Work at height equipment must conform to the specification requirements in Appendix A Performance Standards. Where equipment falls outside of the scope of these requirements listed or is manufactured/supplied to an alternative comparable standard, then ‘special dispensation’ must be granted in the form of a ‘step-out approval’ from the Document Authority. Proprietary work at height equipment (i.e. system scaffolding) must be used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Otherwise, or as stated in this specification, must be designed by a suitably competent engineer (see other sections in this document for more details regarding design engineering e.g. scaffolding). Homemade or improvised work at height equipment or access equipment is strictly prohibited. Only competent and authorised persons are permitted to erect, alter, dismantle - or where appropriate, use (MEWP, Rope Access etc.) - work at height equipment, as detailed within this specification. 4.3.1 Aluminium Alloy Work at Height Equipment/Components Aluminium alloy shall not be used in any type of work at height equipment in designated Zone 0 or Zone 1 hazardous areas. 4.3.2 Damaged or Defective Equipment Damaged or defective equipment must be removed from use and placed in a clearly signed quarantine area or labelled ‘Do not use’ until repaired or disposed of to prevent use. Where possible physical steps should be taken to prevent use e.g. mechanically disabled or destroyed. Repairs must only be carried out by authorised and trained persons suitable components and spares. 4.4 HEMP, Risk Assessments & Method Statements The use of work at height equipment must be subject a risk assessment and method statement (or work plan). The complexity of the access equipment will determine how much detail is required in the risk assessment and method statement. A standard (generic) risk assessment/method statement may be acceptable for routine work (e.g. a basic access scaffold to inspect a leaking valve) at height operations providing it is supplemented with job specific information (e.g. via the permit to work system or similar task based risk assessment).
All scaffolding operatives who work at height must be able to demonstrate training in accordance with the current edition of SG4 and refresher training undertaken at every 5 years as a minimum. Note this training may form part of a PDO recognised training scheme (see Appendix B Training Standards). Scaffolder Rescue Rescue planning must be included in the scaffolding risk assessment HEMP and/or method statement. The rescue plan must be prepared in accordance with NASC safety guidance SG19 (current edition). Where specialist rescue equipment has been provided all scaffolders must be trained in its use, the equipment must be readily available at the workplace and maintained in good order. Falling Object Protection The Scaffold Request and risk assessment/method statement must consider the risk of falling objects. Adequate controls must be established to prevent objects falling from height, or if objects cannot be prevented from falling then measures to protect people from injury, and plant or property from damage must be taken. Where a risk of falling objects from scaffolding has been identified, including the risk of scaffolding materials falling during scaffolding erection, altering and dismantling, the following prevention and protection measures should be considered: Toe-boards, brick-guards, debris netting or solid sheeting. Barriers and warning signs to segregate danger areas and prevent access onto, through or near scaffolds where there is a risk of falling objects. Pedestrian gantries or access openings through scaffolds with protection crash-decks. Note crash deck protection should be risk assessed and designed considering the nature of potential falling objects. As a minimum all crash-deck protection for light objects should consist of a double layer of scaffold boards with heavy-duty impervious sheeting sandwiched between. Scaffold fans to protect pedestrian and vehicle access routes adjacent to scaffolds where there exists a risk of falling objects. Note: protection fans must be risk assessed and constructed in accordance NASC TG20. By using close-boarded working platforms without gaps where objects could fall.
Appendix A - Performance Standards The appendix states the main external performance standards required by PDO. This list is not exhaustive. A1 Scaffolding Item Standard/Guidance Title Comment General Scaffolding BS EN 12811 Part 1: 2003 Scaffolds – Performance requirements and general design. Technical specification to all access scaffolding structures should be designed. Access and Special Scaffolding with conventional tubes and fittings. NASC TG20:08 Technical Guidance on the use of BS EN 12811-1 A guide to good practice for scaffolding with tubes and fittings – Volumes 1 and 2. Plus Supplement 1. Replaced BS5973 and TG20:05 as the recognised standard for scaffolding with tubes and fittings in the UK January 2011. Supplement 1 introduced to accommodate BS EN 1991 Wind Code (Eurocode 1). Note: currently under review, update expected 2013. Wind Loads BS EN Eurocode 1. Actions on structures. General actions. Wind actions The main wind code to be used for the design of scaffolding and structures. Note reduction factor of 0.7 for temporary structures erected >2 years is permitted as per BS5975, BS EN 12812 and BS 12811. Scaffold Tubes BS 1139 Part 1.1: 1990 Metal Scaffolding – Specification for steel tubes Withdrawn July 01 and replaced by BS EN 39: 2001 accepted for used tubes, purchased prior to the withdrawal of this standard. BS EN 39: 2001 Loose steel tubes for tube and coupler scaffolds. Galvanised steel Type 4 tube only in accordance with TG20. Other materials (aluminium) or types (type 3) must have specific engineer’s calculations to support their use. BS 1139 Part 1.2: 1990 Metal Scaffolding – Specification for aluminium tubes Note that some facilities prohibit the use of aluminium access equipment on site.
