SG4:10 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Revised Industry Guidance Rick Statham HAS Dip, CMIOSH (Joint Managing Director) Safety & Access Ltd

Background Falls from height account for more than half of the fatal accidents in construction and Scaffolders when erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolding are constantly faced with this hazard. Industry acknowledges that Scaffolders have to work in potentially hazardous situations and this revised guidance produced by the NASC explains that employers have a responsibility to ensure that proper steps are taken to eliminate or minimise those risks. The revised SG4:10 guidance note will represent a further step change within the scaffolding industry regarding safe working at height.

Background The new SG4 management guidance is designed to be used as reference by employers, clients, designers, principal contractors and enforcing authorities Within the guidance the NASC has endeavoured to: Explain the legal requirements for work at height Identify and explain the significant hazards that Scaffolders are exposed to during typical scaffolding operations Highlight the practical solutions available to control the risks that arise from those hazards

Background Positive effect of SG4 so far………. UK statistics show that Scaffolders actually have a low incidence of falls from height overall. Following the publications of SG4 in 2000, 2005 and interim guidance in 2008, incidents have significantly reduced. Since 2000 there has been a 78% reduction in the number of reported falls involving Scaffolders despite an increase in numbers of operatives of almost 20% working for NASC members. 4

Work at Height Regulations 2005 COLLECTIVE OVER PERSONAL AVOID Avoid Work at Height Most suitable method of working and equipment to prevent falls Both the consequences and distance of a potential fall must be minimised At all stages the employer must consider COLLECTIVE protection over PERSONAL protection… PREVENT MITIGATE

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Scaffolders Safe Zone Is there a key change?………. SG4 has always provided members with robust guidance regarding safe working at height. There are established systems of work for the creation of a “Scaffolders Safe Zone” and for the practical use of fall arrest equipment. The key area for consideration during the review has been the matter of “unprotected traversing at an exposed edge” whilst erecting, dismantling and altering scaffolding. This is now considered to be unsafe practice and avoidable due to the development of new systems of work and the availability of proprietary fall prevention equipment.

Traversing at an Exposed Edge Previous versions of SG4 have made reference to limited traversing at an exposed edge whilst erecting and dismantling scaffolding. Over the last few years the development of improved systems of work and height safety technology, it is considered that this element of work can now be effectively managed.

What is a Scaffolders Safe Zone A “Scaffolders Safe Zone” is a position of work where suitable edge protection and a platform exists. A “Scaffolders Safe Zone” can be achieved using several methods, including progressive work platforms, systems of work, use of powered access and proprietary collective fall prevention systems.

“Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Use of Powered Access What is available to create a Scaffolders Safe Zone? “Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Use of Powered Access

“Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Proprietary Systems What is available to create a Scaffolders Safe Zone? “Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Proprietary Systems

“Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Proprietary Step System What is available to create a Scaffolders Safe Zone? “Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Proprietary Step System

“Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Existing Progressive Platform What is available to create a Scaffolders Safe Zone? “Scaffolders Safe Zone” – Existing Progressive Platform

Use of Fall Arrest Equipment The introduction of new collective methods of working will not completely remove the risk of fall in all situations, therefore the NASC recognises that Scaffolders will still be required to wear and use personal fall protection equipment (safety harnesses) whilst working at height.

Use of Fall Arrest Equipment Whilst moving scaffold boards Whilst working from beams etc Whilst working from slung scaffold

What is the Scaffolders safe zone A fully boarded and correctly supported platform without gaps where someone could fall; and, A single main guardrail (950mm above platform) where there is a risk of fall When within 1m of unprotected edge Scaffolders are considered “at risk” and personal fall arrest equipment must be used

What is the Scaffolders safe zone When a guardrail is not used to create a “safe zone” then Scaffolders must be clipped and remain attached at all times by use of double lanyards

In the Foreword to the new NASC guidance SG4:10 Philip White (Head of Construction, HSE) states, "This revision represents a step change in the way scaffold contractors should erect their scaffold structures. The guidance is straightforward and comprehensive and represents best practice within the industry“ "The HSE will no longer accept the unprotected traversing element of the tunnelling principle that featured in previous versions of the guide"

Questions? rstatham@safetyaccess.co.uk (M) 07770 393886