THE NASC has welcomed the publication of the recently amended ‘HSE Scaffold Checklist’.
The document is intended to clarify when scaffold design is required, and the level of training and competence which those erecting, inspecting and supervising the erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding are expected to have.
Information and advice contained within the revised document relates to all types of scaffolding structures. All key areas have been covered, including planning, client/user responsibilities, design information requirements, competence and supervision of operatives, inspection of scaffold structures, and the requirement for adequate fall prevention measures.
NASC President, Kevin Ward, said, “The HSE should be applauded for producing an excellent updated version of the HSE Scaffold Checklist. I think this will be a very useful and informative document for scaffolding contractors, users of scaffolding and persons affected by scaffolding operations.
“The checklist will be an excellent reference point for all scaffolding industry stakeholders, regardless of whether they are clients, safety professionals, scaffolding contractors or third parties who can be affected by scaffolding operations.
“It has been put together in an easy to understand and user friendly format, referencing pertinent industry regulations whilst also recognising new and established good practice guidance within the scaffolding industry, such as TG20:13. I would encourage all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the content of the document and keep a copy of the checklist readily to hand. There is little doubt that HSE inspectors will expect compliance with the information contained within.”
Justine Lee, HM Inspector of Health and Safety (Construction Sector Safety Risk Management Team) said, “The HSE Scaffold Checklist is intended to help all those involved in scaffolding operations to understand and comply with their legal obligations. It has been revised primarily to clarify when a scaffold design is required, as explained in NASC Technical Guidance TG20:13.”
Robin James, NASC Managing Director added, “Documents such as the HSE Scaffold Checklist, and our own TG20:13 best practice guidance for tube and fitting scaffolding, can only help to improve the quality and safety of scaffolding across the UK. The NASC whole-heartedly supports the HSE approach and would encourage all to read this revised document and adhere to its principles.”
