The Scaffolding Compliance Sheet And Why You Need To Secure One!
Scaffolding Compliance Sheet
Scaffolding provides flexibility while working. Using scaffolds allows you to work at height, close to your projects to complete quickly and effectively. scaffolding creates an accessible work-area, much safer than using ladders in most cases. However, all too often scaffolders are not following all the rules and guidelines set out before commencing their work. Which ultimately may be putting your lives in danger.
We are here to help!
What is a scaffold compliance sheet, I hear you ask?
It’s an official document; computer generated using the NASC TG20:13 Guide to Good Practice for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding?
How does it work?
By asking you a series of questions about the intended use of your scaffold & considerations like what materials the scaffold will be made from.
A compliance sheet covers a range of standard scaffolding configurations and variations, such as tie’s, bracing, bay length and height.
To provide you with some context, the below illustrates a generic example to show you the different types of questions that you can expect to be asked before obtaining one. That is standard practice.
Why is this important?
It is because there are many risk factors, hazards and dangers associated as we will detail out for you below.
Typical compliance questions to be aware of
Scaffolding types, e.g. Independent scaffold, a free-standing scaffold or chimney scaffold?
In this instance, we have chosen an independent scaffold. An independent scaffold consists of two rows of standards (standards are the scaffold legs) which run parallel with the building.
What height will the scaffold be?
We have selected 10m that will be the maximum working height of the podium. (you don’t want to cut corners being elevated ten meters above ground level, right?)
What is going to be the maximum working lift height?
This example shows that lift heights will be 2m.
How many boards wide will the scaffold be?
On this occasion, we know that we will need it to be 4 No. boards plus 2 No. inside boards.
What working load is needed for the scaffold?
Examples include; very light-duty, general-purpose or heavy-duty.
We have chosen a light-duty scaffolding. Reason being; it’s going to be used for decorating. A Light-duty scaffold is perfect in this instance and can handle a load of 1.5kN/m2 at one boarded lift and another lift at 50%.
What type of transom will be used?
The transom is the tube that sits underneath and supports the working board.
We needed to use a prefabricated transom. These are scaffold tubes with fixed couplers at either end & come in different sizes.
Generally, they are 3, 4 or 5 boards wide. The benefits of using these units are that you can erect scaffolding without the ledger bracing, allowing clear access along the working platforms.
What tube material will you be using? Whether its 4mm or the newer 3.2mm tube?
For this particular scaffold, we need a 3.2mm scaffold tube. Being the newer and lighter type of scaffolding.
What type of cladding will be used on the scaffold?
E.g. debris, netting or sheeting. We will be using brick guards as this is for a building site.
The final question is about the location of the scaffolds, is it in a town or the countryside?
An important consideration here as this determines the wind factors that can and will affect your scaffolding.
Remember that you may change the season for installation but be aware, this may change the arrangement of the scaffolding as during winter the weather is a lot different than the summer.
This example is from a project located in Exeter, therefore a City. Considering the wind factor will be considerably less than say a scaffold erected on the top of a hill in Torbay.
The power of a compliance sheet is that it shows you exactly how any scaffolding should be erected. It also highlights the risk factors and provides peace of mind by knowing that everything has been taken into consideration.
In our example, you can see the sheet shows how a scaffold must be tied per 16m2? The maximum spacing for the transoms are 1.2m and façade braced? (also known as a sway brace). In every elevation, one set per 6 No. Bays.
If your scaffolding requirements need a bespoke scaffold design, then this will determine the same factors as above.
If after answering these series of questions, your scaffold cannot be compliant to the NASC TG20:13 guide Then, a bespoke design must be produced before erecting any scaffolding.
Note: All designs must be completed by a qualified engineer who will make sure your scaffold is going to be safe for use.
These are important facts to be aware of: If the scaffold doesn’t have a design or a compliance sheet, then there is no way of knowing if your scaffold has been erected safely, correctly and generally speaking, could be putting you in danger when using!
The benefit of using compliance sheets or design means that any qualified scaffolding inspector can then check the safety of the scaffolding using your compliance sheet.
A basic scaffold inspection will check that all scaffolds can be erected on a project with the compliance sheet. An advanced scaffold inspector can and will inspect all types of scaffolds.
Choosing the correct scaffolding inspector is critical to making sure you are compliant when working on the scaffolding and minimise any devastating risk factors.
DDC Scaffolding will provide you with a free compliance sheet for your scaffolding erected or we will organise a design drawing as this will ensure your scaffolding is 100% safe & compliant.
To learn more about our services, or to discuss any safety concerns, feel free to give us a ring. We are always happy to help and can provide a free no-obligation quotation to keep you safe & secure in achieving your construction goals. We pride ourselves on offering you prompt & professional services, undertaking scaffolding & access work across Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.