Like our scaffolding systems, Burflex Scaffolding is founded on quality, integrity and consistency. Our head office is based in Hull, we also have contact offices in Sheffield and Leeds.
All construction companies will, at some point, need to make use of scaffolders in Sheffield or elsewhere in the UK, but it’s important to do your research before hiring a firm so you know they’re qualified, professional and will adhere to all the relevant health and safety processes and procedures.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has in-depth guidance on all issues relating to scaffolding use, which could certainly prove to be interesting reading should you decide you need to make use of these kinds of systems on site.
For example, did you know that scaffolding used for construction should be inspected prior to use for the first time and then once a week until it’s taken down. It should also be inspected every time it’s exposed to conditions that could potentially cause problems, such as after bad weather or after substantial alteration.
These inspections need to be conducted by a competent person who has combined knowledge, training and experience appropriate to the type and complexity of the scaffold that he’s inspecting.
Anyone involved in the erecting of scaffolding systems should be competent (or supervised by someone competent if necessary) for the kind of work they’re undertaking. They should also have received the appropriate training related to the type and form of scaffolding being used.
Every scaffold gang should have a qualified scaffolder involved as a minimum, maybe someone who has received training under a scheme such as The Construction Industry Scaffolders Registration Scheme.
When it comes to harness use, you also need to make sure that you carry out three levels of inspection. Before you use this equipment, checks should be carried out at the start of each shift to ensure there are no visible or surface defects. If any are found, they should be brought to the attention of your employer.
As a minimum, a formally recorded inspection should be conducted every six months but if equipment is used frequently this should be increased to at least every three months. This is especially important if the equipment is used in difficult environments like steel erection, demolition and steel masts or towers with edges.
And you should also conduct an interim inspection between detailed inspections if risk assessments have found a risk could lead to significant deterioration and affect the safety of the lanyard before the next more in-depth inspection is due. The need for these interim inspections will depend on use.
Of course, this is only a quick overview of health and safety where the use of scaffolding is concerned so if you want any further help or advice, get in touch with us here at Burflex today. We’re a member of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, the trade body that produces industry-recognised safety and technical guidance.
We were set up back in 2003 and we’re now one of the biggest independent family-owned scaffolding contractors, covering the whole of the UK.