System Scaffolding and proprietary scaffolding components as part of a scaffold structure. BS EN 12811 Part 1: 2003 Scaffolds – Performance requirements and general design. Suppliers/manufacturers may be required to provide evidence of compliance with BS EN 12811/BS EN 12810 prior to using a specific System Scaffold. BS EN 12810 Part 1: 2003 Façade scaffolds made of prefabricated components – Part 1 Product specifications As above BS EN 12810 Part 2: 2003 Façade scaffolds made of prefabricated components – Part 2 Particular methods of structural design As Temporary Edge Protection and similar barriers. BS EN 13374: 2004 Temporary edge protection systems – product specification, test methods. Applies to all temporary edge protection including proprietary barrier systems and those assembled using scaffolding materials. Masonry Anchors NASC Technical Guidance 4 (TG4): 2011 Anchorage systems for scaffolding. Used for tying scaffolds to concrete or masonry facades. Ground Anchors NASC Technical Guidance 16 (TG16): 2006 Anchoring to the Ground Used for securing free standing scaffolds that need to be anchored to the ground. Irregularly Boarded Platforms NASC Technical Guidance 13 (TG13): 2003 Non-Standard Boarded Platforms. This guide offers best practice for non-standard boarded platforms e.g. to accommodate protrusions through the platform, were gaps may be created. Preventing in Scaffolding NASC Safety Guidance 4 (SG4): 2010 Preventing in Scaffolding The main performance standard adopted for fall prevention and protection for all scaffolding operations. Supplemented by the user guide SG4:You. Manual Handling NASC Safety Guidance 6 (SG6:2010) Manual Handling in the scaffolding industry. Guide for good practice for manual handling in the scaffolding trade. Rescue Planning NASC Safety Guidance 19 (SG19:08) A guide to formulation a rescue plan. Formative guide for rescue planning for scaffolding operations,
platform height of less than 2.5 m. Specification must be approved by PDO before use. BS 1139 Part 6:2005 Metal scaffolding. Specification for prefabricated tower scaffolds outside the scope of BS EN 1004, but utilizing components from such systems The standard for folding towers etc. Below 2.5m. id accessing the vehicle beds [ A3 Falsework and Formwork Structures Item Standard/Guidance Title Comment Falsework and Formwork BS 5975:2008 +A1:2011 Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework. The formative code for the management of all temporary works. BS EN 12812:2008 Falsework. Performance requirements and general design Technical specification for the design of falsework and formwork systems. A4 Powered Access Item Standard/Guidance Title Comment Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) BS EN 280:2001+A1:2009 Mobile elevating work platforms. Design calculations. Stability criteria. Construction. Safety. Examinations and tests Design specification for manufacturers. BS8460:2005 Safe use of MEWPs. Code of practice Code of practice for safe use. ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms. Operator (driver) training IPAF accredited training is the PDO preference, however equivalent training must conform to this standard. IPAF Operators Safety Guide Operators Safety Guide for MEWPs Main refer document for users of MEWPs. Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) BS 7981:2002 Code of practice for the installation, maintenance, thorough examination and Main standard for MCWPs
safe use of mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) BS EN 12158:2000+A1: 2010 Builders' hoists for Hoists with accessible platforms Manufacturing technical specification for MCWPs. Suspended Cradles BS EN 1808:1999+A1:2010 Safety requirements on suspended access equipment. Design calculations, stability criteria, construction. Tests. Technical specification for proprietary suspended cradles. Also see the Specialist Access Engineering & Maintenance Association (SAEMA) for guidance. BS5974:1990 Code of practice for temporarily installed suspended scaffolds and access equipment Main standard for temporary suspended scaffolds. Passenger Hoists BS EN 12159:2000+A1: 2009 Builders hoists for persons and materials with vertically guided cages Technical specification. Man-rider Baskets BS EN 14502:2010 Cranes. Equipment for lifting of persons. Suspended Technical specification. A5 Safety Netting Item Standard/Guidance Title Comment Fall arrest safety nets BS EN 1263 Part 1:2002 Safety nets. Safety requirements, test methods Technical specification for the manufacture of safety nets. BS EN 1263 Part 2:2002 Safety nets. Safety requirements for the positioning limits Requirements for installation of nets BS 8411:2007 Code of practice for safety nets on construction sites and other works. Formative for the use of safety nets. Other forms of reference are available from the trade association www.FASET.org.uk BS 7955:1999 Containment nets and sheets on construction works. Specification for performance and test methods Technical specification general containment, used with safety nets to contain light debris.
