Strength and stability calculations for scaffolding must be carried out unless a note of the calculations, covering the structural arrangements contemplated, is available, or it is assembled in conformity with a generally recognised standard configuration.ĭepending on the complexity of the scaffolding selected, an assembly, use and dismantling plan must be drawn up by a competent person. This may be in the form of a standard plan, supplemented by items relating to specific details of the scaffolding in question.Ī copy of the plan, including any instructions it may contain, must be kept available for the use of anyone involved in the assembly, use, dismantling or alteration of scaffolding until it has been dismantled. The key priority and objective for scaffolders is to establish collective fall protection minimising the time exposed to a fall risk and reliance upon personal fall protection equipment such as safety harnesses and lanyards. Scaffolds must be designed, erected, altered and dismantled only by competent people and the work should be carried out under the direction of a competent supervisor.Īll scaffolding must be erected, dismantled and altered in a safe manner. This can be achieved by following National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) Safety Guidance SG4 'Preventing falls in scaffolding operations' or by following similar guidance provided by the manufacturers of system scaffolding. Requirements for general access scaffolds Competence and supervision of scaffolding operative.Scaffold structures that normally require bespoke design.Guard rails, toe boards and other barriers.Suitable precautions must be taken to prevent falls. General access scaffolds provide a means of working at height while preventing falls and should be provided whenever practicable. The law requires that employers and self-employed contractors assess the risk from work at height and go on to organise and plan the work so it is carried out safely. Falls and trips in construction 2007-2010.Controlling physical ill health risks - Key points.Controlling physical ill health risks overview.Controlling hazardous substances - Key points.Controlling hazardous substances overview.If it is, these windows should be blocked off with fire resistant material. The external wall against which the stairway is erected should be imperforate (not in front of windows!).Staircases should be provided in preference to ladders where reasonably practical.Table 1 provides maximum travel distances but also highlights for semi-open structures (arguably scaffolds) a dead-end and alternate escape route distance of 18m and 100m respectively for Normal Fire hazard.There should, where possible, be at least 2 escape routes offering escape in different directions.In an emergency, escape via a scaffold is difficult.During the course of construction escape routes are likely to change and should be regularly evaluated.The HSE however, have compiled a more user friendly guidance document ‘General Fire Precautions’ which we have summarised below: Interestingly, neither the CDM Regs or Fire Safety Order state minimum criteria – rather they imply it is subject to Risk Assessment. Part B of the Building Regulations: Fire Safety.Part K1 of the Building Regulations: Stairs & Ladders.Emergency doors must not be so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency.Emergency doors must open in the direction of escape.The number, distribution and dimensions of emergency routes and exits must be adequate having regard to the use, equipment and dimensions of the premises and the maximum number of persons who may be present there at any one time.In the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible.Emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety.The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: Emergency routes and exits All emergency routes or exits shall be indicated by suitable signs.Any emergency route or exit provided shall be kept clear and free from obstruction and, where necessary, provided with emergency lighting so that such emergency route or exit may be used at any time.It shall lead as directly as possible to an identified safe area.A sufficient number of suitable emergency routes and exits shall be provided to enable any person to reach a place of safety quickly in the event of danger.To assist we have compiled below a list (which may not be exhaustive) of references which give some guidance.ĬDM Regs 2007: Emergency routes and exits For many Main Contractors, Scaffold Contractors and Designers fire regulations for Scaffolds is often an after-thought.
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