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

Last year’s safety alert from the HSE highlighting the importance of preventing unauthorised access onto scaffolding has strengthened the requirement for scaffold contractors to review site security and make sure safety measures are in place. Stacey Underhill from the Scaffolding Association outlines some key areas of consideration.

an intermediate climbing point. The fencing should be regularly checked to ensure that it is in good order and that there are no materials or plant in proximity that may aid access to a trespasser.

Local fencing to vulnerable areas

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 Adding and removing a ground lift ladder is not deemed an alteration, and the scaffold tag does not need to be withdrawn if the scaffold is inaccessible.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 the end of the working shift and secured in a locked area or padlocked to the scaffold horizontally. It is not acceptable to simply place the removed ladder on the first lift. It is good practice to also block the ladder opening. Ladders should not be removed where the route is a designated out-of-hours fire escape.

Ladder guards

Scaffolding can often be a tempting playground for children and members of the public, with any resulting falls from height following unauthorised access usually resulting in life-changing or fatal injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) recent safety alert reminded contractors and those in charge of scaffolding and access of the need to assess the site and put in place suitable and sufficient measures that prevent unauthorised access.

Although members of the public and parents have a responsibility to comply with safety signs and notices, contractors are now expected to undertake greater efforts to prevent unauthorised access. There are few ways of preventing determined individuals from gaining access to scaffolding; however, there are a number of basic measures that must be taken.

Site assessment

Preventing unauthorised access onto scaffolding is vital for maintaining site security. The level of security required and the suitability of the options available will be determined by the location and nature of the work, including:

• Proximity to residential areas, schools and public venues

• Whether the scaffolding is inside a construction site or on a public boundary

• Whether the building is occupied or not

• The hours that the building is occupied, and whether it is part of the fire escape plan

• Length of time the site is closing for

• Number of access points on the scaffold

• Whether the areas the scaffold abuts are common areas or privately controlled

• Level of lighting/privacy

• Existing levels of security

Site-perimeter fencing

Where reasonably practicable, fixed and continuous site-perimeter fencing should be used to prevent unauthorised access. It must be secured so as to prevent anyone squeezing through gaps or creating

It may be necessary to fence the full length of the scaffold at ground level, particularly across ground-level sway bracing. Where there is public access to the scaffold at differing levels, fencing should be used to close off all access opportunities. There should be no projecting first lift transoms or ledgers that could aid climbing – the use of fans and sheeting of lifts may help deter unauthorised access.

Fencing should be installed as the scaffold is built, which means that this should be written into the contract or a separate contractor engaged so that there is no delay between the scaffold being erected and the fencing being installed.

Generally, any additional fencing needed to secure the scaffold should be provided by the principal contractor, unless this is specifically requested within the contract. The ground lift ladder and additional fencing arrangements should be written into the scaffold contract and details added to either the drawings or compliance sheets. Where the scaffold contractor is handing over

Ladder removal provides better control than ladder guards. However, a ladder guard may be a suitable alternative when it is not reasonably workable to remove the ladder out of hours. When using a guard, you should note:

• They must be locked or padlocked into place

• They must cover at least six rungs and make each rung unusable

• They must not be able to slide over the ladder stile

• They must not be able to tilt or pull away from the ladder

• Carrying slots should be vertical and handles should not provide an alternative foot hold

• Guards must be suitable for the type of ladder being fixed to

The site assessment may also consider additional controls to help prevent and deter unauthorised access, including CCTV systems or security personnel patrolling the site. But what’s essential is that the site assessment is regularly reviewed, with reports of damage or trespass investigated as a priority and actions taken to improve security where required.

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

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.”

FIND OUT MORE tinyurl.com/y5rkjo2g