ukcg sg4 update 2010

7/30/2019 Ukcg Sg4 Update 2010

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/ukcg-sg4-update-2010 1/24

Rick Statham HAS Dip, CMIOSH (Joint Managing Director)

Safety & Access Ltd

SG4:10 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding

Revised Industry Guidance



Background

Falls from height account for more than half of the fatal accidents in

construction and Scaffolders when erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolding

are constantly faced with this hazard.

Industry acknowledges that Scaffolders have to work in potentially hazardous

situations and this revised guidance produced by the NASC explains thatemployers have a responsibility to ensure that proper steps are taken to

eliminate or minimise those risks.

The revised SG4:10 guidance note will represent a further step change within

the scaffolding industry regarding safe working at height.



Background

The new SG4 management guidance is designed to be used as

reference by employers, clients, designers, principal 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



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.



COLLECTIVE

OVER

PERSONAL

AVOID

PREVENT

MITIGATE

Avoid Work at Height

Most suitable method of working andequipment to prevent falls

Both the consequences and distance of a

potential fall must be minimised

At all stages the employer must consider

COLLECTIVE protection over PERSONAL

protection…

Work at Height Regulations 2005



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 newsystems of work and the availability of proprietary fall prevention

equipment.

Scaffolders Safe Zone



Previous versions of SG4 have madereference to limited traversing at an

exposed edge whilst erecting and

dismantling scaffolding.

Over the last few years the

development of improved systemsof work and height safety

technology, it is considered that this

element of work can now be

effectively managed.

Traversing at an Exposed Edge



A “Scaffolders Safe Zone” is aposition 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 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




“Scaffolders Safe Zone” –

Proprietary Step System




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) whilstworking at height.

Use of Fall Arrest Equipment



Whilst moving scaffold boards

Whilst working from beams etc

Whilst working from slung

scaffold

Use of Fall Arrest Equipment



What is the Scaffolders safe zone

A fully boarded and correctly

supported platform without gaps

where someone could fall; and,

A single main guardrail (950mmabove platform) where there is a

risk of fall

When within 1m of unprotected

edge Scaffolders are considered

“at risk” and personal fall arrest

equipment must be used



What is the Scaffolders safe zone

When a guardrail

is not used to

create a “safe

zone”

then Scaffolders

must be clipped

and remain

attached at alltimes by use of

double lanyards



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 isstraightforward and comprehensive and represents best practicewithin the industry“

"The HSE will no longer accept the unprotected traversing element of the tunnelling principle that featured in previous versions of theguide"



Questions?

[email protected]

(M) 07770 393886

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

ukcg sg4 update 2010

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