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