1.  General access scaffolding

This is used primarily on work under the control of AA Scaffolding, but some is used via contracts placed by departments. AAS keeps a list of approved contract companies who have provided written detailed evidence of their competence. Only a scaffold erection company appearing on the list may be used to erect scaffolding. Departments wishing to have scaffolding erected on their behalf must ensure that the erection company concerned is on the AAS ’s current list.

(a)   Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person:

   (i) before it is put into use;

   (ii)  at seven day intervals until it is dismantled;

   (iii)  after bad or excessively dry weather or high winds or another event likely to have effected its strength or stability;

   (iv)  after any substantial additions or other alterations.

A written report must be prepared by the competent person. The report must utilise the format laid down in the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996. The report will normally be written out at the time of the inspection but must be provided within twenty-four hours.

A copy of the report must be kept on site in an appropriate place e.g. the departmental administrator’s office or with another named person. A further copy must be retained for a period of three months from the completion of the work in the office of the person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out.

The AAS or any department placing a contract for scaffolding work must ensure that inspections will be carried out and that appropriate inspection reports are available for viewing by the Safety Office or external inspectors.

(b)   A holder of the CITB Advanced Scaffold Inspection Certificate or equivalent will be accepted as being competent to carry out general access scaffolding inspections. Written proof of the competence of persons used to inspect scaffolding must be obtained by the person placing the contract for the inspection work. Departments arranging for scaffolding inspections are recommended to contact the AAS.

(c)   In the event that a scaffolding fails inspection this must be verbally reported to the person responsible for placing the original contracts as soon possible by the person carrying out the inspection. The necessary remedial action must be carried out by the scaffolding company and a re-inspection carried out by the competent person before the scaffolding can be put into use, or further use.

(d)   Where scaffolding is erected in an area accessible generally to members of the the general public the following should apply:

   (i)  the minimum amount of equipment and materials should be stored on the scaffold;

   (ii) persons should be prevented from walking under or near the scaffold by means of physical barriers (not tape);

   (iii) all ladders at ground level should be removed when scaffolding is left unattended.

2.  Tower Scaffolding (whether prefabricated or not) including those on hire.

(a)   Formal instruction and training must be provided for all those who erect tower scaffolds and these persons must be competent. Training may be provided by the company supplying the tower scaffolding or some other reputable external organisation. Towers should rest on firm level ground with the wheels or feet properly supported. Safe access to and from the work platform must be provided.

(b)   Tower scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person and a record of the inspection must be made and kept for three months after dismantling the scaffold. Inspections are required:

   (i) & before first use;

   (ii) after substantial alterations;

   (iii) after any event likely to have affected its stability;

   (iv) if the tower remains erected in the same place for more than seven days.

Any faults should be put right before further use.

(c)   Consideration should be given to whether the area around the base of the tower needs to be a designated hard hat area.

(d)   Only the minimum amount of equipment and materials may be stored/used on the working platform.

(e)   Barriers must be erected at ground level to prevent people walking into the tower.

(f)    If the scaffolding is to remain in position unattended, unauthorised access to it must be prevented by removing or boarding over the access ladder