SG4:10 Preventing Falls from Scaffolding Collective Fall Prevention www.safetyaccess.co.uk
NASC Safety Guidance SG4:10 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Management Guide Published November 2010
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.
Background The new SG4 management guidance is designed to be used as reference by employers, clients, designers, 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
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.
What is available to create a Scaffolders Safe Zone? Scaffolders Safe Zone Use of Powered Access
What is available to create a Scaffolders Safe Zone? Scaffolders Safe Zone Proprietary Systems
What is available to create a Scaffolders Safe Zone? Scaffolders Safe Zone Proprietary Step System
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
Competence & Equipment Scaffolders should be competence to work at height and receive appropriate training on the systems of work and equipment to be used to reduce the risk of falls from height. Equipment should be properly maintained and inspected as per industry and/or manufacturers recommendations.
Work at Height - Examples Avoid work at Height Pre-assembled guard-rails fixed to structural steelwork beams prior to lifting into position.
Work at Height - Examples Prevent Falls Use of Powered Access and Advanced Guardrail
Work at Height - Examples Mitigate distance and consequences of a fall Scaffolders using personal fall arrest device
Collective Fall Prevention What is available?
Powered Access
System Type Advanced Guardrail
Telescopic Type Advanced Guardrail
Step-Up Device
Push Type Advance Guardrail This push up type AGS utilises special couplers that allows scaffold tube guardrails to be erected from below and pushed up into position with a locating tool B-Safe Fast Guard
Scaffolders Working Platform
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 07770 393886