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TOOLBOX TALK

Workplace / Activity / Equipment: Working At Height - Scaffolds

Script
Fortunately, falls from scaffolds or scaffold collapses are fairly rare, but when they occur they tend to be
spectacular and also sometimes catastrophic.

Remember a scaffold is only as safe as the last time it was inspected by a competent person. Before you
use any scaffold check with the person in charge that it is safe to do so, check for Scafftags ® or other
safety signs giving information on scaffold safety.

Key points to consider are:

 Scaffolds must be provided where work cannot be safely done from the ground. As a fixed
structure it will provide a safe place of work, assuming it is constructed and maintained safely.
 Remember, before you use a scaffold, visually inspect it. Does it look safe, is it tied to the main
structure or self- supporting, are all the load bearing standards footed at ground level. If you have
any doubts bring it to the attention of a competent person.
 Erection, dismantling, and alteration of scaffolds must only be done by competent persons. You
must not do it. If alteration is required to do the job, inform the Site Manager, your own Manager
or Supervisor.
 A completion certificate must be signed by a competent person before a scaffold is put to use.
 A scaffold must be inspected by a competent person at least every seven days (more often in bad
weather or a change in the structure) and a record book signed to that effect.
 Sub-contractors using a main contractor’s scaffold must satisfy themselves that it is safe
(inspection of the record book mentioned above).
 Unsafe or un-inspected scaffold must be barred off and notices erected to prevent use.
 Toe boards 150mm high, and handrails between 914mm and 1.10m high, must be in place at
every working platform. No gaps should be left in the structure greater than 470mm.
 No plank may extend more than 150mm beyond its point of support unless it is secured against
tipping.
 Never walk along a single plank. The minimum width for a walk-way is 440mm (rule of thumb 2 x
9” planks). For access and working 640mm (3 planks). For access, working and materials (4 planks
or more).
 Check that loading gantries are provided with roll-over pallet gates ensuring that the access point
is gated at all times.
 Use the ladders or stairways provided. Never climb up scaffold poles.
 Don’t use steps or ladders on a scaffold platform. This puts you above the safety rails and puts
you at risk.
 Check that a correctly constructed loading bay is available before placing any load on the
structure.
 Don’t throw things off scaffolds. Use a waste chute or a lifting wheel and bucket.
 If the scaffold planks are damaged the scaffold is damaged. Tell the Site Manager.
 Remember to use it safely and leave it safe, if you are the last person that day to use the scaffold.
Check and ensure it is secure and the ladders have been removed.

NatWest Mentor Issue 3: 20170315

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Toolbox Talk - Working at Height – Scaffolds

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NatWest Mentor Issue 3: 20170315