position, is competent for that position. This ensures that the contractor themselves have appraised the qualification and experience of the individual/s before employment. If the Contractor is in doubt as to the competence of an individual then it will be prudent to ensure that the individual completes a Skill Test. This appendix specifies the minimum training standards for Work at Height. All personnel involved in planning, organising, managing and working at height must be deemed competent, or if being trained must work under the supervision of a competent person. B1 General Training (Refer SP1157 training) Occupation / Role Training / Qualification(s) Accreditation / Approved Scheme Comments All Personnel PDO Orientation course PDO Mandatory Requirement All personnel PDO site induction (as per SP1157) PDO Mandatory Requirement B2 Scaffolding Training (Matrix) 1Scaffolding Occupation PDO Recognised Accreditations 2PDO Record Cards NVQ/QCF International Scaffolder CISRS Overseas Labourer/ Ground Hand PDO Orientation course PDO Site Induction Formal Yard or Site Labourer Training (Green Record Card) Induction by employer to include basic instructions for labourer skills may also be ‘on- the-job’ training with experienced workers. High level of supervision and monitoring. Role is only to assist Scaffolders. Not permitted to alter or dismantle scaffolding. If working at height must do so in a fully boarded and guardrailed platform with safe access and egress, as expected by users. Passport Green Record Card Trainee Scaffolder Basic or Level 1 Basic Scaffolder Basic or Level 1 Passport Skill Test Red Record Card Scaffolder Level 2 Intermediate Scaffolder Level 2 & 3 Passport, Skill Test, Blue Record Card Advanced Scaffolder 3 Advanced Scaffolder Level 4 Passport Skill Test Gold Record Card 3System Scaffold Erector N/A Product Training Product Training Passport
Portable Ladders & other Low-level Access Equipment Low-level Access Training Course Ladders & Training Course PDO Recognised equivalent In-house Training /briefing PASMA Approved Training Provider Employer Formal training is preferred; however where in-house training is undertaken for the use of ladders and low-level access equipment, the training must be approved by PDO. Falsework / Formwork Erector Product Training Manufacturer / Supplier Proprietary product training must be provided in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Such product training must be approved by PDO. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) IPAF Powered Access Licence ROP Drivers Licence, or recognised country equivalent. IPAF Approved Training Provider Note that the IPAF scheme is divided into different grades and categories depending upon the type of MEWP and operation – for info see www.ipaf.org PAL holders must receive a familiarisation briefing and record a log book of their experience. Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) IPAF Powered Access Licence IPAF Approved Training Provider IPAF special category for Safety Net Riggers FASET Training & Assessment or PDO recognised equivalent. FASET Approved Training Provider / Assessor Note that the FASET scheme relies upon training, experience and achievement of an NVQ. Rope Access Technician IRATA Level 1, 2 or 3 IRATA Approved Training Provider IRATA is the only scheme recognised by PDO for rope access operations. Each working party (crew) must be led by a Level 3 Technician.
Temporary Edge Protection Installation (proprietary) Product Training Manufacturer / Supplier Proprietary product training must be provided in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Such product training must be approved by PDO. Appendix C – Scaffold Design Matrix Item Scaffolding Structure Cat 0 Standard Configuration Engineering not required Cat 1 Engineering Design & Calcs Required Cat 2 Complex Design Cat 3 Third Party Design Checks Required 1 Mobile and Static Access Towers (including Stairways) constructed to: NASC TG20: 2008 height to base ratio Proprietary system scaffolding manufacturers’ instructions. 2 Other Mobile and Static Access Towers (including stairways) 3 Independent Tied Access Scaffolds: Up to 10m high Constructed to NASC TG20: 2008 Section 2 Standard Scaffolds 1 Very light duty (0.75kN/m2) to Class 4 Heavy Duty (3kN/m2) Proprietary system scaffolding manufacturers’ instructions. 4 Independent Tied Access Scaffolds, >10m high NASC TG20:2008 requirements of Section 2 Standard Scaffolds cannot be achieved
Appendix F Example Scaffold Inspection Report SCAFFOLD INSPECTION REPORT Report of results of every inspection made in pursuance of section [x] PDO Work at Height Specification Name & Address of the company/person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out: Location of the place of work inspected (Site Address): Description (Tower, Independent, Birdcage) Date Erected Date & Time of Inspection Matters identified Can work be carried out safety? Yes/No Reported To Remedial Action Condition (In good unsafe) Inspectors Name