CG13:18

Pre-tender information from client

INTRODUCTION

The Work at Height Regulations, Schedule 3 Part 2, requires a ‘Scaffolding Plan’ to be drawn up by a competent
person. The plan must consider the assembly, use and dismantling of the scaffold selected and the detail
required in the plan will depend upon the complexity of the scaffold structure. This requirement is normally
covered within the scaffolding contractors method statement.

There have been several incidents, scaffold collapses etc that have occurred by overloading of a scaffold
structure or removal of the ties. These could have been avoided if the principal Contractor/Client had clearly
provided the correct information regarding usage of the scaffold at tender stage.

Failures to adequately design and construct scaffold structures for their intended use has resulted in the
prosecution of Scaffolding Contractors and Principal Cotractors under health and safety legislation by the
Health and Safety Executive.

SCOPE

The Scaffold Contractor will generally write this Scaffold Plan/Method Statement but they can only consider
the usage of the scaffold based upon the information supplied by the Principal Contractor/Client.

As access specialists the Scaffold Contractor has a responsibility to make reasonable enquiries of the principal
Contractor but usage is a matter that should be shared between the Scaffold Contractor and the principal
Contractor/Client.

This has commercial considerations so the Client knows all Scaffold Contractors are then tendering for the
same package.

CLIENT’S BRIEF

It is important that there should be clear communication between the Client and the Scaffold Contractor
to ensure there are no misunderstandings between them. As a minimum the Client should give the Scaffold
Contractor the information listed below:

1 Site Location Details

Reference and provision of site plans/drawings.
Are there any restrictions to the site in terms of access and parking, including bus lanes, red routes etc?

What is the nature of the site? Residential/commercial? and is the site occupied? Is it in a busy city centre or
the coutryside.

What are the site working hours (inc weekends) and are their any restrictions to these?

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2 Anticipated Usage
The Client must clearly state what works are to be carried out from the scaffold and what trades will be using
it. They should also specify the boarding requirements. e.g
• will the scaffold be erected in 2 metre or floor level lifts?
• is it to be erected progressively for new work and then adapted?
• how many boarded lifts are required?
• how many lifts are required to be in use at any time?

The inside board arrangement and distances from building requirements should be indicated, especially if
timber frame construction or if a render coat is being applied.

3 Programme
In some instances tender documents only show the overall Main Contract Programme. This should be broken
down into:
i) Scaffold commencement.
ii) Hire Period.
iii) Scaffold completion.

The job may be phased, have partial completion or be progressive. Adaptions/alterations may be required at
stages of the job.

4 Nature of Supporting Structure

i) Supporting Ground.The nature and suitability of the existing ground require checking as the foundation
for basing- out the scaffold. Although the liability is often placed on the Client the Scaffold Contractor
should advise the client if they feel further preparation or structural work is required.
ii) Supporting Structures. Similarly with regard to imposed loads on roofs etc or back-propping that may
be required.

5 Inherent Hazards
Any inherent hazards relevant to the scaffold operation , that cannot be dealt with at design stage (Designer’s
duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015) should be highlighted by the
principle Contractor. Examples of these would be asbestos, fragile materials, power cables, other services,
proximity to railway lines, restricted access, interface with public and other trades – requirement for protection
fans/pavement gantries/protected walkways.

6 Loading Tower/Bay
Whether there is a need for a loading tower or loading bay or specially strengthened part of scaffold to
receive loads that are placed by material handling equipment or which consists of packaged materials.

7 Cladding/Sheeting
State whether the scaffold is unclad or clad with (l) debris netting or (ii) solid plastic sheeting.

If fire proof/flame retardant sheeting/netting required?

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8 Tying
The method of tying the scaffold should be described in detail clearly stating what provision the Client is
required to make. The Client should inform the Scaffold Contractor if there are any restrictions to tying to
main structure i.e. the masonry may be unsuitable for anchors, the building façade may be listed, through ties
may not be permitted due to occupied premises or security, and therefore buttresses may be required.

9 Decking
Whether the decking should be clear of any lapping boards and whether it should be sheeted over with
plywood, or similar, and the necessity to be covered with anti-slip strips.

In some circumstances Clients insist that 50mm gaps in platforms are covered as protection against falling
materials/dust etc. or lapped boards filleted to help prevent tripping hazards.

10 Safety Requirements
Client must inform the Scaffold Contractor if they require:
• Additional guardrails – if floor level lift will require a third handrail or may require handrails to the inside
face of building.
• Trap doors in ladder holes
• Self closing doors on ladder openings.
• Type of loading bay gate.
• Signage
• Scaffold Tagging systems
• Scaffold to be erected

Who is responsible for scaffold inspections? This is usually carried out by ‘competent person’ employed by
principal contractor but the user may want to sub-contract the function to the scaffolder.

Is there any existing provision for securing safety harnesses and who is responsible for the rescue plan?

11 Access/Egress
Whether stair towers should be provided instead of ladders and number of access points required.

Whether ladders are internal to scaffold or external.

12 Commercial Considerations
There are a number of commercial considerations that must be taken into account. CG17:17 Commercial
Checklist for the Scaffolding Contractor goes into further detail however, some basic examples of the type of
considerations that should be made are as follows:
(a) Form of Contract
(b) Liquidated Damages
(c) Design Requirements
(d) Road Closures
(e) Pavement Licences
(f) Period of notice required to commence work
(g) Permits to Work

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 (h) Possession times for eg rail work and working hours restrictions
(i) Discount Terms
(j) Retention if stated – Scaffold Companies to oppose in line with NASC policy
(k) Terms of Payment should be stated which meet the requirements of the Construction Act
(l) Mechanism for dealing with delays and extension of time
(m) Minimum Insurance requirements
(n) Welfare facilities
(o) Availability and use of site hoisting and craneage
(p) Method of dealing with disputes – Adjudication has over recent years become the most popular form
of dispute resolution in the construction industry.

CONCLUSION

As a minimum the Client should give the Scaffold Contractor the information as listed. When accepting the
contract the Scaffold Contractor should confirm the details of the Client’s pre-tender information/brief and
any limitations to it.

Please also refer to CG17 Commercial Checklist for the Scaffolding Contractor.

Whilst every effort has been made to provide reliable and accurate information, we would welcome any corrections to information provided by the Writer which
may not be entirely accurate, therefore and for this reason, the NASC or indeed the Writer, cannot accept responsibility for any misinformation posted.

NASC NASC, 4TH FLOOR, 12 BRIDEWELL PLACE, LONDON EC4V 6AP

TEL: 020 7822 7400 FAX: 020 7822 7401
enquiries@nasc.org.uk www.nasc.org.uk
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