary roofs • Sheeted and debris netted scaffolds • Guardrails without protruding bolts Testing was completed following the guidance given in BS EN 74-1:2005 for a Right Angle coupler.

The GKR SaddleTM has been developed by VR Design & Safety and GKR as a multi-use fitting, with numerous applications for all scaffolding applications. The productivity boosting GKR SaddleTM Fitting is available from VR Design & Safety; Loughton Scaffolding Merchants; and Forgeco.

The GKR Saddle™ Fitting is available from: VR Design & Safety VR House, Shawbank Road, Lakeside, Redditch, B98 8YN

Loughton Scaffolding Merchants 5A Cody Road Business Centre Canning Town London E16 4TG

Forgeco Swarn House Meadow Lane, Coseley Wolverhampton WV14 9NQ

T: 0121 707 4928 E: info@vrdesignsafe.com www.vrdesignsafe.com

T: 020 8532 0044 E: info@loughtonscaffolding.com www.loughtonscaffolding.com

T: 0121 526 2360 E: sales@forgeco.co.uk www.forgeco.co.uk