Magnum Access Services

Scaffolding procurement guidance

The selection of a competent scaffolding contractor is a key decision that can have a big impact on the success or failure of a project.

As a result of numerous client requests and to help principal contractors and scaffolding users select a competent scaffolding contractor, we've developed some easy to understand guidelines which we hope you'll find useful:

Relevant industry Regulations.

Scaffolding structures should comply with the relevant provisions of the following statutory Instruments:

• The “Health and Safety at Work Act 1974”.
• The “Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended 2007)”.
• The “Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999”.
• The “Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007”.
• BS EN 12811 (Referenced in the “Working at Height Regulations 2005”)

Scaffolding Code of Practice

TG20:08 is the latest scaffolding standard, published in 2008 by the NASC to replace BS 5973. TG20:08 was developed to ensure that scaffolding constructed from Tube and Fittings is configured to scaffolding standards that comply to the design requirements specified by BS EN 12811 as required by the Work at Height regulations.

Guidance

A comprehensive list of Safety and Technical Guidance notes are available from the NASC.

Scaffolding Design and Records

• All scaffolding structures beyond the standard configurations identified within the above standards are subject to Engineering Design. Engineering Design will include a Design Risk Assessment, strength and stability calculations and Drawings.
• The design risk assessment will confirm what codes and British Standards have been applied to the design and detailed calculations will be submitted to the client before commencement of scaffolding operations.
• A Scaffolding plan is to be submitted to the customer on complex contracts.
• The design Engineer will provide a CV with to confirm his competence.
• All edge protection will comply with the requirements of EN 13374.
• The scaffolding contractor will provide records of the inspection of PPE including, harnesses and fall restraint equipment. Such inspections will comply with the requirements of “Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended 2007)”.
• Access to the scaffolding structure will be the most practicable solution and will where possible be via Stair Towers. The principles contained within NASC SG25:10 will be applied if it is necessary for ladder access to be provided.
• Scaffolding Anchorage systems will comply with the principles of NASC TG4:11. The Method Statement and where appropriate the Engineering design will confirm tie locations and tie method employed.

Scaffolding Handover

• “Scaffolding incomplete“ signs will be displayed on incomplete scaffolding structures or scaffolding structures that are being adapted or dismantled.
• All scaffolding structures will be handed over on completion. The Handover will be confirmed with the issue of an appropriate certificate containing the following information, scaffolding location, scaffolding purpose, tie locations and load details and where appropriate refer to engineering drawings.
• All completed scaffolding structures will be tagged.

Competence

• Work will be supervised by a minimum of one qualified scaffolder to a team of three. One other team member will be at least a scaffolder.
• The team supervisor for design structures is to be an advanced scaffolder and suitably qualified to comply with the training requirements specified by the UKCG.
• All scaffolders employed on a project will hold a valid CISRS card. CISRS cards will be provided to the customer who should retain a copy for all scaffolders employed on the project.
• CISRS cards will be carried by scaffolders at all times when working on the project.
• Confirmation of Training achieved by all scaffolders employed on the project will be submitted to the customer.

Working methods

• The scaffolding contractor will provide the client with a detailed method statement and risk assessment pertinent to the project
• A scaffolding plan will be submitted for more complex scaffolding structures to include Phasing Plans for the construction and dismantling of the scaffolding structure, details of emergency evacuation and rescue plans.
• The scaffolding contractor will where practically possible work to collective fall protection work methods in the erection of the scaffolding structure as defined within NASC SG4 10.

Scaffolding equipment

• All scaffolding equipment used in the construction of the scaffolding structure will be to the relevant British and EN standard.

If you require any further information or think we might be able to help you, please contact us.